FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DOES MEDFORD CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST IN SEPTEMBER?
We get this one every year! Our festival always coincides with the third Saturday in September, just like Oktoberfest in Munich. According to Reader's Digest, the first Oktoberfest celebrated the marriage between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It lasted five days, during which the citizens of Munich were invited to eat and drink to their hearts’ content while listening to live music and watching parades. The party ended with a horse race at the edge of town. It was such a success that this celebration grew to become an annual festival, complete with every attraction that made the first so enjoyable. As the festival got longer, the starting Oktoberfest dates were moved into September because the days were longer and the weather was warmer. Visitors could stay out later to enjoy the gardens and the famous fields that make up the festival grounds without getting chilly. In an effort to adhere to the original dates (albeit loosely), the last weekend of modern Oktoberfests always takes place in October, usually ending on the first Sunday of the month. If the first Sunday in October is the 1st or 2nd of the month, the festival is extended slightly to run until Monday or Tuesday, whichever day Oct. 3 falls on. This is so that it can coincide with the public holiday Tag der Deutschen Einheit, or Day of German Unity.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. If your dog can sometimes react to other dogs or crowds, it probably makes sense to leave them at home.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET IN?
Admission is free.
CAN I BRING THE KIDS? WHAT IS THERE FOR THEM TO DO?
All ages are welcome. On both days, kids can play mini golf, enjoy the Freedom Park playground, try their hand at the video game truck, dance to the live music on multiple stages, enjoy the many food vendors, and check out the crafters, vendors and businesses. On Saturday, we also add a special Kid's Zone just for them, presented by Medford Mini-Storage and powered by Pineland Arts Center.
WHEN IS [MY FAVORITE BAND] PLAYING?
HOW CAN I GET THERE AND WHERE DO I PARK?
Check out the Getting Here page for details on directions, parking options and our free shuttle bus.​
IS THERE HANDICAPPED PARKING AVAILABLE?
We have designated a large number of spaces in Parking Zone 2 for handicapped parking, which will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to those with proper credentials.
HOW DO I GET INTO THE STEINHOLDING CONTEST?
The King's Road Brewing Company Steinholding Contests have been a huge part of our annual tradition. Go to the Festival Central hub and sign up for the next available opportunity. $20 to enter and you get to keep the beer and the King's Road one-liter glass stein!
HOW DO I GET INTO THE CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT?
Download the Scoreholio App and search for Medford Oktoberfest. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
HOW DO I GET INTO THE TRIVIA CONTEST?
The Lower Forge Brewery Trivia Contest will be played on your own personal devices. Look for the QR code on site, including at the Lower Forge beer tent.
IS THERE A LOST AND FOUND?
Yes, at the Festival Central area across from the beer tent.
IS THE FESTIVAL CASHLESS?
No. We will accept cash or cards at the beer token sale area. Individual food and other vendors will vary.
IS THE FESTIVAL RAIN OR SHINE?
Yes. But it is not going to rain.
CAN I BRING BLANKETS OR FOLDING CHAIRS?
Yes. There are also tables and chairs available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis.
CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
No outside alcohol is permitted. Check out our Pour List.
CAN I BRING A TENT OR CANOPY FOR SHADE?
No. There is no available space for tents or canopies. There is shade available in the beer tent and at our Gazebo and Beer Tent Stages.
SHOULD I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
Have you seen the food vendor list? It's going to be an amazing two days of eating!
DO YOU SELL ANY OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE?
While supplies last, you can buy the official 2025 Medford Oktoberfest dimpled glass beer stein.
WILL I BE ABLE TO BUY BAND MERCHANDISE?
Yes, we encourage you to check out the band merch at our Festival Central and support these incredible musicians.
MY GRANDPARENT DOES NOT LIKE LOUD MUSIC. WHAT CAN THEY DO?
Our Saturday afternoon lineup has them in mind. They can hang at the Gazebo Stage with the South Jersey Pops Brass Ensemble, our German music band Doppelganger, the world champion Quaker City String Band, the a cappella group from Project Philly, and acoustic music from MekkiLynn and Bob Egan. At around 6:00 p.m., that stage turns to rock music, so best to put grandpa to bed.