Macktoberfest returns to Mackinac Island October 9–10, 2026, with Bavarian-inspired food, beer and wine, live music and two nights of fall fun. Hosted by Island House Hotel, this 21-and-older celebration begins with Friday’s Kick-Off Keg Tapping and continues with Saturday’s Main Event at Ice House BBQ.

For 906 Club members, Macktoberfest is also a chance to earn rewards while turning the celebration into a complete fall weekend. Stay at Island House Hotel, dine at participating restaurants and explore more of the places you already enjoy on Mackinac Island.

Here is how to plan your Macktoberfest weekend and make the most of every moment.

What Is Macktoberfest?

Macktoberfest is an Oktoberfest-style celebration with a Mackinac Island twist. Crisp fall air and a historic waterfront setting create the backdrop for firkin tapping, Bavarian food, beer and wine, accordion-led fun, live music and the always-popular stein-holding contest.

The celebration is a great reason to plan an October getaway with someone special or gather a group of friends for a festive weekend. Returning guests can revisit their favorite Macktoberfest traditions, while first-time attendees can discover one of the most spirited fall events on Mackinac Island.

Guests can attend by booking the Macktoberfest Weekend Package at Island House Hotel or purchasing event tickets separately. Both options include plenty of good cheer.

Friday Evening: Tap the Firkin and Start the Celebration

Macktoberfest begins Friday evening outside Island House Hotel with the Kick-Off Keg Tapping. Guests gather around as a firkin, a traditional small cask, is tapped for the ceremonial first pour of the weekend.

An accordion player leads the crowd in songs, chants and dances while beer, wine and Bavarian-inspired appetizers are served. Games add to the fun, and lederhosen and dirndls are always encouraged.

After the firkin is tapped and the first celebration winds down, follow the music downtown to Mary’s Bistro Draught House. The Kielbasa Kings take the stage for an energetic night of live music, keeping the Macktoberfest spirit going well into the evening. Mary’s is a participating 906 Club restaurant, so remember to provide the phone number connected to your account when making eligible purchases.

Saturday Evening: Raise Your Stein at the Main Event

Saturday evening, Macktoberfest moves behind Island House Hotel to Ice House. The back garden becomes a lively outdoor beer hall filled with Bavarian flavors, music and friendly competition.

Each guest receives a souvenir glass beer stein to use throughout the night as servers keep the beer flowing. Wine is also included in the open bar, and an all-you-can-eat Bavarian buffet provides plenty to enjoy between songs and contests.

The Kielbasa Kings return with live music that gets the crowd singing and dancing. One of the biggest highlights is the stein-holding contest, where guests test their strength to see who can hold a full stein out the longest. Add in games and prizes, and the Main Event quickly becomes a night worth returning for year after year.

Stay at the Center of Macktoberfest

The Macktoberfest Weekend Package makes Island House Hotel the center of your fall getaway. The package includes a two-night stay from October 9–11, 2026, and admission to Friday’s Kick-Off Keg Tapping and Saturday’s Main Event for guests age 21 and older.

Both events take place just steps from the hotel. Friday’s celebration is held outside Island House, while Ice House BBQ is located directly behind the property. Between festivities, the hotel’s waterfront location keeps downtown shops, restaurants and favorite island sights within easy reach.

Island House Hotel has welcomed guests since 1852 and offers a warm, historic place to settle in during the quieter fall season. Begin the morning with views of the harbor, spend the day beneath the changing leaves and return to the hotel when it is time to raise another stein.

906 Club members earn 5% back on eligible Island House Hotel stays, adding another benefit to a weekend already filled with reasons to celebrate.

Book the Macktoberfest Weekend Package

Join the Events Without the Lodging Package

Already have accommodations or live on Mackinac Island? Macktoberfest tickets are available separately, so you can join the celebration without booking the hotel package.

Purchase admission to the official Macktoberfest events, gather your friends and meet us at Island House Hotel. Advance tickets are recommended because event space is limited.

Purchase Macktoberfest Tickets

Make Your Macktoberfest Weekend More Rewarding

The 906 Club is free to join and rewards members for visiting participating Mackinac Island businesses. Members earn 10% back on eligible dining and shopping purchases, plus 5% back on eligible lodging and gift card purchases.

Your membership is connected to your phone number, so there is no card to carry. Provide your number at checkout to earn or redeem rewards at participating locations, including Island House Hotel, Mary’s Bistro Draught House, Ice House BBQ, the 1852 Grill Room, Ryba’s Fudge Shops and more.

Not a member yet? Join before Macktoberfest and begin earning during your fall getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macktoberfest and 906 Club

When is Macktoberfest 2026?

Macktoberfest takes place Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island. The lodging package is available for a two-night stay from October 9–11.

What happens during Macktoberfest?

Friday’s Kick-Off Keg Tapping includes a ceremonial firkin tapping, Bavarian-inspired appetizers, beer and wine, games and accordion-led songs, chants and dances. Saturday’s Main Event includes an open bar, an all-you-can-eat Bavarian buffet, music from the Kielbasa Kings, dancing, games, prizes and a stein-holding contest.

Do I have to stay at Island House Hotel to attend?

No. You can book the Macktoberfest Weekend Package with lodging and admission to both events, or purchase event tickets separately if you already have accommodations.

Is Macktoberfest for adults only?

Yes. Macktoberfest is a 21-and-older event, and all attendees must be at least 21 years old.

Can I earn 906 Club rewards during Macktoberfest weekend?

Yes. Members can earn rewards on eligible purchases at participating businesses, including 5% back on Island House Hotel lodging and 10% back on eligible dining and shopping purchases. Event admission and inclusions may not qualify separately, so members should provide their account phone number when making eligible purchases.

How do I join the 906 Club?

The 906 Club is free to join. Your account is connected to your phone number, which you can provide at participating businesses to earn or redeem rewards.