It’s that time of year where the weather cools off into a gentle breeze – at least, as much of a breeze as you can get in Texas – and crowds gather in bars to raise gleaming glass pints of beer in authentically tipsy glory. Nothing screams “beer” more than Oktoberfest, a seasonal celebration spanning the globe and honoring both the drink and the colorful German culture that supports it.
Austin held several fests at bars, restaurants, and other places throughout the city this past weekend, complete with drink specials, polka dancing, and contests. But the rest of the state has plenty more multi-day festivities to share, just as German settlers have migrated to local hotspots and celebrated their heritage since the 1830s. So grab yourself a pint, yell your heartiest “Prost!”, and suit up for these Oktoberfests across the state.
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg
October 2-4
Day-pass tickets $15, $1 for ages 7-12
Affectionately dubbed the Polka Capital of Texas for its deep-rooted German heritage and embrace of the traditional dance style, the city plans to go all out for its 45th anniversary of Oktoberfest. A highlight of the celebrations (beyond the imported craft beer, wine, and complementary delicacies) is the more than 30 artisans who will descend on the small town to sell fine art, handmade gifts, and collectibles: as event coordinator Debbie Reeh puts it, the perfect chance to knock out some holiday shopping during the festivities.
Oktoberfest at Kemah Boardwalk
October 3-4
Free entry, $6.50 for a single beer
Beer, but at the beach. Who could resist? A four-hour drive east toward the Texas coast sits the acclaimed tourist destination Kemah Boardwalk. There, visitors can enjoy a tropical Oktoberfest at no cost. Drinkers can purchase plastic cups and stainless steel steins or simply stroll the boardwalk and absorb the essence of German food and drink while sober. Competitive folks should take on the stein-hoisting competition, where they must wield a water-filled stein – a traditional German drinking mug – for the longest time. A prize is in store, but the bragging rights alone are probably worth it.
Oktoberfest at the Beethoven Männerchor
October 2-3 and 9-10
$10 tickets at the gate for ages 12 and up
Generations-old music weaves through the halls of 422 Pereida St. in San Antonio, home to the city’s well-established Beethoven Männerchor and Damenchor. Translating to “men’s choir” and “women’s choir,” respectively, these groups hail from a German tradition of forming social clubs to preserve language and song when immigrating to the United States. This Oktoberfest, the choirs, along with a concert and jazz band, will give performances throughout the weekend interspersed with classic rituals such as stein-hoisting and beer-tapping. Come for a pint, stay for a lovely German serenade.
Oktoberfest Weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival
October 10-11
Tickets $18.10-$22.20 for ages 12 and up
The Texas Renaissance Festival serves as a shining jewel of chivalrous, old-timey merriment gracing several lists for the country’s top renaissance fairs. Yet what the intrigued viewer might not realize is that the first weekend of the enchanting celebration is dedicated exclusively to Oktoberfest. The event website reports a “celebration of the best of the wurst” through bratwurst-eating and costume contests. If you’re already decked out in classical garb but itching for a sausage stick in one hand and a glistening beer in the other, Weekend One of the Renaissance-era extravaganza just might hit the spot.
Wurstfest
November 6-15
Free on weekdays, tickets $15-30 on weekends
Approaching its 65th anniversary, Wurstfest reigns as one of the most iconic and niche German festivals in Texas for its extra-special focus on sausage. Started in 1961 by Dr. Ed Grist – a meat inspector and, ironically, a veterinarian – the celebration was initially named “Sausage Festival” before evolving into “Wurst Week” and then “Wurstfest.” Lining the banks of the Comal River, adorned with a 20-foot waterfall and historic buildings, Wurstfest gives attendees a space to drink, chow down on sausages of all kinds, and dance to over 40 musical performances. The 10 consecutive days of German fun support more than 25 local nonprofits, so you aren’t just getting drunk, you’re giving back.