Oktoberfest is a Munich, Germany, tradition and has been since the early 1800s. So it is no surprise that with Texas’ large German population, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is also keen to enjoy a good beer and brat during the Oktoberfest season. While many events are held in September, there are a few select celebrations that begin the month of October in Oktoberfest style.
In other words, it’s a good excuse to get yourself to a biergarten this weekend.
The well-known Grand Prairie flea market, Traders Village, will be welcoming German revelers on Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for its annual Oktoberfest festivities. With a unique German experience that includes the four-piece Alpine Village Band, expect not only a selection of polka music to get you up and dancing, but waltz tunes as well. Look for the band on the Big Red Patio. Of course, the culinary choices are always a draw — who can resist a good sausage next to authentic German potato salad and spicy sauerkraut? Traders Village has been around since 1973, offering free admission, inexpensive parking and more than 1,000 merchants.
The Lake Highlands Oktoberfest is a family friendly event scheduled for October 1, which typically draws thousands of Dallas/Fort Worth Bavarian lovers. In a new location this year at Flag Pole Hill north of White Rock Lake, local bands, kids events and a number of restaurants will be on hand with the perfect brat and all the accouterments to make sure you celebrate the day right.
If you want to get fit while drinking a few pints, Fort Worth’s Rahr & Sons brewery can see to that on October 1 at its annual Oktoberfest 5K. There’s a costume contest, beer belly division, Bavarian treats, finisher pint glass, dry fit shirt, German polka and most importantly — a beer garden. The Rahr Oktoberfest 5K is going on seven years now and benefits the Fort Worth Police Officers Award Foundation.
On October 7, the City of Southlake’s Oktoberfest will be marking its 15th year. With a typical turnout of more than 100,000 people taking part in the weekend festival, this year's event will be held in Southlake’s Town Square. It’s free to attend and the weekend is full of activities from Friday, October 7, beginning at 5 p.m., to Sunday, October 9 at 5 p.m. Once there, expect plenty of choices ranging from German food and beverages to handcrafted arts and crafts available for sale. Music throughout the event is always a draw, but the big deal is the annual wiener dog races. Last year, the race drew more than 180 wiener dogs at Rustin Park in Southlake Town Square. This year’s race will be on Saturday, October 8 at 10 a.m. at the Sports Zone on Main Street.
Don't worry, if the weather sends you indoors, the City of Plano has a good option in its downtown Arts District where the authentic Austrian-German restaurant called Jorg’s Vienna Café serves up an incredible collection of European and American beer.