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Oktoberfest''s move to Ankeny will make space for more beer and food, organizer says

Oktoberfest, a beloved annual celebration of German culture, beer, and community, is undergoing a significant change in 2025 as it relocates from its long-standing home in Des Moines to a new venue in Ankeny, specifically at The District at Prairie Trail. This move marks a notable shift for the festival, which has become a staple event in central Iowa, drawing thousands of attendees each year to enjoy traditional Bavarian music, food, and, of course, a wide array of beers. The decision to change locations reflects both logistical considerations and a desire to enhance the festival experience for attendees, while also aligning with the growth and development of the surrounding region.

For many years, Oktoberfest has been a highlight of the fall season in Des Moines, transforming parts of the city into a lively hub of cultural celebration. The event typically features a mix of authentic German fare, such as bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut, alongside polka bands and other live entertainment that evoke the spirit of Munich’s famous Oktoberfest. Attendees don traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen and dirndls, adding to the festive atmosphere. Beer, naturally, plays a central role, with local and regional breweries often showcasing special seasonal brews alongside classic German styles like Märzen and Hefeweizen. The festival has also historically included family-friendly activities, games, and contests, ensuring that it appeals to a broad audience beyond just beer enthusiasts.

The relocation to Ankeny, a rapidly growing suburb north of Des Moines, is seen as an opportunity to build on the festival’s success while addressing some of the challenges associated with hosting a large-scale event in a densely populated urban area. The District at Prairie Trail, the new venue, is a mixed-use development that offers a blend of retail, dining, and open spaces, making it an ideal setting for a festival of this nature. The area is known for its modern infrastructure and accessibility, which could help alleviate issues such as parking and traffic congestion that have occasionally plagued the event in Des Moines. Additionally, the move to Ankeny aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a destination for entertainment and community events, further boosting its profile in the greater Des Moines metro area.

Organizers of Oktoberfest have expressed enthusiasm about the new location, highlighting the potential for expanded programming and improved amenities. The District at Prairie Trail provides ample space for larger tents, more vendor booths, and additional seating areas, which could enhance the overall experience for festival-goers. There is also the possibility of incorporating new attractions or themed areas that might not have been feasible in the previous downtown Des Moines setting due to spatial constraints. For instance, the open layout of the new venue could allow for more interactive experiences, such as expanded children’s zones or outdoor games like stein-holding competitions and barrel-rolling races, which are staples of traditional Oktoberfest celebrations.

The decision to move the festival was not made lightly, as Oktoberfest has deep ties to the Des Moines community. The event has long been a point of pride for the city, serving as a cultural touchstone that brings together residents and visitors alike. However, the growth of the festival over the years has necessitated a reevaluation of its logistical needs. In Des Moines, the event often required significant street closures and coordination with local businesses and residents, which, while manageable, sometimes led to disruptions. By contrast, The District at Prairie Trail offers a more contained environment where the festival can operate with fewer interruptions to daily life in the surrounding area. This could result in a smoother experience for both attendees and the host community.

Another factor in the relocation is the opportunity to tap into a new demographic in Ankeny, which has seen a surge in population and development in recent years. The city has become a hub for families and young professionals, many of whom may not have previously attended Oktoberfest in Des Moines due to distance or other barriers. By bringing the festival closer to this growing population, organizers hope to attract a fresh wave of attendees while still retaining the loyal base that has supported the event for years. The move also positions Oktoberfest to benefit from Ankeny’s burgeoning reputation as a center for local events and entertainment, potentially fostering partnerships with businesses in The District at Prairie Trail to create a more integrated festival experience.

While the relocation is largely viewed as a positive step, it is not without its challenges. Some longtime attendees may feel a sense of nostalgia or loss tied to the festival’s departure from Des Moines, where it has built a rich history. There may also be concerns about whether the new location can replicate the unique urban vibe that characterized past events. To address these sentiments, organizers are likely to emphasize continuity in the festival’s core elements—its celebration of German heritage, its focus on community, and its commitment to showcasing high-quality beer and food. By maintaining these traditions, they aim to ensure that Oktoberfest remains a cherished event, regardless of its physical location.

The move to Ankeny also reflects broader trends in event planning, where festivals and large gatherings are increasingly seeking out suburban or exurban locations that offer more space and flexibility compared to crowded city centers. This shift is often driven by the need to accommodate growing attendance numbers and to provide a more comfortable and accessible experience for participants. In the case of Oktoberfest, the transition to The District at Prairie Trail could serve as a model for how cultural events can adapt to changing circumstances while still preserving their essence. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between event organizers and local governments, as the success of the festival in its new home will depend on strong partnerships with Ankeny’s civic and business leaders.

As the 2025 Oktoberfest approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a refreshed and revitalized celebration. The new venue offers a blank canvas for organizers to experiment with innovative ideas while staying true to the festival’s roots. Attendees can look forward to the familiar sights and sounds of Oktoberfest—clinking steins, lively oompah music, and the aroma of grilled sausages—set against the backdrop of a modern, welcoming space in Ankeny. For those who have attended the event in Des Moines over the years, the move may initially feel like a departure from tradition, but it also represents an exciting new chapter in the festival’s story.

In the broader context of central Iowa’s cultural landscape, the relocation of Oktoberfest highlights the region’s dynamism and adaptability. It demonstrates how communities can evolve to meet the needs of large-scale events while fostering a sense of regional unity. Whether in Des Moines or Ankeny, Oktoberfest remains a testament to the enduring appeal of cultural festivals as a means of bringing people together to celebrate shared heritage and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, good beer, and good company. As plans for the 2025 event continue to take shape, both longtime fans and newcomers alike will be eager to see how Oktoberfest thrives in its new home at The District at Prairie Trail, ensuring that the spirit of Bavaria continues to flourish in the heart of Iowa.

Read the Full Des Moines Register Article at:
[ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/2025/07/18/oktoberfest-2025-moving-from-des-moines-to-ankeny-district-at-prairie-trail-beer/85258780007/ ]