\n Addison Oktoberfest Returns Sept. 17\u201320 At Addison Circle Park | Image by Addison Oktoberfest\/Facebook <\/p>\n
Tiny dogs racing for a crown and competitors struggling to keep five-pound beer steins aloft will be among the attractions when Addison Oktoberfest opens Thursday.<\/p>\n
The four-day festival<\/a> returns September 17\u201320 at Addison Circle Park, bringing German food, beer gardens, live music, dancing and family activities to North Texas. General admission is free on opening night.<\/p>\n For nearly 40 years, Addison has hosted the Munich-inspired celebration, combining Bavarian traditions with Texas hospitality.<\/p>\n Festival Hours And Admission<\/p>\n The official festival schedule lists these hours:<\/p>\n Thursday, September 17: 5\u201311 p.m. Visitors can review admission options and reserved-table packages through the official ticket portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Souvenir packages should not be confused with admission tickets. The festival\u2019s \u201cOktoberfest Paket\u201d includes a commemorative stein, a Paulaner beer and a lapel pin, but admission is sold separately.<\/p>\n How Long Can You Hold A Stein?<\/p>\n One of the festival\u2019s signature competitions offers a deceptively simple challenge: hold a full one-liter beer stein straight out at shoulder height longer than everyone else.<\/p>\n The traditional Bavarian contest, called Masskrugstemmen<\/a>, requires contestants to keep one arm fully extended and parallel to the ground. Leaning backward or using the body to support the arm is prohibited.<\/p>\n The filled stein weighs approximately five pounds.<\/p>\n On-site registration costs $25 and includes the filled glass stein, which contestants keep. Participants must be at least 21 and present valid photo identification. Each competition is limited to 20 contestants.<\/p>\n The championship round is scheduled for Sunday at 3:15 p.m. in the Partyhalle. This year\u2019s lineup also includes a Mayor\u2019s Masskrug and police-versus-fire competitions.<\/p>\n Dachshunds Take The Track Sunday<\/p>\n The festival\u2019s Sunday Hund-Day features<\/a> the Dachshund Dash, with dogs racing down the Partyhalle track for the Golden Dachshund title.<\/p>\n Race participation is free but advance online registration is required. Organizers say spaces are limited.<\/p>\n Sunday is also the festival\u2019s designated dog-friendly day. Dogs must remain on a leash or harness, and owners must supervise them and clean up after them.<\/p>\n Pets are not permitted Thursday through Saturday; trained service animals are allowed.<\/p>\n What\u2019s On The Menu<\/p>\n
\nFriday, September 18: 5\u201311 p.m.
\nSaturday, September 19: Noon\u2013midnight.
\nSunday, September 20: Noon\u20136 p.m.<\/p>\n