‘Friendship and beer’: Oktoberfest brings a taste of Germany to Marine base on Okinawa

Bratwurst, polka music and German beer drew nearly 6,000 people to Camp Foster for an Oktoberfest. Nearly 6,000 people attended an Oktoberfest hosted by Marine Corps Community Services on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Oct. 3, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/ Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Bratwurst, polka music and German beer drew nearly 6,000 people to this Marine base over the weekend for an Oktoberfest that brought together Okinawa’s military and local communities. Crowds packed communal tables during Saturday’s five-hour festival, while long lines formed for soft pretzels, bratwurst, funnel cakes and beer. The Polka Brothers, a New York-based group, provided live music. Among the festivalgoers was Lance Cpl. Hans McCanless, a 21-year-old Marine assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 37.

“I am actually a dual citizen — German and U.S.,” said McCanless, a Seattle native who attended with friends. “I heard that there was Oktoberfest going on and might as well come and check it out, see a little bit of German heritage and festivities here.” McCanless said the food and music were highlights, though the size of the crowd was hard to miss. Fukuoka architect Tsutsumi Yukiyoshi poses during Oktoberfest at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Oct. 3, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/ Stars and Stripes) Friends Till Weber, left, and Mark Roberts pose during Oktoberfest at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Oct. 3,