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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
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Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Fort Worth is getting ready to don its lederhosen and lace up its dancing shoes. The city’s annual “Fort Worth Oktoberfest,” a three-day celebration of all things Bavarian, returns this fall with more oom-pah, more bratwurst, and more bier than ever before.
The party kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 25, with the ceremonial “Tapping of the Kegs” — an age-old tradition that signals the official start of the festivities. From there, it’s full throttle through Saturday, Sept. 27, with a packed schedule of live music, contests, and carnival revelry spread across three stages and multiple biergartens.
This year’s entertainment lineup is stout enough to fill a stein: Grammy-nominated Alex Meixner Band leads a roster of more than fifty polka and folk acts — including crowd favorites like Das Ist Lustig, the Lederhosen Junkies, and the Walburg Boys. Returning all the way from Bavaria is the Happy Hour Oktoberfestband, ensuring Fort Worth’s version of Munich’s signature festival has some authentic German swagger.
And what’s Oktoberfest without a little friendly competition? Festivalgoers can cheer on dachshund races (our fave), test their stamina in a stein-hoisting contest, or roll a barrel in the Oktoberfest Olympics. For the iron-willed and iron-stomached, Siegi’s Sausage Brat Eating Contest awaits. There’s even a 5K for those who prefer their endorphins before their beer.
Of course, the bier flows freely throughout. Presenting sponsor Paulaner and fellow Munich original Hacker-Pschorr will both be on tap, alongside a hearty menu of German favorites: bratwursts, schnitzel, potato pancakes, pretzels, and strudel. For those seeking respite from the Texas heat, the Paulaner Festzelt, Van Zandt Zelt, and Hacker-Pschorr Biergarten offer air-conditioned havens. A brand-new Paulaner Biergarten expands seating and food options for this year’s crowds.
Beyond the music and merrymaking, the Marktplatz transforms into a shopping hub where visitors can browse traditional German clothing and collectibles — along with Texas-made fine art, woodwork, jewelry, leather goods, and specialty condiments.
Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are available online. Advance buyers will snag a free 2025 commemorative half-liter stein while supplies last, and kids under twelve get in free with a paying adult.
In short, this isn’t just a festival — it’s Fort Worth’s own slice of Bavaria. So dust off your dirndl, practice your polka, and raise a glass to one of the liveliest weekends of the year.
For the full schedule and tickets, visit fortworthoktoberfest.com.
