March 2024

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Event Producer: Debbie Farquhar Reeh
 

Oktoberfest Celebrates 44 Years of Texas Gemütlichkeit

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Oompah at its Best, the aroma of sizzling bratwurst, and the cries of prosit once again herald the arrival of Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas, October 4-6, 2024. For three full days, the whole world is invited to sing, toast and dance at one of Fredericksburg’s favorite festivals, in its 44th year of celebrating the spirit of Texas gemütlichkeit! 

 

FREDERICKSBURG, TX – In 2023 Oktoberfest received some outstanding accolades - USA Today, Ten Best – Oktoberfest placed #6; Viator, 7 of the Biggest and Best Oktoberfest Celebrations in the U.S. #4; Seeker, The 18 Best Oktoberfest Events in the U.S. for 2023 #6; Two Scots Abroad, Prost!! 20 Best Oktoberfests in the USA #6; Trips to Discover, Top 15 Oktoberfest Celebrations in the U.S. #11;  Listed by State in Texas, Oktoberfests Near Me - The Best Oktoberfests in All 50 States; Time-Out, Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in the U.S. #8; Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post, Best Festival, voted by the community. All such an honor for Oktoberfest.

 

Among the most popular events and adding more excitement over the course of the weekend are Friday’s OkTubaFest, meet-the-makers with the Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery) Brewmaster and the Leinenkugel team, and the Altstadt Waltz Contest. Saturday’s events include the family-favorite Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, the Samuel Adams Stein Hoist, the Weihenstephan Polka Contest, and the Altstadt Keg Tapping. To close out the weekend on Sunday, visitors can participate in the Real Estate Advisory Team’s 42 Tournament and the Family Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest. 

 

Five covered stages host a continuous parade of entertainers. The focus is the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with exhibitions, contests, and plenty of opportunities for dancing - including the irresistible “Chicken Dance!” Bands scheduled to perform this year are Blaskapelle Lüchtringen (from Germany), Czech & Then Some, Czechaholics, Comal Community Band, Schuhplattlers, Walburg Boys, Seven Dutchmen, Polkamatics, Chris Rybak, Cloverleaf Orchestra, Der Klein Steins, Red Ravens, Yodel Blitz, Ennis Czech Boys, The Oompahs, Pivo & Polka Band, TubaMeisters, Boerne Village Band, Round Top Brass Band, Jodie Mikula, Off The Grid, Hermann Sons/Arion Männerchor, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, Sax Appeal, The Cloverleafs and Mario’s Accordion.

 

Oktoberfest attracts many visitors just for the shopping opportunities. Over thirty juried artisans from across the state fill two big tents, offering their best arts and collectibles. In another tent, a select group of local hill country artists will be selling their fine art to the public in a rare showing. Many find it the ideal opportunity to start their holiday shopping with many unique, handmade gift items.

 

Of course, the best part of any celebration in Fredericksburg is the hearty menu of delicious German and American foods. Our food concessionaires will be serving up a variety of sausage on a stick and plates with kraut, potato pancakes, plus other scrumptious goodies. Adventurous tasters can sample over 50 varieties of German, American, Texan and other imported beers.

 

Oktoberfest is a time for the youngsters as well. Kids can play to their heart’s content on the jumping castle, visit our face painter, try their hand at six hi-strikers, or enjoy other fun games and activities, including a story teller.

 

Since its inception in 1981, Oktoberfest has been presented by the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance. Community volunteers provide the labor, and all Oktoberfest proceeds are used for student scholarships, gifts and grants, the Marktplatz Musical Evenings Series, and to support the local arts.

 

Oktoberfest hours are 6:00 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10:00 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15, $1 for children 7-12, and children 6 and under are free. Two-day passes are $20; three-day passes are $25. 

 

More information on Oktoberfest and Fredericksburg is available by calling 830-997-4810, or visit www.oktoberfestinfbg.com.