Octoberfest adds country stage for 2026; see the full lineup

Nashville Pipeline performs in Appleton June 23, 2026, as part of Octoberfest's announcement of the addition of a country music stage for the 2026 festival. PC: Fox 11 Online

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Octoberfest is adding a country music stage to this year’s festival.

Organizers of the annual party in downtown Appleton announced the entertainment lineup for the 2026 event on Tuesday.

It consists of five stages, each presenting a different genre of music.

“Every year, we strive to improve the festival for our more than 300,000 event attendees,” explained Paul Schrode, chairman of the Chamber’s Octoberfest Committee. “The addition of a country music stage is something that has been long anticipated, and we are excited to be able to bring this highly requested entertainment to one of our event stages. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see The Love Monkeys during the band’s final tour season.”

The weekend starts with the License to Cruise classic car show on Sept. 25. Octoberfest follows the next day.

Schedule of performances:

Friday, Sept. 25

License to Cruise Stage, Houdini Plaza 

1. DJ 3-6 p.m.
2. Boogie and the Yo-Yoz 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26

Rock Stage, W. College Avenue 

1. Road Trip 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
2. Boxkar 1-2:30 p.m.
3. Glam Band 3-5:30 p.m.

Pop Stage, Division Street 

1. Star 69 10-11:30 a.m.
2. Ask Your Mother Noon-2:30 p.m.
3. The Love Monkeys (Last Tour) 3-5:30 p.m.

Hard Rock Stage, Superior Street 

1. Mistakes Were Made 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
2. Krestfall 1-3 p.m.
3. Trash Pandas 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Alternative Stage, Houdini Plaza 

1. Mistrial 9-11 a.m.
2. Appleton Rock School 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
3. Listening Party 2-3:30 p.m.
4. Kyle Megna & The Monsoons 4-5:30 p.m.

Country Stage, Morrison Street 

1. The 308s 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2. Grand Union 2-3:30 p.m.
3. Nashville Pipeline 4-5:30 p.m.