When it runs, how the stein-hoisting competition works, what's on the menu, and whether to bring the kids.
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is a free, one-night fall festival at Lake Nona Town Center, organized by Lake Nona. It is historically held on the last Saturday of September, normally from 5 to 10 PM. The centerpiece is a stein-hoisting competition, with separate women's and men's rounds for entrants 21 and over. Park Pizza & Brewing Co. pours specialty beers brewed for the event, with German food from Park Pizza and Hollerbach's. Admission is free and open to all ages; beer and the competition are for adults 21 and over.
Lake Nona's Oktoberfest is one night, free, and built around a single contest: who can hold a full liter stein at arm's length the longest. Around it, Town Center fills with German food, a live band and specialty beer from a Lake Nona brewery.
It is also the event that opens Lake Nona's fall calendar. Oktoberfest comes at the end of September, Graveyard Smash follows in October, and the holiday festival closes out the year.
What is Lake Nona Oktoberfest?
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is a free, one-night Oktoberfest celebration at Lake Nona Town Center with a stein-hoisting competition, German food, specialty beer and live music.
Lake Nona runs it as one of its annual community events at Lake Nona Town Center. There is no ticket to get in; you pay only for food and drinks.
| When | Historically the last Saturday of September (September 26 in 2026) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Normally 5 to 10 PM |
| Cost | Free admission; food and drinks for purchase |
| Where | Lake Nona Town Center, 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827 |
| Ages | All ages; beer and the stein competition are 21 and over |
| Headline event | Stein-hoisting competition, women's and men's rounds |
When is Lake Nona Oktoberfest held?
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is historically held on the last Saturday of September, normally from 5 to 10 PM.
The pattern holds across recent years: Saturday, September 30, 2023; Saturday, September 27, 2025; and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Like the Munich original, it lands in late September rather than October, so don't wait for the October calendar to look for it.
How does the stein-hoisting competition work?
Competitors hold a full one-liter stein, about five pounds, at arm's length with proper form, and the last one holding without a rule violation wins.
In 2026 the women's round was scheduled for 6 PM and the men's round for 8 PM. Entrants must be 21 or older with ID, and registration runs through Lake Nona's event listing; the 2026 entry was listed at about $19. Every competitor takes home a commemorative glass stein, and winners receive a Tavistock Restaurant Collection gift card and a custom stein.
Judges disqualify for form breaks, so read the posted rules before you sign up. Watching is free.
What food and beer are served at Lake Nona Oktoberfest?
Park Pizza & Brewing Co. pours specialty beers brewed for the event, and German food comes from Park Pizza and Hollerbach's.
Expect schnitzel, sauerbraten and pretzels, along with festive snacks. Food and beer are sold by the vendors, and you'll need ID if you plan to drink.
Is Lake Nona Oktoberfest family-friendly?
Yes. Admission is free and open to all ages, though beer and the stein-hoisting competition are limited to adults 21 and over.
That makes it a different kind of night from Taste of Nona, the Chamber's food and wine event, which is 21 and over only. Children can come for the food, the band and the German-themed entertainment. For an event built around kids, Graveyard Smash a few weeks later is the better fit.
What else happens during Oktoberfest weekend in Lake Nona?
Boxi Park runs its own Oktoberfest Weekend alongside the Town Center event, with themed nights from Thursday through Sunday.
In 2026 Boxi Park's program ran September 24 to 27, with live music each night, a human wheelbarrow race and a best-dressed costume contest on Saturday, and bounce houses, face painters and kids' crafts on Sunday afternoon. Boxi Park's lineup is separate from Lake Nona's Town Center event and changes year to year, so check its calendar if you want to make a weekend of it.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- Free admission, with no ticket needed.
- A real local brewery pours beer made for the occasion.
- Open to all ages, so families can come together.
- The stein-hoisting rounds give the evening a clear focal point.
Cons
- Late September in Central Florida is still hot for an outdoor beer festival.
- One night only; if you miss it, the next one is a year away.
- Food and drink costs add up, even with free admission.
- The competition requires advance registration and a fee.
Our Take
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is worth an evening for adults who want a beer and a show, and it works for families who want a free night out at Town Center. Arrive by 6 for the women's stein-hoisting round, stay for the men's at 8, and eat German food in between. If you want kid-focused activities, pair it with Boxi Park's Sunday program instead.
What the Neighbors Know
Oktoberfest marks the start of Lake Nona's fall event season at Town Center. The same square hosts Graveyard Smash in October and the holiday festival in December, so the last Saturday of September effectively opens the fall calendar.
For the full year, see our Lake Nona events guide.
Official Sources
- Lake Nona: Oktoberfest event page
- City of Orlando: Lake Nona Oktoberfest
- Eventbrite: Lake Nona stein-hoisting competition
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lake Nona Oktoberfest?
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is historically held on the last Saturday of September, normally from 5 to 10 PM. The 2026 edition was Saturday, September 26.
Is Lake Nona Oktoberfest free?
Yes. Admission is free and no ticket is needed. Food and drinks are sold by vendors, and the stein-hoisting competition has a separate entry fee.
Can kids go to Lake Nona Oktoberfest?
Yes. The event is open to all ages. Beer and the stein-hoisting competition are limited to adults 21 and over.
How does the stein-hoisting competition work?
Competitors hold a full one-liter stein, about five pounds, at arm's length with proper form. The last competitor holding without a rule violation wins. Entrants must be 21 or older.
Where is Lake Nona Oktoberfest held?
Lake Nona Oktoberfest is held at Lake Nona Town Center, 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.
