Prost! Top 5 DFW Oktoberfest celebrations

by Tiney Ricciardi

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Dust of those lederhosen and polish your stein, it's Oktoberfest time!

Every fall, Americans take to the pubs with on a whim of German pride to celebrate the European holiday that spans race, religion, and heritage. The Munich Oktoberfest is a two-week festival in the streets, bars, and homes of every German and Bavarian citizen. Thousands of people from all over the world head to this popular tourist destination and take part in a tradition nearly two centuries in the making. The namesake Oktoberfest begins September 22 and run to October 7, though Americans usually celebrate until Halloween. Cities all over DFW have their own renditions of the beer festival, some even gaining national attention.

Here are a few of our favorite happenings, so for the love of beer, go out and celebrate!

The 25th Addison Oktoberfest

One of the nation’s most renowned and authentic Bavarian experiences takes place in DFW’s backyard. Addison’s 25th Annual Oktoberfest is in full swing after Mayor Todd Meier tapped the first keg of Spaten on Thursday in a traditional German fervor using a wooden mallet to drive in the spout. Over the weekend, the festival plays host to a 5K benefiting local non-profit Wipe Out Kid’s Cancer, a series of competitive events involving beer kegs and a Dachshund parade and dog races. Friday night, aspiring yodelers compete on stage to be named Addison’s German Idol and earn prizes. Be sure to make a reservation at the Brau Haus to enjoy a three-course meal and beer served in a commemorative stein. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Rahr & Sons 5K

What better excuse is there to drink beer all day after having burned a bunch of calories running a 5K? Rahr & Sons gives you that opportunity September 29 with an enthusiastic race beginning and ending at the brewery on the outskirts of downtown Fort Worth. Ladies in their dirndl and gents in their lederhosen run for the Benefit of Habitat for Humanities before celebrating the season at the Rahr Beirgarten. Participants receive a free tour of the complex, some brewskies, and the chance to jam out to some live polka.

Brooklyn Oktoberfest Mug Night

If you’re looking for something a little more low key, head on over to The Flying Saucer in Addison on October 3. The crew there will be celebrating Brooklyn Oktoberfest Mug Night, during which attendees can drink this unique brew and take home the glass. Brooklyn’s Oktoberfest is brewed with Bavarian Heirloom Munich and Pilsner malts, and goes well with heavy meats such as chicken steak and roasted pork. Pair this with The Flying Saucer’s Sheboygan Side-by-Side — two beer brats on a bun with spicy mustard with dill pickle, sauerkraut, diced red onion, and a side of potato salad — for a meal as close to Germany as you can get here in Texas.

Southlake Oktoberfest

In its 11th year, Southlake Oktoberfest has morphed into a full three-day event with credible a line up of up and coming local musicians. October 4-6, enjoy German-inspired food and face painting to the tunes of Josh Weathers Band or Le Freak, and peruse local artisan booths set up around the Town Square. Our bet is the weather will be perfect for this outdoor celebration. Sunday Saturday is your chance to catch the annual Weiner Dog Race, also on the square. Admission to Southlake Oktoberfest is free, as is parking. All you need to do is get on out there.

OOMPAH-fest

If you want to boogie in true German fashion, head to Sons of Hermann Hall on Saturday, October 13, where The Royal Klobasneks will be playing the OOMPAH-fest party. Wash down sausages, pretzels, kraut, and the other usual treats with an extensive list of to-be-determined German beers. Bring your dancing shoes for the upbeat sounds of polka, swing, pop, and country from The Royal Klobasneks, a local seven-piece featuring accordion, tuba, saxophone, and clarinet. Tickets to the show are $15, which includes one plate of food. Now that sounds like a darn delicious deal.

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