Prost, Fredericksburg! Oktoberfest Fredericksburg has been named the #6 Best Oktoberfest in the nation in the 2026 USATODAY10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
The recognition follows a public voting period featuring Oktoberfest celebrations selected by a panel of subject-matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors.
“We always knew Oktoberfest Fredericksburg was something special, and now the rest of the U.S. knows it, too,” said Debbie Reeh, Oktoberfest Manager. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted and helped bring this recognition to Fredericksburg.”
Now in its 46th year, Oktoberfest Fredericksburg returns October 2–4, 2026, bringing three days of German music, dancing, food, beer, contests, shopping and family fun to the Texas Hill Country.
Three Days of Oktoberfest Fun The weekend kicks off Friday with OkTubaFest, a Shiner Brewmaster meet-and-greet and the Altstadt Waltz Contest.
Saturday features crowd favorites including the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, Samuel Adams Stein Hoist, Weihenstephan Polka Contest, Sheryl Yuengling meet-and-greet and Altstadt Keg Tapping.
Sunday keeps the celebration going with the Real Estate Ad-visory Team’s 42 Tournament, Oktoberfest Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest and a special Altstadt Head Brewer keg tapping.
Five covered stages will keep the music going all weekend, featuring German oompah, polka, waltzes and brass bands. Performers include Boerne Village Band, Chris Rybak, Cloverleaf Orchestra, Czechaholics, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, New Braunfels Village Brass Band, Pivo & Polka Band, Red Ravens, Seven Dutchmen Orchestra, The Oompahs, The Tuba Meisters, Walburg Boys, Yodel Blitz and many more.
As the Polka Capital of Texas, Fredericksburg knows how to keep the dance floor moving. Festivalgoers can also enjoy more than 50 varieties of German, Texan, domestic and imported beer, Texas wines, bratwurst, sausage, kraut, potato pancakes and other Oktoberfest favorites. Three artisan tents will showcase juried artists and Hill Country fine art.
Families can join the fun with a jumping castle, face painting, hi-strikers, games and a live magician.
Plan Your Visit October 2–4, 2026
• Friday: 6 p.m.–midnight
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–midnight
• Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission: $15 adults; $1 children ages 7–12; free for children 6 and under. Two-day passes are $20 and three-day passes are $25. On Sunday, ages 13 and over are free after 3 p.m., and children 12 and under are free all day.
Tickets are available at the gate, with advance ticket sales beginning at noon Friday, October 2, at the entrance on Main.
Come for the polka. Stay for the Gemütlichkeit. Celebrate the #6 Oktoberfest in the nation right here in Fredericksburg!