Muskoka Oktoberfest wraps up this Saturday, October 24, with one final celebration of local craft beer, German-inspired food and the businesses that help keep Muskoka buzzing beyond the traditional peak of the tourism season.
The highlight of the closing weekend is the OktoberBaus Brew Bus, offering three fun brewery tours at three start times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with stops at four local breweries. With only a few seats remaining, beer lovers are encouraged to book now for a chance to discover the flavours of the region.
Tickets are $80 and available through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1996817281241?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Oktoberfest spirit extends well beyond the bus. Henrie’s Bistro serves up its Oktoberfest celebration in Mactier with traditional favourites, and PK Lodge in Bracebridge has jägerschnitzel on their menu. Participating breweries – Sawdust City, Bracebridge Barrelhouse, Muskoka Brewery and Clear Lake Brewing – are lso welcoming visitors with special food menus, and some are pouring seasonal Festbiers to mark the occasion. Oktoberfest Muskoka kicked off September 26 with a beer fest showcasing all four breweries at Muskoka BeerSpa. The crowd danced up a storm to the Golden Keys band and cheered as outgoing Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover, with help from Muskoka Lakes Mayor Peter Kelley, Tapped the Keg to open the festival officially. Since then, businesses from Huntsville to Port Severn have offered Oktoberfest events this past month.
For Muskoka Lakes Chamber Executive Director Norah Fountain, who has helped organize and champion Muskoka Oktoberfest for the past six years, this weekend marks a personal milestone as she hangs up her dirndl.
“Oktoberfest has always been about more than beer and bratwurst. It’s an opportunity to bring people together, encourage residents and visitors to explore local businesses, and give Muskoka another reason to celebrate as the busy fall season winds down,” said Fountain. “I’m proud of what our partners have helped build. I hope the community continues to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest next year and beyond.”
As the event events this year, the hope is that local businesses will carry the Oktoberfest torch forward, building on its momentum to attract customers, encourage local spending and extend the economic benefits of year round tourism in Muskoka. Since the event began, participating accommodators and restaurants have reported increased revenue during a normally slow time and “we had a lot of people asking where they could experience Oktoberfest this year,” said Fountain. “This couldn’t have happened without ongoing support from Engel and Volkers Muskoka, TD Bank Group, Explorers’ Edge, Country 102m 89.1 MAX FM and Experience Ontario,” added Fountain.
Muskoka’s breweries, restaurants and hospitality businesses are an important part of the region’s year-round appeal. Oktoberfest offers a reminder that there are plenty of reasons to visit, gather and support local during all seasons. As Oktoberfest ends, Discover Muskoka’s Home of the Stars continues through November 7..
This Saturday is the final chance to join the celebration in 2026.
