North Texas Oktoberfests are right around the corner. Here’s what you should know
Order your lederhosens, Oktoberfest is right around the corner here in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Oktoberfest is traditionally held in Munich, Germany, and showcases German food like sausages, pretzels, potatoes, and, of course, beer. Lucky for us Texans, our state is heavily influenced by German immigrants from the 19th Century.
The festival takes place across the world every late September into early October. It’s the perfect excuse to eat and drink your weight in carbs. But really, here in Texas, it’s also a great way to honor the patchwork of cultures that influence the Lone Star State.
“German immigrants initially sought sanctuary in Texas from political and religious persecution. German Texans influenced life in the Lone Star State—they brought classical and opera music, breweries, biergartens, and their language,” according to the Texas Historical Commission.
Central Texas is where most of the German culture is influenced by towns like Fredericksburg and Boerne, which were founded by German settlers. Regardless, North Texas still celebrates Oktoberfest because who doesn’t want to drink some good brews accompanied by pub cheese and sausage?
Here are four North Texas Oktoberfests and everything you need to know about them. Prost!
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Sept. 26-28
Trinity Park: 401 University Dr.
Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight
With ticket purchase by Sept. 25 comes with a free stein.
Children 12 and under are free.
Tickets sold online and in person at the gate (though it’s recommended to purchase online beforehand)
Thursday tickets are $10, Friday and Saturday tickets are $15, and 3-day passes are $20.
Activities include a 5k run on Sept. 28 and a carnival with games.
Live music with bands from Bavaria, such as the Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Alpenmusikanten, Walburg Boys, and the Happy Hour Oktoberfestband.
Addison Oktoberfest
Sept. 19-22
Addison Circle Park: 4970 Addison Circle, Addison
Free parking along Dallas Parkway with addresses listed on their website
Thursday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday: 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday: noon to midnight, Sunday: noon to 6 p.m.
Tickets are sold online and in person at the gate (though it’s recommended to purchase online beforehand)
Thursday is free for all ages, and no tickets are required. Single-day general admission for Friday and Saturday is free for children 5 and under, $5 for children between 5 and 12, and $15 for adults 13+. Sunday admission is free for all children 12 and under and $10 for adults 13+.
Sunday is the only day dogs are allowed and with no extra cost.
Games, shopping, and live music are included.
McKinney Oktoberfest
Sept. 27-29
McKinney Main Street: 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney
Admission and parking is free.
Friday: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. happy hour with a 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. general admission, Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Beard and mustache competition, Weiner Dog races, and Keg Tapping activities.
Petting zoos, carnivals, food, and drink are available to purchase with a credit card.
Southlake Oktoberfest
Oct. 11-13
Southlake Town Square: 285 Grand Ave., Southlake
“Parking is available in the Town Square parking garages and there is also shuttle service from White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, corner of Southlake Blvd. and 185 S. White Chapel Blvd.”
Admission is free.
Friday: 4 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., Sunday: noon to 7 p.m.
Register for the weiner dog race or their costume contest.
Dogs allowed.
Cashless facility, must have a credit card to purchase concessions.