Tapping kegs and a Bavarian buffet: Macktoberfest is coming to Mackinac Island this fall

Categories: Fall Getaway Things to Do

Tags: Fall on Mackinac Island Fall Travel Mackinac Island Macktoberfest

By Island House Hotel on August 11, 2025

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Kegs of specialty beer will be tapped. Accordions will play. And tables will groan under the weight of all the delectable bites offered during a Bavarian-style buffet.

If this sounds more like a beer hall in Munich, you might not be far off. An historic hotel on Mackinac Island will again nod its felt hat in that Oktoberfest direction when it hosts it own version this fall: Macktoberfest.

Island House Hotel will kick things off on Oct. 3 with the beer tapping event on its big front terrace area. Then on Saturday, it’s outdoor Ice House BBQ back garden area, which closes for the season in September, will reopen to host that night’s festivities.

If you’re on the island and want to join in the fun, there are day-of event tickets now available for Macktoberfest.

“Break out the lederhosen and dirndls – it’s time to raise your stein and celebrate fall in true Bavarian style … island-style, that is,“ Island House staff said. ”Join us at Macktoberfest, a festive weekend getaway on Mackinac Island filled with great beer, delicious food, live music and good cheer.”

Want to stay for the weekend? The Island House team has prepped a special weekend package for guests who want to stay overnight at this waterfront lodging spot and enjoy all the pieces of this celebration.

The weekend package includes:

Accommodations in a room style of your choice
Admission to all Macktoberfest events for guests 21+
Access to all Island House Hotel amenities
Luggage transfer to and from the hotel

The Island House is known for its gorgeous porches and expansive view of the island’s harbor and waterfront. We like it because while it’s just steps from Fort Mackinac and downtown, it’s still far enough down Main Street where you feel that busy vibe fade away.

This hotel, like most of the other big resorts on Mackinac, closes for the season in October. So if you’re looking for a last chance to stay on-island this fall, the Macktoberfest deal is a good option.

If you can’t make it that weekend, Island House is offering what they call a One More Night package through mid-October. A fourth night is added for free to midweek stays of three overnights. You can find those details here.

Original Article