38th Annual Fredricksberg Oktoberfest
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS – Oktoberfest, the family-oriented German event taking place in the center of Fredericksburg, is poised to again attract 1,400 volunteers and 25,000 visitors in its 38th year.
As a result, the oom-pah-pah echo of 37 previous years will carry over in the hearts and minds of people who have made the event an annual tradition, many who traversed hundreds of miles to attend. And for others, the event reminds them of Gillespie County organizations and young people who accomplished artistic endeavors, thanks to Oktoberfest proceeds.
Oktoberfest Event Producer Debbie Farquhar said the 38th Oktoberfest is set for October 5-7, 2018, at
I’m looking forward to all the camaraderie shared by all, the excitement and the gemütlichkeit. It’s an amazing family festival.
The engaging sights and sounds of the annual event are of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, harkening to the first Oktoberfest near Munich in 1810, and to
Among a wide array of activities, included are:
1. 5:45 pm Friday: OkTUBAfest
2. 6:00 pm Friday: Meet the Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery)
3. 7:00 pm Friday: Welcome to the Leinie Side, meet one of Leinenkugel’s founders
4. 8:00 am Saturday: Rotary Kraut Run
5. 9:00 am Saturday: Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance
6. 1:00 pm Saturday: Samuel Adams Stein Hoist
7. 12 noon Sunday: Strassen Zelt 42 Tournament
8. 2:30 pm Sunday: Lederhosen Contest
9. Sunday Afternoon in Strassen Zelt: Mario’s Accordion
All Weekend
1. Enjoying Bratwurst – and lots of it
2. Ringing the Bell at The High Striker (plus a junior size striker and kiddie striker for kids)
3. Polkas and Waltzes
4. KinderPark games for children
5. Eating our legendary potato pancakes and funnel cakes
6. Beer & Hymns Saturday sponsored by Pedernales Brewing Company
7. Oompah at its Best! On four stages all weekend long
8. Partaking of a wide variety of domestic, Texas and German beer
9. Shuttle Service – Park & Ride (from the Gillespie County Fairgrounds to
Four covered stages host a continuous parade of entertainers. The focus is the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with a Lederhosen and Stein Hoist contest, and plenty of opportunities for dancing – including the irresistible “Chicken Dance!”
Oktoberfest attracts many visitors just for the shopping opportunities. Over forty juried artisans from across the state fill two big tents, offering their best arts and collectibles. In another tent, a select group of local Hill Country artists will be selling their fine art to the public in a rare showing. Many find it the ideal opportunity to start their holiday shopping with many unique, handmade gift items.
Of course, the best part of any celebration in Fredericksburg is the hearty menu of delicious German and American foods. Over a dozen vendors will be serving up a variety of sausage on a stick and plates with kraut, potato pancakes, plus other scrumptious goodies. Adventurous tasters can sample over 50 varieties of German, American, Texan, and other imported beers.
Oktoberfest is a time for the youngsters as well. Kids can play to their heart’s content on the bungee jump and slide, try their hand at the hi-strikers, or enjoy other fun games and activities, including a stilt-walker, magician and face painter.
An Angle on the Arts The Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) began and orchestrates the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, and proceeds are used to fund youth arts and music scholarships, as well as community arts and music programs. Oktoberfest started in Fredericksburg with the specific intent to support the arts and music, and it is the only fundraiser PCAA has each year. Its success has enabled many young people to go to college and study music or the arts. The Oktoberfest proceeds also
Oktoberfest makes it possible for us to have 14 local students studying the arts this year. We provide scholarships to help pay for their education,” Farquhar said. “It also enables us to support local arts programs.
For more information, visit oktoberfestinfbg.com, or call 830-997-4810.
