HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Hackettstown is getting ready to welcome the fall season with its 9th annual Oktoberfest, set for this weekend, Sept. 26–28.
The Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID), along with Czig Meister Brewing Company, Grand Avenue Tavern and Man Skirt Brewing, will host the celebration, which is free to attend.
“There will be activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, food, and more!” organizers said. “This Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event where vendors will take to Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave. for this street-fair style event.”
The festival will also feature activities for children and non-alcohol-related entertainment in addition to traditional food and beer offerings.
Oktoberfest weekend schedule 2025 (Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28):
Friday, Sept. 26
- 5 p.m. — Official Kick-Off Beer Tapping. WRNJ live broadcast. German food and beer flights all weekend. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music by the Twilight Disciples. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. — VJ the DJ. (Grand Ave Tavern)
Saturday, Sept. 27
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — 2025 U.S. Fistball National Championship. (American Legion, 450 Willow Grove St.)
- All day — Kids Corner, with more activities added this year. (Grand Ave)
- 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Peter and the Wolf Gang roaming band.
- 12:30 p.m. — Barrel tapping with Mayor Jerry DiMaio and the commissioners. (Czig Meister)
- 1:45 p.m. — Live stream for the Wiener Dog Races with the PizzaBrews2Dudes. (Czig Meister Lower Lot)
- 2 p.m. — German-style doggie costume contest. (Czig Meister Lower Lot)
- 3 p.m. — Wiener Dog Races. (Czig Meister Lower Lot)
- 3 to 4 p.m. — Face painting and balloon twisting. (Grand Ave Porch)
- 3 to 7 p.m. — Live music by Losing Focus. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 4 p.m. — Men’s steinhold competition. (Man Skirt)
- 4:30 p.m. — Women’s steinhold competition. (Man Skirt)
- 4 to 6 p.m. — Hackettstown Community Oompah roaming band.
- 4:30 p.m. — Potato sack race. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 5 p.m. — Grain bag toss. (Czig Meister Lower Lot)
- 5 p.m. — Live music by Tony Caggiano. (Man Skirt Brewing)
- 5 p.m. — Stein holding contest. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 5:30 p.m. — Carry Your Spouse competition. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 5 to 8 p.m. — Oktoberfest dinner buffet. Reservations required. Call 908-813-0625 or email Stellagsnj@gmail.com. (Stella G’s)
- 6 p.m. — Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition. Best lederhosen and dirndl. (Grand Ave)
- 6 to 9 p.m. — DJ Alyssa with Apres Ski style and German tunes. Specialty themed cocktails all weekend. (Living Spirits Distillery)
- 6:30 p.m. — Beard and mustache competition. (Grand Ave)
- 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Adventures of Matte Black. (Czig Meister)
- 10 p.m. — DJ set. (Grand Ave)
Sunday, Sept. 28
- All day — Kids Corner, with more activities added this year. (Grand Ave)
- 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Peter and the Wolf Gang roaming band.
- 1 to 6 p.m. — 2025 U.S. Fistball National Championship. (American Legion, 450 Willow Grove St.)
- 1 p.m. — Cornhole tournament. Register at Czig Meister in person starting at noon. First-come, first-served.
- 2 p.m. — Live music by Rick Barth. (Man Skirt Brewing)
- 2 p.m. — Men’s steinhold competition. (Man Skirt)
- 2:30 p.m. — Women’s steinhold competition. (Man Skirt)
- 2 to 5 p.m. — Uncle Stump. (Czig Meister Lower Lot)
- 2 to 6 p.m. — Live music by The Powertones. (Grand Ave Tavern)
- 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Hackettstown Community Oompah roaming band.
- 3 to 4 p.m. — Stein Hold USSA Competition. (Czig Meister)
- 3 to 4 p.m. — Face painting and balloon twisting. (Grand Ave Porch)
- 4:30 p.m. — Wiener Dog (and all other breeds) Best Dressed Competition. Prizes by Hackettstown Pets and APS Spa for Pets. (Grand Ave Porch and Patio)
For more information, visit hackettstownbid.com.
