Non-Profit Organizations

Milwaukee Oktoberfest invites local clubs, cultural organizations, and nonprofit groups to be part of our community celebration on Milwaukee’s lakefront. This is your chance to:

• Showcase your mission

• Engage with thousands of attendees

• Fundraise or share educational materials

• Recruit volunteers or members

• Celebrate Milwaukee’s diverse civic spirit

• Sell branded merchandise or host raffles (with appropriate permitting)

• Offer games, demos, or interactive experiences

• Provide literature, sign-ups, or awareness campaigns

• Fundraise (pending approval)

• Celebrate cultural heritage, arts, or traditions

• Fee: $200 for a 10’ x 10’ booth space
  (fee may be waived for qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits with no sales)

• Booth Includes: Listing on our website and marketing opportunities

• Setup: October 1–2, 2025 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

• Tear-Down: October 5, 2025 (after 6:00 PM)

• Operating Hours:

  • Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Completed application form (below)

2. Description of your club or nonprofit's mission

3. Proof of 501(c)(3) status

4. Description of planned booth activity (including any items for sale or fundraising)

5. Certificate of Insurance (if applicable)

Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: August 22, 2025

By submitting this application and participating in Milwaukee Oktoberfest, all nonprofit organizations and club exhibitors agree to the following terms and conditions:

This application is open to:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

• Community groups, civic clubs, cultural societies, educational institutions, and veteran or heritage organizations

All groups must provide a brief description of their mission and intended booth activity. All applications are subject to review and approval by Milwaukee Oktoberfest organizers.

• Standard participation fee is $200 per 10’x10’ booth.

• Payment (if applicable) is due within 10 business days of acceptance.

• No refunds will be issued after September 1, 2025, unless the event is canceled by organizers.

Setup:

• Friday, October 3, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• All booths must be fully set up by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3.

Operating Hours:

• Friday, October 3: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday, October 4: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Sunday, October 5: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tear-Down:

• Sunday, October 5 | 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Early tear-down is not permitted.

Booths may be used for:

• Outreach and education

• Volunteer or member recruitment

• Fundraising (with advance approval)

• Sale of branded merchandise (e.g., shirts, mugs, pins, raffle tickets)

• Interactive activities or family-friendly games

Prohibited Activities:

• Sale of food, beverages, alcohol, or commercial products

• Political campaigning or lobbying

• Distribution of offensive or inappropriate materials

• Use of amplified sound without permission

All activity must be disclosed in the original application and approved by the event team.

• Nonprofits engaging in any fundraising, product sales, or interactive activities must provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 coverage.

• The certificate must name both “Milwaukee Oktoberfest” and “Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.” as additional insured

Participating groups are responsible for:

• Bringing their own tent, table, chairs, signage, and displays

• Maintaining a clean, safe, and visually engaging booth space

• Staffing their booth during all festival operating hours

• Ensuring any handouts, games, or interactions are safe, family-friendly, and culturally respectful

• Representatives must act professionally and courteously at all times.

• No harassment, aggressive behavior, or public intoxication will be tolerated.

• Groups must remain within the footprint of their assigned space and may not distribute materials beyond their booth.

• Milwaukee Oktoberfest is a celebration of community—respect for all backgrounds, traditions, and guests is expected.

Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Kegel’s Inn, Swarmm Events, and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. assume no responsibility for loss, theft, injury, or damages incurred by vendors.

Participating groups agree to indemnify and hold harmless all festival organizers and affiliates from any claims, actions, or liabilities related to their participation.

This is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of extreme weather, acts of God, public emergencies, or unforeseen venue restrictions, organizers may adjust or cancel the event. No refunds will be issued unless publicly announced by organizers.

Information submitted in the application will be securely stored and used solely for festival planning, communications, and promotional outreach. Milwaukee Oktoberfest will not sell or distribute your data without permission.

By submitting your application and participating in Milwaukee Oktoberfest, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the above terms.