Key facts
- Krush Brau Park in Kissimmee operated the longest Oktoberfest run in Central Florida in 2025, running every weekend from September 27 through November 2 [1]
- The German American Society of Central Florida continues its 60+ year tradition with Oktoberfests on October 3 and October 24, 2026, at its Casselberry location [2]
- Avalon Park’s 2026 Oktoberfest expands to two days—October 9–10—with a beer garden preview and community festival featuring live bands and Alpine dancing [3]
- Winter Park’s second annual Oktoberfest took place September 6–7, 2025, at Mead Botanical Garden, organized by Winter Park Rotary Club [4]
What Happened in 2025
The headline story was Krush Brau Park in Kissimmee, a veteran-owned venue that transformed the former Jungleland Zoo site into a year-round food market and events center. Co-founder Waylon Krush, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany, designed the park to deliver an authentic Bavarian experience across over 10 acres [1].
For the 2025 season, Krush Brau Park became Central Florida’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration, operating every weekend from September 27 through November 2 under a 9,000-square-foot World Event Center tent at 2198 Four Winds Boulevard [1]. The festival featured nightly keg-tappings at 5 p.m., themed nights like Trachten Thursdays (lederhosen and dirndl contests) and Fest Haus Fridays (German specials and stein-hoisting), and family-friendly weekends with live polka bands and games [1]. Children under 12 entered free with a paying adult [1].
Ticket packages ranged from free general admission to VIP experiences at $50, which included VIP seating, two drinks, food, and dessert [1]. Veterans, first responders, and teachers received discounts [1].
Beyond Krush Brau, The German American Society of Central Florida in Casselberry held two events on October 4 and October 25, 2025, drawing on more than six decades of tradition [1]. Avalon Park in East Orlando, Oviedo Amphitheatre, and numerous breweries throughout the region—from Baldwin Park’s Tactical Brewing to Sanford’s Deviant Wolfe and Hollerbach’s German Restaurant—hosted their own celebrations [1].
What’s New in 2026
The German American Society of Central Florida continues to anchor Central Florida’s Oktoberfest landscape [2]. Located at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry, the organization—which has operated since 1963—is hosting Oktoberfests on October 3 and October 24, 2026 [2]. Tickets remain affordable at $7 in advance or $10 at the gate, with VIP options available [2]. The celebrations feature nonstop entertainment in the Alpine Clubhouse and a large Biergarten, with Schuhplattler dancers, German bands, stein-holding contests, and authentic German fare [2].
Avalon Park has expanded its Oktoberfest to a two-day event in 2026, running October 9–10 with a beer garden preview on Friday and a full community festival on Saturday [3]. Both days run 5–10 p.m. in Downtown Avalon Park’s Town Park [3]. Attendees can enjoy an adult beer garden, live bands, Alpine dancing, food trucks, vendors, a kids area with bounce park, wiener dog races, a teen area, and a kids entrepreneur market [3].
What Stayed the Same
Despite any changes from venue to venue, Central Florida’s Oktoberfest character remains rooted in authentic German tradition and community spirit [1][2]. The German American Society—the region’s original German cultural organization—continues to deliver the “real deal” experience it has perfected since 1963 [2]. Ticket prices have remained stable, making events accessible to families and budget-conscious revelers [1][2][3].
The emphasis on veteran support and community giving persists, especially at Krush Brau Park, which prioritized discounts for military personnel and first responders [1]. Traditional elements like lederhosen contests, stein-hoisting, keg-tappings, polka music, and authentic German food—bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and strudel—remain central to every celebration [1][2][3].
Planning Your Visit
Whether attending an established venue like the German American Society or exploring newer destinations, the key is to arrive early to secure seating, buy tickets or beer punch cards in advance when available, and embrace the spirit by wearing traditional Bavarian clothing [1]. Many events welcome the public without reservations, and family-friendly options ensure everyone from children to grandparents can participate [1][2][3].
Central Florida’s Oktoberfest festivals support local businesses, cultural organizations, and community groups [1]. From Kissimmee to Casselberry to Winter Park and beyond, the region’s celebration of German heritage shows no signs of fading.
Frequently asked questions
Is Krush Brau Park’s Oktoberfest still happening in 2026?
The original sources cover 2025 events only. For current 2026 information about Krush Brau Park, contact the venue directly at 2198 Four Winds Boulevard, Kissimmee.
How much do Oktoberfest tickets cost in Central Florida?
Prices vary by venue. The German American Society in Casselberry charges $7 in advance or $10 at the gate, with VIP options available [2]. Krush Brau Park in 2025 offered free general admission plus packages from $10 to $50 [1]. Avalon Park’s 2026 event is completely free.
Are there family-friendly Oktoberfest options in Central Florida?
Yes. Multiple venues offer kids’ activities. Krush Brau Park provided free admission for children under 12 with a paying adult [1]. The German American Society featured a Kids Korner with bounce houses and games [2]. Avalon Park’s 2026 celebration includes a kids area with bounce park and kids entrepreneur market [3].
Which Oktoberfest celebrations run the longest in Central Florida?
In 2025, Krush Brau Park operated every weekend from September 27 through November 2, making it the longest-running celebration [1]. The German American Society holds two separate Oktoberfests each year in October [2].
Sources
- Central Florida Oktoberfest 2025: Krush Brau Park Leads the Party – Central Florida Lifestyle, 2025-09-04
- Oktoberfest | German American Society of Central Florida – German American Society of Central Florida, 2026-10-07
- Oktoberfest | Avalon Park Orlando – Avalon Park Orlando, 2026-10-07
- Sept 6th – Winter Parktoberfest – 2nd Annual Oktoberfest in Winter Park Tickets – Eventbrite, 2026-10-07
Originally published by Central Florida Lifestyle on 2025-09-04; updated October 7, 2026, with current information.
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