Ate Days of Oktoberfest

Fort Worth Oktoberfest takes over Trinity Park (2401 University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-392-5700) Thu-Sat, Sep 24-26, with a lineup of more than 50 German polka party bands and traditional performances on three stages. And, of course, there’s plenty of Bavarian food and bier.

Thursday’s ceremonial Tapping of the Kegs kicks off the fun, and the festival continues through Saturday with Oktoberfest Olympics, carnival rides, dachshund races, a brat eating contest, bier-barrel rolling, stein hoisting competitions, and a 5K run. This year’s music lineup includes the Grammy-nominated Alex Meixner Band, plus Alpenmusikanten, Das Ist Lustig, Lederhosen Junkies, Off the Grid Band, Mike & the Middletones, Walburg Boys, and others. And returning all the way from Bavaria, the Happy Hour Oktoberfestband is joining the party too.

Festivalgoers can enjoy entertainment in the air-conditioned Paulaner Festzelt, Van Zandt Zelt, and multiple shaded biergartens where German biers will be on tap, including presenting sponsor Paulaner as well as Hacker-Pschorr. Both are among the six breweries served at the original Oktoberfest in Munich dating back to the 19th century.

Traditional German food options like bratwursts, currywurst, potato pancakes, pretzels, schnitzel, and strudel will be offered along with carnival food favorites. Shopping vendors will be on hand in the Marktplatz selling baked goods, condiments, and other edible delights, plus art, collectibles, clothing, leather accessories, and woodwork items.

Festival tickets are $10-$20 and are available for purchase online. Advance ticket holders are guaranteed a free 2026 commemorative Oktoberfest half-liter glass stein. While supplies last, a limited number of steins will be available for tickets purchased at the gate. Admission is free for children under 12 years of age with a paying adult.

Fort Worth Oktoberfest is presented by Paulaner and benefits Fort Worth Park and Recreation. Supporting sponsors are Visit Fort Worth, WFAA, 95.9 The Ranch, and 92.1 Hank FM. For more promotional information or to purchase tickets, visit FortWorthOktoberFest.com.