St. Mary's Oktoberfest Combines Tradition and Fun for Exciting Alton Weekend
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, an Alton staple since 1858, will host Oktoberfest to support its parish, school and outreach while inviting the wider community to take part in the celebration.
St. Mary’s Oktoberfest Preview: Food, Music and Family Activities in Alton
ALTON - The community can enjoy a favorite Alton tradition at the upcoming St. Mary’s Oktoberfest.
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From Friday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, St. Mary’s Catholic Church will host their annual Oktoberfest featuring food, beer, live music, kids’ activities, raffles and more fun. Carolyn Simansky, one of the organizers, shared that the festival is a great chance to celebrate the church’s history, raise money for their parish and school, and enjoy an Alton tradition.
“It’s nice that it’s our community, but it’s also the wider Alton community coming together, and just to be together and as a community and to do that work together,” Simansky said. “We’re glad we can provide some fun for the community.”
The weekend starts with DJ Dave at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be onsite from 4–8 p.m. at Langdon & 3rd. At 5 p.m., festival food, drinks, merchandise, kids’ activities and inflatables open and run until 11 p.m.
A 5K kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, followed by a one-mile fun run about five minutes later. From 7–10 p.m., adults can enjoy Casino Night, with plenty of gaming opportunities. The Glendale Riders play on the main stage until 11 p.m.
The main festival day is set for Saturday, Oct. 10. Grounds open at 1 p.m., featuring kids’ games, inflatables and more fun. St. Louis Express will play on the main stage until 4 p.m., and DJ Dave will spin tunes until 6 p.m. in the Kids Games Square.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Oktoberfest keg-tapping will take place on the main stage. This keg is from Germany and features an authentic German Oktoberfest beer. According to tradition, the first keg runs free.
People can also participate in confessions from 4–5 p.m. and again from 7–8 p.m. inside the church. There will be a Vigil Mass in the church at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.
DJ Dave will offer karaoke from 6–9 p.m. for all to enjoy. Porch Cafe takes the main stage from 7–10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, the festival centers faith and family. There will be Mass at 6:30 and 8 a.m. inside the church. Parishioners and guests can also enjoy a Mass in the Grass at 11 a.m. at Barth/Garfield Park. This special service promises to be powerful.
After Mass, kids’ games and inflatables will be available until 8 p.m. Soulshine will take the stage from 12–4 p.m. while the St. Louis Express grooves on the main stage from 1–4 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m., a steinholding competition will take place under the main tent. Attendees can also enjoy bingo in Suddes Hall or Jake Vaughn Music, featuring line dancing, from 5–8 p.m. Wherehouse Project plays from 5:30–8 p.m.
There are also several basket raffles and silent auction items available. These items are donated by local businesses and community members, and you can bid throughout the day on Oct. 10 at Suddes Hall or online. You can also enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win $10,000 or nine other cash prizes, with the winner announced at 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 11.
Simansky shared that St. Mary’s Catholic Church has been an Alton staple since 1858. They then opened a school for preschool to eighth grade students.
Today, St. Mary’s is a well-known Alton spot that brings people together. Oktoberfest allows them to continue this work.
“We just love Jesus and like to spread His name around. The Oktoberfest helps us to facilitate that through the year because it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” she said. “We do the Lord’s work, but also, we’ve just been a member of the Alton community since 1858, so it’s a landmark. St. Mary’s Church is a landmark in Alton. The children that we educate and help support there, we have outreach to people who are in need, and just spreading the gospel to everyone — we do all that work all the time, all year long.”
Simansky and her team hope to welcome many people throughout Oktoberfest weekend. They look forward to sharing their mission and fun with the community.
For more information about Oktoberfest, visit the official website. To learn more about St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School, check out their official website.
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