Flagstaff Oktoberfest hosts celebration in downtown Wheeler Park

Flagstaff Oktoberfest Celebrates German Heritage

Flagstaff’s Oktoberfest, marking its 16th annual celebration, took place on October 4 at Wheeler Park in downtown. The event featured an array of activities such as beer, bratwurst, live music, contests, and local food trucks, all celebrating German culture.

The origins of Oktoberfest can be traced back to 1810, when a five-day festival was held to commemorate the engagement of the Prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Initially ending with horse racing, the festival evolved by 1818 to include agricultural fairs and numerous food and drink stalls. By the late 20th century, it had transformed into large beer halls, regularly accommodating around 6,000 attendees each year in Munich.

Today, Oktoberfest spans two weeks, typically from late September to the first Sunday in October, kicking off with the Munich mayor tapping the first keg.

The Flagstaff version, initiated by Jennifer and Debbie Grogan in 2009, partnered with the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation in 2024, donating 20% of beer proceeds. In 2024, they raised over $32,000, a number expected to increase this year.

FUSD Foundation President Amie Beyers emphasized that the festival is crucial for funding educational initiatives, specifically for music and arts programs in local schools. “We provide grants to help teachers cover project costs, so they don’t have to dip into their own pockets,” Beyers shared.

Beyond fundraising, the festival also honors the legacy of local music educators. Beyers noted the significance of the Debi Grogan Memorial Fund, which supports music arts programs.

The event attracted a diverse crowd—including locals, NAU students, and visitors. Rick Kinkel, a Flagstaff resident for a decade, remarked on the communal spirit but noted, “The food might not be the best German fare. Last year, they ran out of pretzels pretty early.” Still, he acknowledges that the chance to enjoy beer and socialize is what keeps him coming back.

Kinkel’s family has German roots, dating back to their immigration from Munich in the 1930s and 40s. While he admits that Flagstaff’s Oktoberfest might not be entirely authentic, it serves as a joyful celebration of family traditions, reflecting the event’s wedding origins.

Various vendors participated, including High Country Humane, which showcased puppies, and activities like a “Cram the Camry” contest, where participants vie to fit the most people into a single vehicle. This sort of light-hearted competition appears to add to the fun and engagement at the festival.

Coconino County Democratic Party Chair Laura Carter noted how Oktoberfest serves as an excellent venue for community engagement. Their booth offered activities to entertain children while parents could sign petitions and discuss local matters.

Emphasizing community values, Carter mentioned their support for maintaining SNAP benefits for children and public school funding. “This is about sharing hope for our democracy, especially with so many attendees from across the state,” she added.