Oktoberfest is a Munich, Germany tradition and it has been since the early 1800s. So it is no surprise that with Texas’ large German population the Dallas area is also keen to enjoy a good beer and brat during the Oktoberfest season too. While many events are held in September, there are a few select celebrations that begin the month of October in Oktoberfest style.
In other words it’s a good excuse to get yourself to a biergarten this weekend.
The well-known Grand Prairie flea market Traders Village will be welcoming German revelers on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for its annual Oktoberfest festivities. With a unique German experience that includes the four-piece Alpine Village Band expect not only a selection of polka music to get you up and dancing, but also waltz tunes as well.
Look for the band on the Big Red Patio and of course, the culinary choices are always a draw since who can resist a good sausage next to authentic German potato salad and spicy sauerkraut.
Traders Village has been around since 1973 offering free admission, inexpensive parking and over 1000 merchants.
The Lake Highland Oktoberfest is a family friendly event scheduled for October 1, 2016 usually drawing thousands of Dallas/Fort Worth Bavarian lovers. In a new location this year at Flag Pole Hill north of White Rock Lake, local bands, kid’s event and a list of restaurants will be on hand with the perfect brat and all the accouterments to make sure you celebrate the day right.
If you want to get fit while drinking a few pints, Fort Worth’s Rahr & Sons brewery can see to that on October 1, 2016 at its annual Oktoberfest 5K. There’s a costume contest, beer belly division, Bavarian treats, finisher pint glass, dry fit shirt, German polka and most important - a beer garden. The Rahr Oktoberfest 5K is going on seven years now and benefits the Fort Worth Police Officers Award Foundation.
On October 7, 2016 the City of Southlake’s Oktoberfest will be marking its 15th year with a usual turnout of over 100,000 people taking part in the weekend festival in Southlake’s Town Square.
It’s free to attend and the weekend is full of activities from Friday, October 7 beginning at 5 p.m. to Sunday, October 9 at 5 p.m. Once there expect plenty of choices ranging from German food and beverages to handcrafted arts and crafts available for sale. Music throughout the event is always a draw, but the big deal is the annual wiener dog races. Last year the race drew over 180 wiener dogs at Rustin Park in Southlake Town Square.
This year’s race will be on Saturday, October 8 at 10 a.m. at the Sports Zone on Main Street.
And if the weather sends you indoors, the City of Plano has a good option in its downtown Arts District where the authentic Austrian-German restaurant called Jorg’s Vienna Café serves up an incredible collection of European and American beer.