There’s a particular kind of Saturday that shows up in Klamath Falls every September. The air turns crisp, the light goes gold by six, and half the county ends up in one place for pretzels, local beer, and live music. That’s Klamath Basin Oktoberfest, and it happens right on the Running Y property.
What Klamath Basin Oktoberfest Is (and Why It’s Different for Our Guests)
Hosted by the Klamath County Economic Development Association, Klamath Basin Oktoberfest brings together the region’s breweries, food vendors, and live entertainment for a family-friendly afternoon at the Bill Collier Community Ice Arena, steps from the lodge. Running Y’s own Ruddy Duck Restaurant has served up dishes at the festival in past years, and it’s exactly the kind of local, unpretentious gathering that fits the Running Y way of doing things: good food, good company, and a reason to slow down before the weather turns.
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest 2026 is set for Saturday, September 19. For the day-of schedule, ticket details, and vendor lineup, check klamathoktoberfest.org as the date gets closer. Those specifics tend to firm up a few weeks out.
A Weekend Built Around the Festival
Friday: Arrive, settle in
Check into the lodge or one of the vacation homes and let the drive fall away. Grab dinner at Ruddy Duck (a reservation is a good idea on festival weekend) and turn in early. No agenda tonight, just the quiet that comes with being somewhere new.
Saturday: Oktoberfest, on foot
This is the day. Walk over to the Bill Collier Community Ice Arena. No parking to find, no driving after a stein or two. Spend the afternoon working through the lineup of Southern Oregon brewers and food vendors, catch some live music, and let the kids enjoy the family activities if you’ve brought them along. If you’d rather ease into the day first, a morning round on the Arnold Palmer course or a spa treatment pairs well before the festival gets going. Head back to the resort for a slower evening, or stay out in town if the mood’s still festive.
Sunday: A slower morning
Coffee on the deck, a short walk along the trails, and a checkout that doesn’t feel rushed. If you’ve booked three nights instead of two, this is a good spot to add a day trip to Crater Lake, about an hour north, before heading home.
Booking Around the Festival
September sits right at the edge of shoulder season, and festival weekend fills the lodge faster than a typical fall Saturday. If you’re planning around Oktoberfest, booking a few weeks out gives you the best pick of room type, especially if you want a vacation home for a bigger group. Golf and spa can both be added to your reservation at checkout, so there’s no need to call ahead unless your group is large. Check our current Packages & Offers before you book, since fall availability shifts.
Why Stay, Not Just Drive In
Klamath Falls draws a crowd for Oktoberfest every year, and most of that crowd drives home the same night. Staying at Running Y means the festival is a walk, not a drive, so nobody has to plan around getting back safely after a beer or two. It also means the weekend doesn’t have to end when the festival does. One Saturday afternoon turns into two or three nights of golf, spa time, and Ruddy Duck dinners, without the effort of packing up and leaving that same evening.
Where to Stay
The Lodge suits couples and smaller groups who want to be close to everything, with King or Double Queen rooms a short walk from the ice arena. If you’re bringing a bigger group, or the kids are along for the ride, one of the vacation homes gives everyone more room to spread out after a full day of festival food and live music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klamath Basin Oktoberfest held at Running Y Resort?
Yes. The festival takes place at the Bill Collier Community Ice Arena, located on the Running Y property, so resort guests can walk over rather than drive.
When is Klamath Basin Oktoberfest 2026?
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026. Check klamathoktoberfest.org for the final schedule and ticket information as the date approaches.
Is the festival good for families?
Yes, it’s organized as a family-friendly event with activities for kids alongside the beer and food vendors.
Can I play golf or book a spa treatment the same weekend?
Yes. Both can be added to your reservation at checkout, and pairing a morning round or spa visit with the afternoon festival is a popular way to spend the day.
How far is Running Y from Crater Lake, in case we want to extend the trip?
About an hour’s drive north, making it a straightforward add-on if you’re staying three nights instead of two.
Ready to Plan Your Weekend?
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest only comes around once a year. Book your stay and make it the centerpiece of a proper Southern Oregon fall weekend, not a one-night trip home.
View availability and explore all current offers at runningy.com/offers. Questions? Reach us at (541) 850-5500 or ryfrontdesk@runningy.com.
