INCLUDES VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, IN ULTRA-HD | Discover how 10,000 merrymakers celebrated Bavarian culture and family traditions along the Willamette River – even amidst construction in the amusement park …
Dancers take to the floor inside a packed Main Festhalle as the Alpine Echoes polka band keeps the Oktoberfest energy high at Oaks Amusement Park.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The grounds of historic Oaks Amusement Park swirled with activity as the annual Oktoberfest celebration got underway along the Willamette River in East Portland.
The three-day event, held afternoons and evenings on the weekend of September 24-26, brought a lively harvest atmosphere to the historic nonprofit park operated by the Oaks Park Association.
A unique aspect of the Oktoberfest there is its family-friendly policy welcoming guests of all ages in every venue, including the Main Festhalle tent.
Embracing the festive spirit, the Van Egdon family enjoys an afternoon stroll through the Bavarian Village at Oaks Amusement Park.
Festivalgoers enthusiastically embraced tradition in classic Bavarian attire – women in colorful dirndl dresses; and gentlemen in button-up shirts, leather Lederhosen, alpine hats, and sturdy Bavarian shoes.
See our video highlights of this year’s Oaks Amusement Park Oktoberfest:
German culinary tradition and dachshund dashes draw crowds
Early arriving visitors gathered beneath a fall canopy of oak trees for the popular Bavarian Cooking Show featuring Chef Paul Folkestad.
Chef Folkestad demonstrated authentic preparations of pork schnitzel, spaetzle, and baking soda pretzels – handing out warm samples to onlookers.
Chef Paul Folkestad with Feed the Mass and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association shares culinary techniques during the Bavarian Cooking Show at Oktoberfest.
The Sade family enjoys some lighthearted fun at this festival photo station during Oaks Park’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Spectators cheer as fast-paced pooches run at top speed during the championships at the Wiener Dog Races.
The father-daughter accordion duo Sergei Teleshev and Maria Telesheva, performing as “Two Accordions”, entertain the Bavarian Village crowd with everything from traditional polkas to rock classics.
Nearby in the Bavarian Village, and inside the Main Festhalle, local caterers served up traditional Germanic fare – including brats, sausages, and Paulaner beer. Another major highlight drawing packed crowds were the finals of the park’s annual Wiener Dog Races.
Overcoming construction challenges in a new layout
Ongoing construction at Oaks Park – as seen in this panoramic image – limited available space this year, but promises an expanded entertainment footprint for future attractions.
This year’s festivities were shifted towards the south end of the park due to ongoing construction of the new Drop Tower attraction. Oaks Park Association Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay reflected on the operational adjustments required for the temporary footprint:
Oaks Park’s Emily MacKay takes the microphone to introduce an event during Oktoberfest.
“This was a very unique year since we have major construction happening at the park, which significantly limited our available space and layout,” MacKay explained. “We had a shortened setup time, plus all the tweaks that come with setting up a new spot in a new way.”
The Tirolean Dancers of Oregon bring traditional German and Alpine folk dancing to the stage during the annual Oktoberfest celebration at Oaks Park.
Despite spatial limitations, the nonprofit venue welcomed approximately 10,000 guests across the three days.
“Many guests commented that they enjoyed the festival and are excited to see the changes coming when construction concludes next year,” MacKay added.
Encouraged by The Oaks mascot, Chipper the Squirrel, festivalgoers take to the floor for the “Chicken Dance” – one of the many lively musical traditions at Oaks Park Oktoberfest.
Midway rides, craft shopping, and Kinderplatz activities
Inside the fest tent, attendees danced into the evening to lively polka and folk rhythms. Outside, shoppers browsed one-of-a-kind creations from local craft vendors throughout the Bavarian Village, while children gathered at the Kinderplatz for games and hands-on activities.
Thrill-seekers take to AtmosFEAR on the Oaks Park midway, adding high-flying excitement to the festive Oktoberfest.
Throughout the weekend, thrill-seekers and families enjoyed midway attractions, kiddie rides, roller skating, and mini golf, all set against the historic park’s river-side backdrop.
“We’re already looking forward to Oktoberfest here again next year!” MacKay concluded.
Throughout the celebration, Oktoberfest packs the Festhalle with lively polka tunes, dancing, and traditional German cheer.
On our Front Page: Laura and William Luke share a dance as the European Take-Out band fills the Festhalle with lively polka rhythms.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
