Addison, Texas – Addison Oktoberfest, presented by Paulaner, puts a purely Texan twist on a traditional Oktoberfest celebration and will bring approximately 50,000 fans together in Addison Circle Park from Sept. 18 - 21 to revel in German culture, food, music and bier. 

Entertainment spread across four stages throughout the festival grounds will offer something for every musical taste. The main action takes place in the 30,000-square-foot open-air Partyhalle tent. The Partyhalle stage will feature polka bands to party bands, traditional dance performances and friendly competitions. There’s even a dance floor to show off your best chicken dance and seating for over 1,000 guests when you want to kick back and enjoy a cold bier. Partyhalle entertainers include traditional tunes by Auf Geht’s, nationally acclaimed Grammy-winning musician Alex Meixner Band and five-time Grammy nominated artist LynnMarie & The Nashville Polka Guys.

The reimagined Party Zelt tent will host bands including The Dogensteins playing polka combined with classic rock, and Graceland Ninjaz, blending five decades of greatest party hits. In the Texas Zwei Step area of the park, you’ll find groups like Los Gran Reyes, a cumbia band with an accordion, on the Texas Prost Stage, highlighting German sounds with a little Texas twang. A stage in the air-conditioned Kleinhalle will give revelers who aren’t into polka a respite with performances by singer-songwriters. The facade of The Addison Performing Arts Centre will be transformed into a Glockenspiel complete with bells that chime, signifying it’s time for a small skit on the balcony and a group prost!

In addition to performances by nearly 30 musicians and groups, there is interactive entertainment around every corner for guests of all ages to enjoy. Entering the festival, you’ll be greeted by an eye-catching carousel offering free rides for young kids and serving as a fun photo backdrop. Nearby, the Kidsgarten will be home to arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos, a Root Biergarten and even a Mini Masskrug competition for kids 12 and younger.

One of the festival’s newest hotspots is the Stiefel Studio – a silent disco with beats spun by a live DJ for those ready to dance like no one’s watching. The Karneval will return with a variety of festival-favorite games and rides, including a ferris wheel. At the Marktplatz guests can pick the perfect keepsake and shop for unique gifts. Inside The Addison lobby, Biercadia will throw back to the days of Pac-Man, Galaga and Guitar Hero with free play retro arcade games.

For competitive fun, head to Bierspiele Stadium, home to the official Addison Oktoberfest Bier Games. The Bier Maiden Stein Carrying contests offer a glimpse into the life of a Munich Oktoberfest waitress, while Bier Barrel Rolling tests stability and teamwork. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at Biergarten Bingo. Masskrugstemmen competitions, stein-hoisting contests testing strength and concentration, will take place in the Partyhalle and Party Zelt tents. Whether you compete or spectate, there’s sure to be plenty of laughs shared and memories made!

 

A cherished Addison Oktoberfest tradition, Sunday Hund-Day, is a dog-lovers dream. On Sunday, Sept. 21, all dogs (on a leash) are invited to join the party! Bonus points if your dog is dressed for the occasion. In fact, dogs in their Oktoberfest best can strut their stuff in the Pet Parade. There will be prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd best-dressed, no preregistration required. Speaking of prizes, there is none more coveted than The Golden Dachshund – the 1^st place trophy for The Dachshund Dash. One hundred dogs will compete; only one will be crowned supreme. Advanced online registration is required.

Food is a major part of any culture, and at Addison Oktoberfest there is no shortage of options. German fare with a side of Texas flair is served alongside bier by Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr, two of the six German breweries permitted to serve bier in the Munich Oktoberfest. Varieties include Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen, Paulaner Hefe-Weizen, Paulaner Pils, Paulaner Grapefruit-Radler, Paulaner Weizen-Radler, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen and Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold. As part of the Texas spin, the Texas Zwei Step area will feature select Oktoberfest pours from Texas craft breweries.