(Sahuarita, AZ) – Art State Arizona and the Town of Sahuarita invite the community to gather beside Sahuarita Lak for an evening of music, food, cultural traditions, artistic expression, and friendly competition at Sahuarita Oktoberfest on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Sahuarita Lake Park. Admission is free.

 

The festival brings Oktoberfest traditions together with the creative character of Southern Arizona. Live polka and folk music, dance, festival foods, a Beer Garden, artisan vendors, games, contests, and hands-on activities invite guests to taste, listen, shop, and play throughout the celebration. 

Authentic German food experiences remain at the heart of the festival. Returning vendors include Haus of Brats, serving bratwurst and German festival specialties; Sahuarita-based Papa’s Pretzels, with fresh-baked pretzels and festival fare; and Col. Mustard’s Hot Dogs / Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice, pairing bratwursts and classic hot dogs with homemade deserts. MP Food Productions adds a broader international flavor with scratch-made specialties including Russian pelmeni, crepes, baked goods, and other dishes.

Guests 21 and older can gather in the Beer Garden, featuring a selection of international and local Oktoberfest-inspired, German, and craft beers. Selections include Dragoon, Radeberger, Warsteiner, Schöfferhofer, Paulaner, and Athletic Brewing. Throughout the park, food and drink become another way to explore the traditions and flavors that have made Oktoberfest celebrations gathering places around the world.

 

The festival’s creative experience extends beyond the plate. The Artisan & Maker Village brings together Arizona artists working in ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry, wood, mixed media, photography, and other creative disciplines. Participating makers include Ceramics By James, Clayarta Pottery Studio, Butterfly Creations Az, Ruthie’s Paintings, Sam’s Museum, Good Great Grater, Canoa Naturals, What a Gem, T.A.G. Custom Laser Engraving, Daisy Mae’s Goat Milk Soap, EntwinedTogether.com, Bijoubywendy, AnnHoff.com, Eve Bigaj, Wild Essence Wellness, and others.

Music, dance, and participation remain central to the evening. Live music begins at 5:00 PM with Retro Polka 7, followed by performances from the Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Festivalgoers can get in on the action during the Sahuarita Sausage Toss Contest at 6:25 PM and the Steinholding Contest at 7:50 PM. Retro Polka 7 returns throughout the evening, closing out the festival with a final performance beginning at 8:10 PM.  

Additional music and festival activities will take place throughout the evening, including live music from polka keyboardist and vocalist Peter Kron, performing in authentic lederhosen, a full kidszone of games and crafts, and a festival photobooth. The festival concludes at 8:30 PM.

From raising a stein to discovering a new artist, learning a dance step, sharing a pretzel, or testing your skills in a festival contest, Sahuarita Oktoberfest is designed around participation. The result is a free community celebration where global traditions and Southern Arizona creativity meet beside the lake.

 

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 
Time: 5:00 PM–8:30 PM 
Location: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Sahuarita, AZ 85629 
Admission: Free 
Website: artstateaz.org/sahuarita-oktoberfest/

 

PERFORMANCE & ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

MAINSTAGE

5:00 PM – Retro Polka 7

6:00 PM – Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble performance

6:25 PM – Sahuarita Sausage Toss Contest 

6:40 PM – Retro Polka 7

7:30 PM – Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble performance

7:50 PM – Steinholding Contest

8:10 PM –Retro Polka 7

8:30 PM – Festival concludes

 

FEATURED FOOD VENDORS

  • Haus of Brats – Bratwurst and German festival specialties 

  • Papa’s Pretzels – Fresh-baked pretzels, baked goods, and festival fare 

  • MP Food Productions – Scratch-made international specialties including Russian pelmeni, crepes, baked goods, and more 

  • Col. Mustard’s Hot Dogs / Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice – Hot dogs, bratwursts, and homemade Italian ice 
     

2026 ARTISAN & MAKER VILLAGE

The 2026 festival includes artists and creative businesses working across ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry, woodworking, mixed media, photography, artisan food, and handcrafted goods.
 

Featured participants include:

  • AnnHoff.com – Drawing and ceramics 

  • Eve Bigaj – Drawing and painting 

  • What a Gem – Jewelry and embellished clothing 

  • Ceramics By James – Ceramics 

  • T.A.G. Custom Laser Engraving, LLC – Mixed media and wood 

  • Daisy Mae’s Goat Milk Soap – Handcrafted beauty products 

  • EntwinedTogether.com – Jewelry and sculpture 

  • Canoa Naturals – Jewelry 

  • Clayarta Pottery Studio – Ceramics and photography 

  • Butterfly Creations Az – Jewelry 

  • Wild Essence Wellness – Artisan food and wellness products 

  • Ruthie’s Paintings – Painting and mixed media 

  • Sam’s Museum – Drawing and mixed media 

  • Good Great Grater – Ceramics 

  • Bijoubywendy – Jewelry and wood 

  • Borderlands Theater – Nonprofit

  • Semper Fi Heating & Cooling – Festival Sponsor

  • Renewal by Andersen – Festival Sponsor
     

WHY IT MATTERS

Sahuarita Oktoberfest shows what can happen when culture becomes something a community experiences together.

Artists sell their work directly to new audiences. Musicians and dancers bring cultural traditions into a public gathering place. Independent food businesses share their craft around the table. 
 

Presented by Art State Arizona in partnership with the Town of Sahuarita Parks & Recreation Department, the festival is part of a broader commitment to making arts and culture accessible in everyday community life while creating meaningful opportunities for the artists, performers, makers, and creative businesses that contribute to Southern Arizona’s cultural identity and economy.

Parking is available in surrounding areas along Rancho Sahuarita Boulevard, with designated overflow parking along Camino Lago Azul and at Anza Trail School. The Rancho Sahuarita parking area includes designated accessible parking near the clubhouse. Volunteers and signage will help direct guests to available parking.

 

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