“Wunschlos Glücklick”…Oktoberfest returns to downtown McKinney
McKinney signature celebration Sept. 28-29 guarantees ‘perfectly happy’ time
McKINNEY, TEXAS – McKinney Main Street is preparing for non-stop activity during the upcoming annual Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown McKinney. The event is set to launch on Friday, Sept. 28 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and continue Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.Set in the 164-year-old downtown streets, the festival boasts attractions for all ages amid the diverse array of specialty stores and restaurants in the historic downtown.
Admission and parking is free.
“Our charming historic downtown is the perfect backdrop for this unique, energetic, family-friendly event. Our goal this year is for every guest to experience our hometown spirit, fun and interactive offerings, along with our first class shopping and dining, ultimately feeling wunschlos glücklick – meaning ‘perfectly happy,’” said Main Street and MPAC Director Ty Lake.
At 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, the local dignitaries and friends of the festival will lead the Oktoberfest March. Afterwards, the first keg of Franconia beer, brewed in McKinney, will be tapped by hammering the bronze spout into an over 200 year-old keg with a wooden mallet.
Live entertainment will take place on two stages during the event and features evening headliner Brave Combo.
The highlight of any Oktoberfest celebration is German beer and food, and the McKinney event features an array of traditional and non-traditional German cuisine and drinks.
Oktoberfest isn’t just for those ages 21 and up. There are plenty of activities for kids and families at this hometown event. A petting zoo, face painting, sand art, Bier Barrel Races, Weenie Dog and want-to-be Weenie Dog races, arts and crafts, and the Main Street Magic & Fun Company's German Train provide unique fun. Some Kinder Activities for children are free, and some activities require a nominal fee.
Even though Oktoberfest comes to us from Germany, McKinney adds its own flare to the event through opportunities to give back to the community. Laura Moore Fine Art Studio is once again sponsoring a large outdoor labyrinth made of cleaning products to benefit The Samaritan Inn.
On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., Spoons Cafe, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association will host the McKinney Walk – A walk to end Alzheimer’s. After the walk, guests are invited to the second annual Fastnachtsdienstag (Pancake Day). The complimentary pancake breakfast benefits the Alzheimer's Association.
Main Street has partnered with Das Klub for the first annual Wurst VW Car Show on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Free parking can be found in 12 public lots surrounding downtown. Be prepared to detour to outer lots when coming into downtown, as streets will be blocked to through traffic beginning Thursday night, Sept. 27 through early Sunday morning, Sept. 30. For detailed information on McKinney Oktoberfest please contact (972) 547-2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.
Event sponsors include the City of McKinney, Franconia Brewery, FIAT of McKinney, Independent Bank, PepsiCo, Carey Cox Company, The Body Shop, 97.5 KLAK, McKinney Volkswagen, TownSquareBuzz.com, Bavarian Grill and the Goddard School of McKinney.