Dust off your lederhosen and iron your dirndls, because Oktoberfest season is upon us! Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just in it for the pretzels and polka, we’ve scoured the area to bring you the ultimate guide to the best Oktoberfest celebrations this year.
No need to travel to Munich. You can raise a stein and shout “Prost” in your own backyard. The best part? There’s very little overlap across these upcoming events, so depending on your endurance, you could get your German on for weeks!
When and Where: Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at The Star in Frisco
In its 5th year, Frisco Oktoberfest is the place to raise a stein and enjoy the best of German cuisine, traditional Oktoberfest games, live music, and entertainment all day while sipping on Oktoberfest bier! (Be inspired by the 2023 event photo gallery !)
Food and drink: The bier will be flowing and you’ll find all your favorite festival foods, from authentic elk brats and German sausages to Bavarian pretzels, skillet potatoes, and turkey legs. Enjoy all the traditional Oktoberfest favorites along with some Texas favorites!
Activities: Join in on the fun with a variety of games including the Wiener Dog Race, bier stein-hoisting contests, brat-eating challenges, keg rolling, and stein relays. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, there’s action-packed fun for everyone! To join the activities, register on the day of the event at the Activities Tent located on Tostitos Championship Plaza. The Shiner Stage and Revolver Bandstand will keep the energy high all day long with non-stop live music and entertainment.
“Prost! like a pro” during September and October with Oktoberfest-themed beverages and brats at Frisco’s DogHaus restaurant. Find Paulaner on pour, Jägermeister shots, Oktoberwurst (bier cheese pretzel bratwurst, caramelized onions, grilled sauerkraut, mustard aioli and scallions; on grilled king’s hawaiian rolls) and an Oktoberwurst Burrito (bier cheese pretzel bratwurst, 3 eggs, caramelized onions, scallions, crispy tots, American cheese and spicy mayo).
Oktoberfest at Didi’s Downtown
When and Where: Thursday, September 26 in the Rail District
Visit Didi’s for a night full of festive vibes, delicious German food, and live music! Live Accordionist, Svetlana Ivanchenko, will set the mood with traditional tunes from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Indulge in authentic German favorites like schnitzel, bratwurst, and Bavarian pretzels. Wash it all down with a selection of German Märzen lagers.
Beer and Brats at PGA District
When and Where: Saturday, September 28
Beer enthusiasts are invited to enjoy 12 local craft beers, showcased at tasting stations around the Monument Realty PGA District from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Featured breweries include fan-favorites like Rollertown Beerworks and Martin House Brewing Co., each offering a unique selection that highlights the creativity and passion of North Texas craft brewing.
Guests can choose from two ticket options: Beer only or Beer and Brat. The Beer-only tickets are $30 and include access to all 12 beer tastings. For $42, the Beer and Brat ticket offers the full beer experience plus one brat, served with your choice of toppings and a side of chips.
Register early, as attendance is limited, and the event is expected to sell out! Guests must be 21 or older to participate – photo ID is required at check-in.
When and Where: Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29, Historic Downtown McKinney
McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children’s activities, and much more! View the full schedule of events because you don’t want to miss the beard and mustache competition or the accordion music!
Oktoberfest covers 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all the area has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. McKinney Main Street and the shops in Historic Downtown McKinney will host nonstop activities throughout the weekend.
Admission to McKinney Oktoberfest is FREE for all! Some activities, like the carnival and petting zoo, require coupons available for purchase.
When and Where: Thursday, September 19 – Sunday, September 22
For over 35 years, people have donned dirndls and lederhosen (or have just come as they are) for four days of revelry in German culture, food, music, and bier in the Town of Addison. Experience the sound of polka bands and other traditional entertainers on multiple stages in Addison Circle Park, and participate in special games for bier lovers, kids of all ages, dachshunds, and more.
Reasonably priced tickets for Addison’s “German Fare with a Side of Texas Flair” can be purchased online and details about parking, schedules, and activities are available here.
When and Where: Saturday, September 28, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Legacy Hall, Plano
You’ve probably visited Legacy Hall a time to two while shopping at Legacy West. Where else can you find more than 20 upscale eateries and bars on-site, then stay for live music in the Legacy Beer Garden? Sponsored by Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co, this the Hall’s Oktoberfest will feature live polka and German music all day long. Throw on your lederhosen and enjoy German-themed competitions and games, plus specials on UABC beer.
General admission is $5 but there’s a VIP ticket available for those 21+ that’s packed with extra reasons to say Prost!
Where and When: Saturday, October 12, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., downtown Celina
Hang out in Celina’s charming historic downtown for an unforgettable all-day celebration filled with beer, mouthwatering pretzels, and live music that will have you dancing all night long! Whether you come for the brews, the bratwurst, or just to soak in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
General admission is $5 however…attendees wearing a traditional German lederhosen or dirndl costume will receive FREE admission! All kids 12 years old and under are free to attend. Park and ride shuttles are available to make things easy.
Be sure to bookmark this roundup of local places to celebrate Oktoberfest, because we’ll make updates as we hear about more happenings!