By Dana Wikan EBS CONTRIBUTOR
As fall settles into Big Sky, Town Center Plaza prepares for a weekend that has become a local tradition. From Sept. 18-20, Big Sky Oktoberfest returns for its fourth year, bringing Bavarian culture to the mountains while raising funds to expand opportunities for local youth.
What began as an idea between my husband, Larry Wikan, and I has grown into one of Big Sky’s most anticipated fall events. Today, Oktoberfest blends German tradition with Big Sky’s community spirit while raising funds for Big Sky Youth Alliance and the youth sports and activity programs it supports.
Every year, Oktoberfest showcases what makes Big Sky special. Neighbors gather, families celebrate and visitors experience the character of this mountain town. Beyond the music, food and festivities, the event helps create opportunities for young people to participate, compete and pursue their passions.
“Oktoberfest has become a place where people can relax, laugh and enjoy the moment, and also know they’re contributing to something meaningful,” Larry said. “Every stein raised helps local kids pursue the activities they love.”
Oktoberfest’s roots stretch back more than 200 years to Munich, where the first celebration honored harvest, culture and shared connection. When Larry and I launched Big Sky Oktoberfest in 2023, we sought to build on that tradition while creating something uniquely suited to a mountain town that believes in investing in its next generation.
Strengthening youth programs in Big Sky
Big Sky Youth Alliance was created around a simple belief: every child in our community should have the opportunity to participate in the sports, activities and experiences they love, regardless of financial circumstances.
Oktoberfest serves as the primary fundraiser for Big Sky Youth Alliance and is the foundation of a long-term effort to expand access to youth activities and scholarships in Big Sky. Since its launch, the festival has increased its impact each year, contributing $10,000 in 2023, $17,800 in 2024, and $21,500 in 2025. These funds help remove financial barriers for families and ensure more local kids can participate in the activities that inspire them.
In 2026, proceeds from Oktoberfest will directly support local youth athletes Reed Loomis, a biathlon athlete, and Sedona Kilgore, a rodeo athlete. Additional funding will benefit the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and Big Sky Futbol Club and others as funding allows.
While Oktoberfest remains our primary fundraiser today, the long-term goal is to build sustainable support for local youth so that cost is never a barrier to participation, growth or achievement.
What’s new this year
The 2026 event includes expanded Bier Garten offerings from Ayinger and Paulaner, updated family activities like chicken dance lessons and kids’ stein-holding contests, a dog costume contest plus our regular lineup of games, live football and adult stein-holding competitions. A full schedule and event details are available at bigskyoktoberfest.com.
Community partners and sponsors
Big Sky Oktoberfest is built by the community and sustained by it.
Inaugural sponsors including Cornerstone Management Services, Big Sky Build, Big Sky Vacation Rentals, Big Sky Landscaping, and Visit Big Sky helped bring the festival to life and have remained committed partners as it has grown.New sponsors including Big Sky Snowman, SAV and Big Sky Land Management continue to broaden the event’s impact, helping support both the event and its mission.
“Big Sky Oktoberfest is one of those events that brings out the best in our community,” said Andy Dreisbach, founder of Cornerstone Management Services. “People come together to have fun, support local organizations and invest in opportunities for local kids. We’ve been proud to be involved from the beginning and to see the impact grow year after year.”
Volunteers at the heart of the festival
Behind the scenes, volunteers make Oktoberfest possible.
“They’re the heartbeat of Oktoberfest,” Larry said. “From pouring beer to running games to welcoming families, volunteers make this event feel like Big Sky. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Volunteers help create the welcoming, high-energy atmosphere that defines the weekend—laughing with guests during stein-holding contests, cooking Bavarian favorites, keeping mugs full and making the plaza feel warm and inviting. Many return each year, forming friendships behind the taps and food tables and creating memories every bit as meaningful as those made out in the plaza.
Join the effort
Sponsorships for 2026 are still open, with options designed for both emerging businesses and longtime community partners. Every sponsor helps expand the festival’s impact and directly supports youth sports and activities in Big Sky.
Volunteers are always welcome. Come volunteer, have fun and help fuel the spirit of Big Sky. It’s one of the best ways to be part of Oktoberfest. Reach out to us at info@bigskyoktoberfest.com.
A weekend with purpose
Big Sky Oktoberfest is about more than steins, pretzels and music. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate what makes this community special and invest in the kids who will shape Big Sky’s future.
Whether you’re raising a stein, cheering during the stein-holding competition or watching your kids dance to Oktoberfest classics, you’re helping create opportunities for local youth.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event details can be found online.
Dana Wikan is the co-founder of Big Sky Oktoberfest.
