Oaktoberfest

Spend the day enjoying delicious food, refreshing drinks, family friendly activities, games, prizes, a silent auction, guided hikes at the Waukesha County Land Consrvancy’s Chapman-Trupke Preserve next door, and more, all while supporting conservation efforts that help protect and restore oak ecosystems!

This year’s event falls under the Harvest Moon and coincides with National Public Lands Day, making it an especially meaningful time to celebrate Wisconsin’s natural heritage. The Waukesha County Land Conservancy believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, which is why its preserves are free and open to the public every day of the year. OAKtoberfest celebrates that commitment by bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors while supporting the protection and stewardship of the lands shared by the community.

The event also offers an opportunity to experience the recent renovations at Old World Wisconsin while enjoying one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most memorable conservation events. Whether attending for the conservation, community, guided hikes, or simply a beautiful fall day outdoors, OAKtoberfest offers a chance to celebrate the ecosystems that make Wisconsin special and help ensure they remain protected and accessible for generations to come.

Conservation enthusiasts, Oktoberfest fans, and anyone looking for a unique fall event will find plenty to enjoy at OAKtoberfest. Come raise a glass to the enduring legacy of the oak!

OAKtoberfest 2026 Schedule

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Early Admission to Old World Wisconsin (optional)
Arrive early and enjoy reduced admission to Old World Wisconsin. Simply show your OAKtoberfest confirmation email at the entrance.

4:00 p.m.
OAKtoberfest Begins!
Join for an evening of local beer, delicious food, live music, yard games, a silent auction, and conservation fun. All contests, activities, and guided hikes are optional, so feel free to simply relax, enjoy the grounds, and celebrate with the community.

Throughout the Event:
• Enjoy drinks and live music throughout the evening.
• Explore the neighboring Chapman Trupke Preserve on a self guided hike, with a glass in hand.
• Meet Johnson’s Nursery and learn about all nine native oak species, including which oak belongs where and what makes each one special.

4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Buckthorn Removal 101
Heartland Ecological Group ecologist, Aaron Feggestad, will demonstrate buckthorn removal techniques and answer questions about invasive species management.

4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Guided Ecology Tour
Enjoy hearing from Old World Wisconsin staff on the restoration work being done on this historic site.

5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Oak Sapling Holding Contest
Our conservation inspired twist on the traditional German Maßkrugstemmen or the steinholding contest. See who can hold an oak sapling at arm’s length the longest!

5:30 p.m.
Dinner Buffet Begins!
Enjoy a delicious German inspired buffet, courtesy of Old World Wisconsin, available throughout the remainder of the event.

6:45 p.m.
Native Oak Tree Planting Ceremony
Celebrate the importance of Wisconsin’s oak ecosystems during a ceremonial native oak planting in partnership with Johnson’s Nursery.

7:00 p.m.
Event Concludes & Silent Auction Winners Announced

Schedule is subject to change as we continue developing additional oak inspired activities for the community to enjoy!

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