ARSENAL OKTOBERFEST RETURNS SEPTEMBER 18 — FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Quad Cities community is invited to experience Rock Island Arsenal like never before at Arsenal Oktoberfest, Friday, Sept. 18, from 4–9 p.m. on the lawn of historic Quarters One.

ARSENAL OCTOBERFEST

Admission is FREE, and the event is open to the public beginning at 3 p.m. While no visitor pass is required to enter Rock Island Arsenal for this event, guests are required to present a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID at the gate.

a table topped with lots of glasses of beer

Enjoy an evening packed with FREE entertainment and activities, including:

• Live music from the Gutenberg German Band from 4–6 p.m., followed by a DJ from 6–9 p.m.
• Horse-drawn wagon rides
• Tours of historic Quarters One
• Face painting
• Bounce houses and yard games
• German games and competitions, including Stein holding, Keg Throw, and Hammer
  & Nail
• Best Dressed Contest — lederhosen and dirndls encouraged!

ONE BIERGARTEN, 11 LOCAL BREWERIES.

The Biergarten is open from 4–8 p.m. and features 11 local breweries pouring a variety of craft beer samples.

Bent River Brewing Co. • Big Grove Brewery • Five Cities Brewing • Front Street Brewery • Geneseo Brewing Co. • Great River Brewery • Industry Brewing • Midwest Ale Works • Reserve Artisan Ales • Seven Hills Brewing Co. • Twin Span Brewing

Biergarten admission is $35 and includes a commemorative Arsenal Oktoberfest sampling glass, lanyard, commemorative pin, wristband, event beer menu/map, and 60 beer sampling tickets.

Guests can also purchase food from on-site food trucks, including German favorites, along with additional food and beverages available throughout the event.

EASY IN. SAFE RIDE HOME.

Guests may enter through the Rock Island Gate, park in the designated Oktoberfest parking area immediately inside the gate, and ride the FREE trolley directly to Quarters One from 3–9:30 p.m.

Uber and other rideshare drivers may enter the Arsenal during special event access hours with a valid driver's license and pick up guests at the designated rideshare area inside the Rock Island Gate.

NEW THIS YEAR: DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM

Have a Biergarten ticket? Register your Designated Driver for FREE! Designated Drivers receive a FREE meal, FREE soda and water all night, plus entry into drawings for $50 gift cards.

• Arsenal Oktoberfest
• Friday, September 18, 2026
• 4–9 PM | Biergarten 4–8 PM
• Quarters One Lawn, Rock Island Arsenal FREE admission | $35 Biergarten
• FREE trolley service 3–9:30 PM
• No visitor pass required beginning at 3 PM