Experience the irresistible charm of oompah bands and the joyful clinking of steins as we celebrate in 2025!

Enjoy the sounds and tastes of Baraboo Oktoberfest as this ethnic festival brings bands, beers, and games to the Circus World grounds Saturday, September 20th.

Live bands, pretzels, traditional pub contests, and local brews will take over the historic site for the afternoon and evening. It’s a perfect fit, as the Ringlings – and so many other circus impresarios – have German roots.

Celebrate the onset of autumn and enjoy that happy feeling Bavarians call gemutlichkeit!

Previous Fest Masters:

2022 - Darren Hornby & Bobbie Coons

2023 - Mike & Bonnie Palm

2024 - Jackie & Matt Jurvelin

2025 Fest Masters

Pete and Rebecca Oettinger

A local couple steeped in Bavarian traditions will lead Baraboo Oktoberfest on Sept. 20 at Circus World.

This year’s Fest Masters, Pete and Rebecca Oettinger of Baraboo, have attended numerous Oktoberfests in Germany. They’ve found that these festivals foster community.

“You’re always going to meet new people as you sit down with strangers,” Pete Oettinger said. “It’s a great way to meet your neighbors.”

“Oktoberfest is about the community coming together,” Rebecca Oettinger said. “It’s really a chance for everyone in the Baraboo Area to celebrate the fall.”

She is an attorney-turned-writer. Her husband is a partner with Wegner CPAs. Both are partners in Pals Brewing in Wisconsin Dells, which is brewing a special Oktoberfest beer for Baraboo Oktoberfest. 

The Oettingers will tap the golden keg at 3:30 p.m.

Presenting Sponsor

Headliner - Electro Retro

Electro Retro is where vintage vibes meet modern energy! Blending synth-heavy grooves with throwback beats, this genre-bending band brings the spirit of the '80s into the now. With infectious hooks, neon-soaked stage presence, and a sound that lives somewhere between Depeche Mode and Daft Punk, Electro Retro turns every show into a dance party. Whether you're a new wave nostalgic or a future funk fanatic, Electro Retro will have you moving from the first beat to the last encore.