Dallas’ Best Oktoberfest Celebrations: Get Your German on With Plenty of Beer — and a Texas Twist

Still upset you never received your invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding? There’s still one Royal Wedding where you’re guaranteed an invite: Oktoberfest.

The first Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810 when the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the nuptials of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Since then the yearly beer and pretzel filled fete has grown and grown — and is now celebrated all over the world.

Thankfully you don’t have to travel far from Dallas to celebrate since Texas’ German roots run deep.

Why not raise a stein to the happy couple at any one of these local Oktoberfests:

Oktoberfest Fort Worth

The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion

395 Pucey Street

Fort Worth

OK so beer has a lot of calories. You might be thinking “How can I maintain my svelte physique whilst also enjoying a stein or two of bier?” Don’t worry, Oktoberfest Fort Worth has you covered with its annual Run and Ride.

Festival goers can sign up for their choice of running and cycling events, from a 20-mile bike ride to an untimed mile fun run. Spaten will be on tap, and should you find yourself getting hungry, Reata restaurant returns for the third year with its German pop-up Reata Haus. Entertainment will include plenty of traditional German music and dance, along with stein carrying competitions.

Don’t miss the Dachshund Dash, no Oktoberfest would be complete without it. Tickets are available online, or they can be purchased at the festival. Everything happens at the Panther Island Pavilion this Thursday, September 27 through Saturday, September 29.

Lake Highlands Oktoberfest

Flag Pole Hill at White Rock Lake

Dallas

If you’d prefer to stay closer to Dallas proper there’s always the Lake Highlands Oktoberfest, an annual one-day celebration hosted by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands. Decidedly less committed to all things German, the event will feature musical performances by Austin based musician Bob Schneider, Tom Petty cover band Petty Theft, Epic Unplugged and Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner.

A diverse array of food vendors makes it possible to satisfy the cravings of everyone in your group should someone prefer pizza or BBQ over a brat. Grab a ticket online and join in the festivities this Saturday, September 29, at Flagpole Hill.

Oktoberfest McKinney

111 N Tennessee Street

McKinney

From September 28th to 30th, Downtown McKinney turns itself into a mini Munich. This weekend’s three-day event will highlight Hofbrau beer as well as suds from local breweries Franconia and TUPPS. Sit down with a crisp apple strudel from Helga’s Strudel or maybe some schnitzel with noodles after exploring Kinder Korner with your children.

Over on the Bavarian Experience Stage you’ll find accordion music, polka, Oom Pah Gah and everything in between. Don’t forget to enter the Gemüetlichkeit or Goodwill Games, which include giant beer pong and bier barrel racing.

Admission is free, however some events and activities may require both pre-registration and payment.

Plano Steinfest

Haggard Park

901 E 15th Street

Plano

Head to Downtown Plano on October 19th and 20th for Steinfest. After filling up your stein, stop by the Marktplatz for some local artisanally made goods before heading to the Whole Foods Market VIP Bier Garden.

Stand out events include Saturday’s children’s yodeling contest and weiner dog fashion show. Splurge on a VIP ticket package which gets you access to the VIP Bier Garden, 20 food and beverage tickets and a commemorative stein.