Best Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Austin

The sweet smell of freshly baked pretzels wafts through the air and delights our senses as we ascend rickety, centuries-old cobblestone stairs. My mouth is watering and I’m already craving that wonderful Duesseldorf mustard that typically serves as a dip for Bavarian pretzels.

If we were in Munich, I would be ordering that with a big jug of bubbly Apfelschorle – a fantastic drink filled to the brim with apple juice and mineral water – and cozying on up at some large dinner table to enjoy the Polka music, booming loudly through one of the myriad of Bier Halls during Oktoberfest.

However, just because I won’t be heading off to Germany this fall, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some wonderful Oktoberfest celebrations going on here in Austin.

In fact, with our city’s heritage of German immigrants, I would say Austin does Oktoberfest really well. Official celebrations kick off mid-September and run through the middle of October. Since this Germany holiday is meant to be a family event, grab your kids and check out one (or more) of these upcoming celebrations taking place through the city!

  1. Oktoberfest at Black Sheep Lodge (Sept. 15 from 2-11 pm)

It’s that time again! Black Sheep Lodge is celebrating it’s 10th Annual Oktoberfest, and they are throwing a party to celebrate beer. There will be a Stein Holding Contest, Hammerschloogen, Brats, Pretzels and all the Oktoberfest beer. Black Sheep Lodge is located at 2108 South Lamar. For more info email [email protected]

  1. Austoberfest at the Scholz Garten (Sept. 29 from 5-11 pm)

This year, the Austin Saengerrunde will celebrate the 6th Annual Austin Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten & Saengerrunde Halle in the Capitol area, the oldest continuously operating tavern in the state. This festival celebrates German heritage in Texas with beer, sausage, live music and bowling! Admission includes Texas German Bier tastings and unlimited German-style sausage from some of Central Texas’ best meat purveyors, including Miller’s LeRoy and Lewis, Southside Market, and more.

(And just in case you were wondering what a Saengerrunde is: In 1852, German settlers in Austin formed this traditional singing group. On February 8, 1879, the group officially organized as a singing society bearing the name “Saengerrunde”. It is the oldest ethnic organization in Austin. Pretty cool stuff).

  1. Oktoberfest at the Texas German Heritage Society (Oct. 13 from 11 am – 7 pm)

Come and enjoy a Biergarten, German Food, Live Music on Stage and Kids Entertainment at the Annual Authentic German Oktoberfest, on October 13th, 2018. Bring your Lederhosen and Dirndel, if you have one This is a family oriented Oktoberfest held at the German-Texan Heritage Society at the Texas German Free School at 507 E. 10th Street downtown from 11:00 am til 7:00pm. There is an entrance fee, usually around $5. Tickets will be going on sale for purchase online soon.

  1. Oktoberfest in Southlake (Oct. 5-7)

This year will mark the 17th anniversary of the Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Southlake’s Chamber of Commerce! Over 100,000 people visit throughout the weekend festival! Attendance is completely free. 

Come take a stroll in Southlake’s beautiful Town Square while looking at the unique, handcrafted arts and crafts booths. Great food and live entertainment are also at your fingertips during this fun-filled event. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area!

Don’t forget to sign up your dog to participate in the popular wiener dog race!

  1. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg (October 5-7)

For family-friendly fun, Fredericksburg is celebrating Oktoberfest throughout the weekend of October 5-7. Expect live music, a children’s area, an artisan market, German food, a fun run, and more at 100 West Main Street, Fredericksburg. This one would obviously be a bit of a drive, but it looks amazing and perhaps the most kid-friendly event of them all!

      6. Wurstfest (Nov. 2-11)

Wurstfesr is a unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! It’s located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment. It all happens at Wurstfest! The best ten days in sausage history.

 

What are your favorite Oktoberfest activities?

Michelle Reyes
Michelle Ami Reyes (PhD) is a midwest gal at heart, who loves all things football, BBQ, and a really good pair of boots. Having lived in Austin for over 9 years now, she keeps her days busy as a homeschool mom of two and as a cultural intelligence coach. When she's not doing consultant work (or is knee-deep in art projects and history lessons about ancient empires), you can find her reading an epic fantasy novel, doing ridiculously hard puzzles, or cheering on the Vikings. Follow her on Instagram at @michelleamireyes.

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