MEDIA RELEASE: 09/23/25
AUTHORITY: Carol Webb, City Administrator
At its recent meeting, the Marshalltown City Council voted to keep the annual Oktemberfest celebration in downtown Marshalltown, following discussion of recommendations from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The decision followed a late reversal from HHS, which had earlier communicated that it was safe to hold the event downtown but then issued a recommendation against it about ninety minutes before the Council meeting, which was held the night before the vendors were scheduled to begin Oktemberfest event set-up on Tuesday.
Oktemberfest is not a City-sponsored event, it is organized independently by a nonprofit volunteer committee. The City’s role is limited to the standard permitting process for use of public spaces.
The Council’s decision ensures that permits already issued remain valid, while also making clear that attendance at the festival is a matter of personal choice. We encourage residents to consider their own health circumstances and make the decision that is right for them and their families.
“We want the community to know that the Council did not make this decision lightly. We take the recommendations seriously and will continue communicating with HHS and the Marshall County Public Health Director”, stated City Administrator Webb.
Oktemberfest is scheduled to take place Thursday, September 25th through Sunday, September 28th in downtown Marshalltown and will feature live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and cultural celebrations.
For updates on Legionnaires’ disease in Marshall County, visit hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information. For information about Oktemberfest, visit www.oktemberfest.com