Guide to Oktoberfest in Addison, Texas

Despite the name, Oktoberfest actually takes place in September. The city of Addison plans its Oktoberfest celebration to coincide with the opening of the 16-day celebration in Munich, Germany. USA Today recently rated this Texas event as one of the ten best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in North America.

Oktoberfest Hours
Parking is free and admission prices are based on the time of day.

Thursday September 16
6 pm - 11pm

Friday September 17
6 pm - midnight

Saturday September 18
noon - midnight

Sunday September 19
noon - 5 pm

Authentic German Entertainment
Opening day includes a spelling bee with an Oktoberfest theme and the Oktoberfest Pretzel Run Dog Agility Showcase. On Friday, Mayor Chow will officially tap the first keg of Spaten from Germany. The evening also includes a yodeling contest. Saturday morning begins with the Oktoberfest 5K. The sporty day continues with bier barrel rolling and bier barrel bowling. The Dachshund parade and race take place on Sunday.

Oktoberfest Food and Drink
You will need to purchase coupons (tickets) to purchase food and drink. Coupons are available online and on-site.

The food and beverage offerings include classic Bavarian food as well as fun fair treats, such as cotton candy and funnel cake. There is plenty of German potato salad, sausage and sauerkraut. Beer choices include Spaten Premium Lager, Spaten Oktoberfest and Franziskaner Hefe Weiss. Visit the Oktoberfest website for a complete menu guide with prices.

Family Fun
Addison's Oktoberfest is family-friendly with plenty of entertainment for the kiddies. The attractions include a bounce house, obstacle course face painting, carnival rides and much more. Live entertainment features popular entertainers such as Eddie Coker.

Vendors
If you like shopping, be sure to bring a comfortable bag to hold your haul. Assorted vendors sell everything from authentic German wares to handcrafted soap.

Save Money on Oktoberfest Tickets
Admission fees for Addison's Oktoberfest are affordable, $5 to $10, but you can score free admission on opening day, Thursday, September 16. The hours are a bit shorter than usual -6 pm to 11 pm- but it is a great opportunity to experience the festival.

You can also get free admission by participating in the Oktoberfest 5K on September 18. The race registration fee gets you a free beer (adults only), breakfast and admission to Oktoberfest on race day. The race benefits pediatric cancer research and programs that support Dallas-area children battling cancer. Visit the Oktoberfest 5K website for complete details.

Discounted tickets are available for $5 from noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Albertsons grocery stores also have $5 tickets available.

Sources:
"10 Great Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest", USA Today
Addison Oktoberfest, AddisonTexas.net
Oktoberfest 5K, Oktoberfest5K.com