Submitted by JAMES BELLPublicity Chair for Oktoberfest Hays
Live chainsaw sculpture auction added to events; Proceeds to benefit Volga German Centennial Association and Pete Felten Legacy Foundation
The Volga German Centennial Association has announced the official schedule and lineup of events for Oktoberfest Hays 2026, scheduled for Oct. 2, and Oct. 3, at Municipal Park in downtown Hays.
Recently voted the best Oktoberfest in Kansas by the Kansas Press Association, the annual two-day community celebration will again coincide with Fort Hays State University’s Homecoming weekend.
Admission to the festival grounds is free.
Established in 1974, the Volga German Centennial Association organizes the festival to preserve Volga German history and traditions while educating younger generations about the customs and heritage of early settlers who shaped Ellis County and the surrounding region.
“Oktoberfest Hays represents the heart of our community’s shared heritage,” said Amanda Rupp, president of the Volga German Centennial Association. “From traditional foods and music to reconnecting with friends and alumni returning for homecoming, our mission is to keep these rich Volga German traditions alive for future generations.
Earning recognition as the top Oktoberfest in the state is a testament to the volunteers and visitors who make this gathering so special year after year.”
New to the festival this year, Oktoberfest Hays will feature a live chainsaw artist creating custom wood sculptures on the park grounds throughout the event.
Completed pieces will be auctioned live online during the festival at oktoberfesthays.cbo.io. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to sign up now, in order to receive auction updates as the event nears.
Among the featured carvings will be a handcrafted bison created in remembrance of renowned Hays sculptor Pete Felten, who passed away earlier this year. All proceeds generated from the sale of the bison sculpture will be donated directly to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation.
Proceeds from the other sculptures will benefit the Volga German Centennial Association’s mission.
“We are especially excited to introduce live chainsaw carving to the grounds this fall,” said Emily Knowles, Oktoberfest Hays director. “Pete Felten left an indelible mark on our community’s artistic identity, and dedicating the auction of the bison sculpture to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation allows festival attendees to celebrate that lasting cultural heritage while supporting local arts.”
In addition to the woodcarving demonstrations and live auction, Oktoberfest Hays will offer traditional German fare, including bierocks, sausages, and pastries, alongside, commemorative mugs, live polka and folk music, adult games, and family-friendly activities.
While Friday emphasizes cultural ceremonies and traditional heritage games, Saturday’s festivities are structured specifically with families and children in mind.
Saturday afternoon features free children’s activities across the park grounds, including bounce houses, inflatables, and traditional field games such as pumpkin rolls, pumpkin passes, and Volga German-themed interactive activities.
Families can also explore interactive craft vendor displays, watch the live chainsaw carving demonstrations up close, and sample heritage foods throughout the day.
“Saturday has truly evolved into our family-first day at Oktoberfest,” Knowles said. “We intentionally designed the Saturday schedule to welcome every generation, from grandparents who remember the early festivals to young kids experiencing Volga German heritage for the first time."
"Between the inflatables, youth competitions, live wood carving, and welcoming atmosphere, there are activities geared specifically to keep children engaged while families enjoy the afternoon together," Knowles said."
Oktoberfest Hays 2026 Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 2
· 9 a.m. – Festival Grounds and Vendor Booths Open
· 10:30 a.m. – Official Opening Ceremonies
· 11 a.m. – Ceremonial Tapping of the Keg
· 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Live Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations and Live Mobile Bidding (oktoberfesthays.cbo.io)
· 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Park-Wide Interactive Attractions: Beer Puppeteers, High Striker, and Mug Toss
· 1 p.m. – Adult Heritage Games Registration Opens (Oktoberfest Headquarters Tent)
· 2 p.m. – Masskrugstemmen (Traditional Stein-Holding Contest)
· 4 p.m. – Deutsch Hops Contest (Timed Relay Race)
· 5 p.m. – OktoberFEAST Competitive Eating Contest (Two-Person Teams)
· 7 p.m. – Festival Grounds Close for Day 1
Saturday, Oct. 3
· 10 a.m. – Festival Grounds and Vendor Booths Open
· 11 a.m. – Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade (The Bricks in Downtown Hays)
· 11 a.m. – Cornhole Tournament Registration Opens (Oktoberfest Headquarters Tent)
· 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Children’s Inflatables and Bounce Houses Open
· 11 a.m. – Live Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations and Live Mobile Bidding (oktoberfesthays.cbo.io)
· 11:45 a.m. – Official Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome Ceremony
· Noon – Cornhole Tournament Begins
· 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Youth Heritage Games and Family Entertainment (West Shelter House)
· 1:30 p.m. – Annual “Battle of the Bierock” Vendor Competition, sponsored by Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau
· 2 p.m. – German Freeze Game
· 3 p.m. – Pumpkin Pass
· 4 p.m. – Pumpkin Rolling Contest
· 6 p.m. – Final Live Auction Call for Chainsaw Sculptures, including the Pete Felten Memorial Bison
· 6 p.m. – Official Conclusion of Oktoberfest Hays 2026
Two-Day Live Music and Stage Lineup
Continuous live musical entertainment will anchor the festival atmosphere across both days at Municipal Park, spotlighting a mix of traditional Volga German brass, regional polka ensembles, and high-energy roots and country rock.
· Galen Schmidtberger: A beloved area favorite and festival staple, performing crowd-pleasing traditional heritage selections and polka classics that celebrate the region's cultural roots.
· The Ron Werth Band: A staple of regional German heritage gatherings, bringing authentic Volga German polkas, waltzes, and traditional accordion-driven folk arrangements to the stage on both Friday and Saturday.
· Rice County Line: Returning to provide crowd-favorite country rock, Americana, and acoustic hits across both days of the festival.
· German Tuba: Delivering booming, traditional Bavarian brass and polka favorites during Friday’s celebration.
· Steel Skarecrow: Headlining Friday’s evening entertainment with their signature modern country and Southern rock performance leading up to the 7 p.m. festival grounds close.
For additional details visit oktoberfesthays.com or monitor the digital auction portal at oktoberfesthays.cbo.io.
