Celebrate the arrival of fall at the Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest, a family-friendly waterfront festival taking place Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at the Quarterdeck and Des Moines Marina.
Prost! The OktoberCrawl™ is Friday, Sept. 18
The three-day celebration begins on Friday, Sept. 18, with Prost! The OktoberCrawl™, a ticketed restaurant crawl starting at 5 p.m. at the Quarterdeck. Participants will visit participating Marina District restaurants, enjoying specially prepared Oktoberfest-inspired bites while discovering the vibrant dining scene that makes Des Moines a favorite South Sound destination.
Oktoberfest at Quarterdeck Weekend Of Sept. 19-20
The celebration continues on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19–20, with activities at the Quarterdeck beginning at 1:30 p.m. both days and continuing through closing. Guests can enjoy live music, great food, festive activities, contests, face painting, children’s activities, and family-friendly entertainment (including a Chicken Dance contest!) throughout the weekend.
Set against the backdrop of Puget Sound, the festival offers a relaxed Oktoberfest experience where families, friends, and visitors can enjoy live entertainment, German-inspired food specials, interactive games, contests, face painting, children’s activities, and festive photo opportunities.
The celebration centers around the Quarterdeck, the marina’s popular waterfront restaurant, where guests can purchase beer, wine, and other beverages while enjoying spectacular marina views. Because the Quarterdeck offers beer and wine within its family-friendly venue, the festival does not include a traditional beer garden, creating a welcoming experience for guests of all ages.
“Our vision is to create an event that brings people together to celebrate the season while showcasing the beauty and hospitality of our waterfront community,” said Bettina Carey, producer of Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest. “Whether you’re visiting for the music, the food, the activities, or simply to spend time by the marina, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
The festival also pays tribute to longtime Des Moines residents Pat and Marianne Nardo, whose love of community inspired Pat to host the original Oktoberfest celebration at the Quarterdeck. The Nardos continue to support the festival as sponsors, helping this beloved waterfront tradition grow while remaining true to its community roots. At 97-years-young, Pat and Marianne’s generosity and dedication continue to inspire those who call Des Moines home.
Festival Highlights:
- Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 19–20, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18 OktoberCrawl™ Restaurant Crawl (ticketed), beginning at 5 p.m.
- Live music throughout the weekend
- German-inspired food and seasonal menu offerings by Longhorn Chuckwagon Food Truck, available for purchase
- Beer and wine available for purchase at the Quarterdeck
- Face painting and family activities
- Fun contests and games
- Interactive photo opportunities
- Beautiful marina and waterfront views
- Visitors are encouraged to make a day—or the entire weekend—of it by exploring the Des Moines Marina, strolling the waterfront, dining at local restaurants, and experiencing the hospitality that makes Des Moines a premier South Sound destination.
Businesses interested in supporting this growing community celebration are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities that help keep the annual festival going while connecting their brand with residents and visitors from throughout the region.
For event details, entertainment schedules, sponsorship opportunities, and updates, visit:
About Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest
Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest is an annual, free community celebration held at the Des Moines Marina, featuring live music, German-inspired cuisine, family-friendly activities, contests, and waterfront entertainment. The weekend begins with the OktoberCrawl™ Restaurant Crawl on Friday evening, followed by two days of festivities at the Quarterdeck and Marina. The festival celebrates the spirit of Oktoberfest while showcasing the unique charm, hospitality, and scenic beauty of Des Moines, Washington.
Contact:
- Bettina Carey
- (206) 349-4297
- friends@seattlemeansbusiness.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.
