The beloved Bavarian celebration is set for Sept. 17-20
Addison Oktoberfest is bringing four days of German-inspired food, music, games and plenty of bier to Addison Circle Park this fall.
Presented by Paulaner, the annual celebration is expected to draw about 50,000 visitors Sept. 17-20. While the festival takes its cues from traditional German Oktoberfest celebrations, the Addison version adds plenty of Texas personality, from cumbia and Western swing to corndogs and sweet tea.
Four Stages, Nearly 30 Performers
The 30,000-square-foot Partyhalle tent will serve as the festival’s main entertainment hub, with national and regional polka bands, competitions and a large dance floor.
Performers include Auf Geht’s and five-time Grammy-nominated artist LynnMarie & The Nashville Polka Guys. The Party Zelt will offer a different mix, including AlpenMusikanten, which combines polka and heavy rock, and Graceland Ninjaz, a party band covering hits from five decades.
The Texas Prost Stage will lean into the musical connections between polka and Texas and Mexican traditions. Los Gran Reyes will bring cumbia and accordion music, while Two Bit Swing Band will perform Western swing and North Texas Tornados will showcase conjunto. Metalachi, billed as the world’s first heavy metal mariachi band, will also take the stage.
For those looking to escape the Texas heat, the air-conditioned Kleinhalle will feature singer-songwriters including neo-retro soul musician Quentin Moore.
Games, Rides And A New Silent Disco
There’s plenty happening away from the stages, too. Kids can head to Kidsgarten for arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos, a Root Biergarten and a Mini Masskrug competition for children 12 and younger. A carousel near the entrance will offer free rides for young children.
Adults can check out the new Stiefel Studio, a silent disco featuring a live DJ. The Karneval will return with rides and games, including a Ferris wheel, while Biercadia will offer free-play versions of classic arcade games inside the Addison Performing Arts Centre.
The festival’s Bier Games will include Stein Carrying, Bier Barrel Rolling, Biergarten Bingo and Masskrugstemmen, the traditional stein-hoisting competition. A new Police vs. Fire Masskrugstemmen will take place Friday through Sunday.
Bavarian Food With A Texas Twist
Food remains one of the main attractions, with German favorites including bratwurst, sausage plates, schnitzel, strudel and Oktoberfest Beer Glazed Bacon.
Kaffee and Kuchen will serve German sweets such as Black Forest Cake and Lebkuchenherz, while Texas-inspired options include corndogs, funnel cakes, ice cream and sweet tea.
Beer selections will include Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr varieties, along with Oktoberfest offerings from Texas craft breweries in the Texas Zwei Step area. Guests will be able to vote for their favorite Texas craft beer, with the winning brewery receiving the Golden Stein.
A Beyond the Bar pop-up will also offer zero-proof drinks.
Sunday Is For The Dogs
One of the festival’s most beloved celebrations is also set to return. Sept. 20, will bring back Sunday Hund-Day, when leashed dogs are welcome at the festival.
Photo: Addison Oktoberfest
Dogs can participate in the Pet Parade, including a best-dressed competition, while 100 dachshunds will compete in the annual Dachshund Dash for the Golden Dachshund trophy. Registration is required for the race.
Admission Prices
Thursday, Sept. 17, is free for everyone.
Friday and Saturday admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free.
On Sunday, admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, while anyone 12 and younger can attend for free.
Addison Oktoberfest will take place at Addison Circle Park from Sept. 17-20.
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