Hanover, PA — Main Street Hanover is excited to announce the Second Annual Oktoberfest, returning to Downtown Hanover on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as part of September’s 2nd Saturday celebration.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, this year’s Oktoberfest promises an even bigger and more festive experience featuring German-inspired food, live music, local craft beverages, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore Downtown Hanover.

“After the wonderful response to our first Oktoberfest, we’re thrilled to bring this celebration back for its second year,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “It’s a great way to bring people downtown, showcase our local businesses, and celebrate Hanover’s community spirit while enjoying a taste of Germany.”

A Day of German-Inspired Food, Music & Fun

The Oktoberfest Food Stroll will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring German-inspired dishes, desserts, and beverages from participating downtown businesses.

Participating businesses include:

• Little Fox Coffee & Books — Lebkuchen Latte
• The Cake Bar — German Chocolate Cake Cups
• Dawg Gone Bees — Traditional German Honey Cake (Honigkuchen)
• Aldus Brewing Company Dolphin & Anchor Pub — Honey Roasted Almonds, sodas, and water
• Cultivated Essentials Co. — German-Inspired Pretzel & Cheese Spread
• The Sea Gypsy — Bienenstich Cake or Streusel
• The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary — Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Pancakes
• Cherry Tree Lane Vacations — German-Inspired Gingerbread Cookies
• Wren and Bluebird Boutique — Revonah Pretzels

Oktoberfest Food Stroll tickets are $30 and include German-inspired food and non-alcoholic beverages at select stops, an Oktoberfest wristband, festive accessories, and a map of participating destinations.

An optional $10 Beer Flight Voucher, valued at $15, will allow guests 21 and older with valid photo ID to enjoy a flight at participating downtown breweries and meadery locations, including Dolphin & Anchor BrewPub by Aldus Brewing, Lydian Stone Brewing, Fat Bat Brewing Co., Lighthouse 153, and Dawg Gone Bees.

Live German Music in Center Square

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Blaskapelle Shippensburg German Band will perform live in Center Square, providing an authentic German soundtrack for the celebration.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy the music under the tent.

Beer Stein Hoisting Competition Returns

One of Oktoberfest’s most popular attractions will return at 2:30 p.m. with the Beer Stein Hoisting Competition, hosted by Hanover improviser, producer, and writer Brian Shea.

Participants will test their endurance by holding a 1-liter beer stein with a straight arm for as long as possible. The last person standing will be crowned the winner.

Competition Details:

• Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m.
• Competition begins promptly at 2:30 p.m.
• Registration is $25 per person
• Participants must be 21 years of age or older with valid photo ID

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $50 cash + beer merchandise
• 2nd Place: $30 cash + beer merchandise
• 3rd Place: $20 cash + beer merchandise

Prizes are sponsored by Dolphin & Anchor Brew Pub by Aldus Brewing.

Following the competition, guests can stick around for Oktoberfest-themed trivia at 3:00 p.m., also hosted by Brian Shea.

More 2nd Saturday Activities Downtown

Oktoberfest will be joined by a variety of other 2nd Saturday activities throughout Downtown Hanover, including a Cornhole Tournament hosted by the Hanover Borough Parks & Recreation Department from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., face painting from 12:00–1:30 p.m., and activities, shopping, food, and entertainment at downtown businesses and organizations.

Additional activities include storytime and children’s crafts with the Hanover Area Artists Guild, a local artist vendor pop-up at Fat Bat Brewing Company, storytime at Little Fox Coffee & Books, Open House Tours and a military display at The Neas House, and special offerings at Cultivated Essentials Co., Lydian Stone Brewing Company, and The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary.

A Celebration for the Whole Family

The Second Annual Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, with children welcome when accompanied by a guardian. While alcoholic beverages and the Beer Stein Hoisting Competition are limited to guests 21 and older with valid photo ID, attendees of all ages can enjoy the food, music, shopping, activities, and festive atmosphere.

Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, the local businesses, the competition, or simply a fun day downtown, Main Street Hanover invites the community to celebrate Oktoberfest together.

Raise your steins, bring your appetites, and join us for the Second Annual Oktoberfest! Prost!

Main Street Hanover’s 2nd Saturdays initiative is designed to increase foot traffic, support local businesses, and foster collaboration among downtown merchants and organizations through monthly themed events, promotions, and community activities.

Group rates and discounts are available by contacting Main Street Hanover directly. The event will take place rain or shine.

For tickets or additional information, visit [mainstreethanover.org]MainStreetHanover.org or contact Main Street Hanover at mainstreethanover@gmail.com

Sponsors

Main Street Hanover gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2026 Community Sponsors:
Campbells Snacks, Brightspeed Fiber Internet, and WellSpan Health

As well as its 2026 2nd Saturdays Advocate Sponsors:
Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc., Brittany Lingg – Iron Valley Real Estate, Cherry Tree Lane Vacations, Hanover Auto Team, Home Association of McSherrystown, Mason Dixon Settlements, Renewal by Andersen, and Texas Roadhouse.