Oktoberfest remains as a vestige of the Texas Hill Country’s early German settlers’ traditions. This fall festival brings weeks of drinking tasty beer, eating succulent food, and listening to live music. Today, you will find several of these festivals across the Texas Hill Country. Whether you live in the Texas Hill Country or just visit, you don’t want to miss this Texas tradition, no matter which of these events you attend.
Things to Do
Oktoberfest Celebrations Throughout the Texas Hill Country
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1. Alamo Beer Company Oktoberfest: September 29 – October 1, 2017
Photo: Facebook/Alamo Beer
Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio offers an adults-only Oktoberfest featuring beer. Though the event costs nothing to attend, you can purchase a commemorative mug. What sets this Oktoberfest apart is its approach to food. Each evening, they serve a German-style family meal, which includes beer samplings. This meal costs $50 per person, with a limit of 30 people each evening. But food vendors and food trucks will also be on hand if you cannot get admission into the main dinner. Whether or not you attend the dinner, don’t miss the live entertainment at this three-day event.
2. Austin Oktoberfest (AustOberfest): September 30, 2017
Photo: Facebook/AustOberfest – Austin + Oktoberfest
Also known as the AustOberfest, Austin’s Oktoberfest occurs one day only, this year on September 30, 2017. This event will feature beer, sausage, and live music, just as you’d expect from an Oktoberfest. Admission to this event gives you unlimited samples of sausage and beer from dozens of vendors. If you love great beer and tasty sausage, you don’t want to miss this event.
3. Fredericksburg Oktoberfest: October 6 – 8, 2017
Photo: Facebook/Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg October 6-8, 2017
For one weekend only, Fredericksburg pulls out all the stops for its famed Oktoberfest. This event will feature fun for all ages, with everything from kids’ activities to a wide selection of American and German beers for adults. Entertainment includes tuba performances, a mass chicken dance, live music, and a 42 tournament.
4. German-Texan Heritage Society Oktoberfest: October 14, 2017
Photo: Facebook/German-Texan Heritage Society
Located in Austin, the German-Texan Heritage Society hosts an annual, one-day-only festival. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 14, 2017, the entire family can attend the event which features adults’ and kids’ live performances, a biergarten, and German food.
5. North By Northwest Oktoberfest: October 28 – 29, 2017
Photo: Facebook/NXNW Restaurant and Brewery – Stonelake
North By Northwest (NXNW) restaurant and brewery in Austin has hosted this event for the last 15 years. And this year marks the 16th annual festival with a specialty beer made just for the weekend. Family friendly entertainment will include a bounce house, wiener dog costume contest, a brat-eating contest, and much more. In addition to the sausages and beer, you’ll also find other German specialties such as Bavarian cobblers, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Furthermore, live music will keep the festivities upbeat throughout the weekend.
6. Wurstfest: November 3 – 12, 2017
Photo: Facebook/Wurstfest
The best sausage fest is the Wurstfest in New Braunfels. This family-friendly event celebrates sausage of all types with some German fun thrown in. As expected, you’ll find great beers and live music, but this event also features carnival rides and games for all ages. Since 1963, visitors and residents of New Braunfels have celebrated the Wurstfest. Join them this year at the beginning of November.
