McKinney, Texas -- Celebrating its twelfth year, McKinney Oktoberfest draws close to 50,000 attendees and attracts visitors from all over North Texas.

Tapping into the colorful tradition that began in Munich, Germany in 1810, McKinney Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event with authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing and children’s activities while staying honoring the many cultural contributions of German immigrants who settled in Texas.

McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children’s activities, and much more. The “bier garden” covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all downtown McKinney has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. Hours vary by day - Friday, noon-11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

photos by Allen Rich