Things to Do

35th Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg

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Tony Maples Photography

 

35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS – Oktoberfest, the family-oriented German event that takes place in the center of Fredericksburg, is poised to again attract 1,200 volunteers and 20,000 visitors in its 35th year.

As a result, the oom-pah-pah echo of 34 previous years will carry over in the hearts and minds of people who have made the event an annual tradition, many who traversed hundreds of miles to attend. And for others, the event reminds them of Gillespie County organizations and young people who accomplished artistic endeavors thanks to Oktoberfest proceeds.

35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Oktoberfest Event Producer Debbie Farquhar-Garner said the 35th Oktoberfest – set for October 2nd, 3rd and 4th at Marktplatz – will be everything people have come to expect and more. She said Texas House Representative Doug Miller will kick off the event at the opening ceremony, celebrating the event’s longevity, growth and contribution to the community. Poised, himself, for the moment, he said, “I’m looking forward to the fun, excitement and the gemütlichkeit. It will be a great time for all.”

The engaging sights and sounds of the annual event are of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, harkening to the first annual Oktoberfest near Munich in 1810, and to 1981, when Oktoberfest was first held in Fredericksburg.

35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Among a wide array of activities, included are:

  1. Saturday morning Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance
  2. Enjoying a Bratwurst and lots of it
  3. Ringing the Bell at The High Striker (plus a junior size striker and kiddie striker for kids)
  4. Polkas and Waltzes
  5. Ok-tuba-fest on Friday for opening Ceremony
  6. KinderPark games for children
  7. Eating our legendary potato pancakes
  8. 42 tournament Sunday afternoon
  9. Listening to bands and dancing at four stages
  10. Partaking of a wide variety of domestic, Texas and German beer
35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Ernie Loeffler, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, said the event is a Fredericksburg hallmark. “Oktoberfest is one of the great festivals of Fredericksburg – bringing together hundreds of community volunteers who love to support and share this celebration of the German culture and heritage of our town and the Texas Hill Country,” he said. “Visitors come from around Texas, the U.S. and, indeed, from around the world to join in the three day party. Whether it is dancing to polka music or consuming large amounts of Bratwurst and potato pancakes, everyone seems to have a great time at Oktoberfest!”

Volunteers Karen Oestreich and Donna Mittel said Oktoberfest is a great time for families.

We put on a clean, safe environment with volunteers,” said Mrs. Oestreich, who organizes the chicken dance. “We’ve seen more and more participation every year, and it’s great fun for grandmothers, grandfathers, and kids and grandkids to jump in, clap and shake their tail feathers. My whole family gets involved, and we have a great time.”

Donna Mittel, who has also volunteered for many years, said, “What I love is it’s so family oriented. Families sit in the grass, eat their food, play in the playground and kids dance. It’s wonderful to see families together, enjoying each other.”

35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

The Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) began and orchestrates the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, and proceeds are used to fund youth arts and music scholarships, as well as community arts and music programs.

PCAA President Buddy Frels, DDS, said, “Oktoberfest was begun here in Fredericksburg with the specific intent to support the arts and music, and it is the only fund-raiser we have each year. Its success has enabled many young people to go to college and study the arts or music. And, we’ve also been able to fund many local organizations, including the Fredericksburg Chorale, the Fredericksburg Theater Company and the Harper High School band, enabling their initiatives.”

Debbie Farquhar-Garner has worked with volunteers to produce the charitable event since 1992. “Oktoberfest makes it possible for us to have 10 to 15 local students studying the arts each year. We provide scholarships to help pay for their education,” she said. “It also enables us to support up to 35 local arts programs. Last year alone, we donated over $40,000 to Fredericksburg arts and music.”

35th Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Location & Date
100 W Main St Fredericksburg, TX 78624
October 2nd – October 4th

Admission

Adults $7 per person
Children 7 – 12 $1 per child
Children 6 and under are free
2-day passes are $12 per person
3-day passes are $16 per person

Hours
Friday – 6 PM to Midnight
Saturday – 10 AM to Midnight
Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM

For more information, visit oktoberfestinfbg.com, or call 830-997-4810.