Oktoberfest season is back, bringing German food, games, music, dancing, and plenty of oompah fun! While it’s one of Germany’s biggest annual traditions, Central Texas has its own rich German heritage, and lots of places to celebrate close to home. From lively festivals to kid-friendly activities (and, yes, great beer for the grown-ups), here’s where to enjoy Oktoberfest around Austin this year.

Oktoberfest Around Austin

— Oktoberfest @ Vista Brewing
Sept. 27
Head out to the Hill Country for a family-friendly Oktoberfest at Vista Brewing on Saturday, September 27. Parents can sample German-style brews (including the new Mighty Märzen and Bright Skies Pilsner) while kids enjoy pretzel necklaces, lawn games, and an artisan market. There’s live music from 2 pm – 4 pm, plus classic contests like Hammerschlagen and a steinholding competition, with a special category just for kids. Admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged, and you can pre-order a keepsake mug or contest spot on Eventbrite.

— Oktoberfest @ Easy Tiger
Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 
Celebrate Oktoberfest with Easy Tiger at two Austin spots! Head to The Linc on Sunday, September 21 or South Lamar on Sunday, September 28 (both at 1 pm) for brats, food, and beer specials, and live music. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere, big steins for grown-ups, and surprise pop-ups from Desnudo Coffee and Mill Scale. All ages are welcome. Lederhosen optional!

— Oktoberfest @ Meanwhile Brewing
Sept. 26-28
Meanwhile Brewing is hosting its fifth annual Oktoberfest, and it’s shaping up to be their biggest yet! The weekend will feature Oktoberfest and Märzen Festbiers, Austin’s favorite polka bands, traditional German fare, and classic games and competitions, all in a relaxed, family-friendly setting with plenty of space to roam. Check here for info on all three days of fun.

— Oktoberfest Party @ Haymaker
Sept. 27 beginning at 2 pm
Haymaker is bringing a little bit of Munich to East Austin on Saturday, September 27 at 2 pm. Enjoy a relaxed neighborhood take on Oktoberfest with stein-holding contests, plenty of pretzels, and German-inspired bites. Parents can sample beers from Karbach, Meanwhile, Zilker, Sam Adams, Paulaner, and Live Oak, while kids soak up the lively atmosphere (and snack on pretzels!). A fun, come-and-go afternoon for families who love a casual Oktoberfest vibe. Get more info here.

— Oktoberfest Fredericksburg @ Marktplatz
Oct. 3 – 5
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg is back October 3–5 at Marktplatz in the heart of downtown. This Hill Country favorite celebrates German heritage with oompah music, arts and crafts, shopping, and delicious food, plus more than 60 varieties of beer and Texas wine for grown-ups. Families will love the Kinderpark with games and activities for kids, making it a fun weekend for all ages. One-day tickets are $15 for adults, $1 for ages 7–12, and free for children six and under. Get more info here.

— Austin Oktoberfest @ German Texas Heritage Association
Oct. 11, 11 am – 7 pm 
The German Texas Heritage Association hosts its Oktoberfest celebration at the German Free School: a hidden, historical gem in Austin with terraced gardens to enjoy an afternoon of all things German and Gemütlichkeit. This family-friendly event offers a lot of kids’ activities, plus great music, food, dancing, and more. Tickets are $15 per person. Kids under 12 are free. Get more info here.

— Deutschen Pfest @ Pfluger Park
Oct. 17 – 18
Pflugerville’s most popular Pfestival, the Deutschen Pfest is scheduled once again to take place in Pfluger Park. This year’s event includes live music, food, beer, shopping, and the Pfun Run and Community Pfair. Get more info and tickets here.

— Wurstfest
Nov. 7-16
While this is not an Oktoberfest event, we can’t miss the opportunity to tell you to save the date for this year’s Wurstfest in New Braunfels. The festival always starts the first Friday of November and is a celebration of German culture with lots of food, drinks, a carnival, and Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment. Get more info and tickets here.

For even more German-Texas fun, you can also check out:

• Banger’s 
• Sholz Garden
• Walburg German Restaurant (Walburg, TX)
• Krause’s Cafe (New Braunfels, TX)
• Alpine Haus (New Braunfels, TX)
• Auslander Restaurant (Fredericksburg, TX)
• Altstadtz Brewing & Beirgarten (Fredericksburg, TX)
• Der Lindenbaum (Fredericksburg, TX)

For more festive fun, check out Do512’s roundup of all things Oktoberfest in Austin!