Tiny dogs racing for a crown and competitors struggling to keep five-pound beer steins aloft will be among the attractions when Addison Oktoberfest opens Thursday.
The four-day festival returns September 17–20 at Addison Circle Park, bringing German food, beer gardens, live music, dancing and family activities to North Texas. General admission is free on opening night.
For nearly 40 years, Addison has hosted the Munich-inspired celebration, combining Bavarian traditions with Texas hospitality.
Festival Hours And Admission
The official festival schedule lists these hours:
- Thursday, September 17: 5–11 p.m.
- Friday, September 18: 5–11 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: Noon–midnight.
- Sunday, September 20: Noon–6 p.m.
Visitors can review admission options and reserved-table packages through the official ticket portal.
Souvenir packages should not be confused with admission tickets. The festival’s “Oktoberfest Paket” includes a commemorative stein, a Paulaner beer and a lapel pin, but admission is sold separately.
How Long Can You Hold A Stein?
One of the festival’s signature competitions offers a deceptively simple challenge: hold a full one-liter beer stein straight out at shoulder height longer than everyone else.
The traditional Bavarian contest, called Masskrugstemmen, requires contestants to keep one arm fully extended and parallel to the ground. Leaning backward or using the body to support the arm is prohibited.
The filled stein weighs approximately five pounds.
On-site registration costs $25 and includes the filled glass stein, which contestants keep. Participants must be at least 21 and present valid photo identification. Each competition is limited to 20 contestants.
The championship round is scheduled for Sunday at 3:15 p.m. in the Partyhalle. This year’s lineup also includes a Mayor’s Masskrug and police-versus-fire competitions.
Dachshunds Take The Track Sunday
The festival’s Sunday Hund-Day features the Dachshund Dash, with dogs racing down the Partyhalle track for the Golden Dachshund title.
Race participation is free but advance online registration is required. Organizers say spaces are limited.
Sunday is also the festival’s designated dog-friendly day. Dogs must remain on a leash or harness, and owners must supervise them and clean up after them.
Pets are not permitted Thursday through Saturday; trained service animals are allowed.
What’s On The Menu
The food and drink lineup includes bratwurst, German specialties, desserts and familiar festival fare. Listed vendors include Siegi’s Sausage Factory, The Brat Haus, Crepe Crazy and Kaffee & Kuchen.
Beer offerings include selections from Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr, alongside Texas brews such as TUPPS Oktoberfest, Saint Arnold Oktoberfest and Rollertown Oktoberfest.
Food vendors accept direct payment by cash or card. Previously purchased Addison Tasty Bucks are also accepted.
Free Parking And Arrival Tips
According to the festival’s visitor guide, free parking is available at three garages:
- Millennium Garage: 15455 North Dallas Parkway.
- Colonnade Garage: 15305 North Dallas Parkway.
- Addison Circle Two Garage: 15725 North Dallas Parkway.
The designated rideshare pickup and drop-off location is Beckert Park, 5000 Addison Circle.
Empty reusable water bottles are permitted. Outside food and drinks, coolers and lawn chairs are prohibited, with an exception for food for infants and toddlers. Bags are subject to search.
The festival is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, although organizers may change or cancel operations for severe weather or other safety concerns. Visitors should check the official website for updates before attending.
Provided by Dallas Express
