A Family-Friendly Celebration of German Culture, Music, and Gemütlichkeit
Oktoberfest is back for its 45th year, filling Fredericksburg’s historic MarktPlatz (Market Square) with oompah music, bratwurst, and the unmistakable joy of German heritage. Set for October 3–5, 2025, this beloved tradition is expected to welcome 22,000 visitors from across the U.S. and beyond along with the 1,400 volunteers it takes to run Oktoberfest.
What began in 1981 as a one-day event with four bands and one stage has grown into a three-day festival with five covered stages, 27 bands (one band traveling from Germany), and countless cultural experiences. “We are very excited to have Oktoberfest turning 45,” says Debbie Farquhar Reeh, Event Producer. “It’s an amazing family festival. We could not do this without the support of the volunteers, Oktoberfest committee, setup crews and Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance, presenters of Oktoberfest.”
Event Highlights
Entertainment on Five Stages (All Weekend):
Polka, waltz, and German oompah fill the air all weekend, with continuous live music, dancing, and signature events like the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, Family Lederhosen & Dirndl contest, waltz and polka contests, and beer stein hoists.
Signature Events by Day:
Friday:
• Main Street Entrance - Ok-TUBAfest
• In Front of Vereins Kirche - Willkommenszeit Shiner, Spoetzl Brewery Brewmaster
• Adelsverein Halle - Altstadt Waltz Contest
Saturday:
• 110 West Travis Street Rotary Kraut Run
• Main Street Entrance Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance
• In Front of Vereins Kirche Willkommen - Altstadt Brewery Brewmeister
• Main Street Tent - Meet & Mingle 2ith Sheryl Yuengling, 6th generation brewer; Samuel Adams Stein Hoist
• Adelsverein Halle - Weihenstephan Polka Contest
• Strassen Zelt (Street Tent) - Keg tapping with Altstadt Head Brewer
• KinderPark - Hi - Striker Competition
Sunday:
• Red/White Tent behind Oktoberfest Halle - 42 Tournament sponsored by Real Estate Advisory Team
• Strassen Zelt (Street Tent) Oktoberfest & Peterson Health Family Dirndl & Lederhosen Contest
• Adelsverein Halle - Keg tapping with Altstadt Head Brewer
An Angle on the Arts:
Proceeds benefit Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) scholarships and local music and arts programs. 'This year we’re helping 10 local students pursue arts degrees,' Reeh shared.
Family Fun & Food Galore
From KinderPark’s jumping castle, games, slide and face painting to artisan shopping and over 40 varieties of German, Texas, and domestic beer, there’s something for all ages. Enjoy authentic food from over a dozen food concessionaires, including potato pancakes, bratwurst, sauerkraut, funnel cakes, pretzels and more.
Art lovers can browse two tents filled with 30 juried artisans and a special showcase of Hill Country fine artists, a perfect spot to start holiday shopping.
Parking & Logistics
A Park & Ride Shuttle will run Friday and Saturday to help manage parking. Admission and schedule details can be found on the website: https://www. oktoberfestinfbg.com/ Whether you're donning your dirndl or lacing up your lederhosen, there's something for everyone at Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest. Come for the culture, stay for the celebration all weekend!