How to Enjoy the Fredricksburg Oktoberfest Festival in Texas

One of the top five Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas, the Fredricksburg Oktoberfest is a celebration of the strong German heritage found in Texas. Oktoberfest began as a wedding party for Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, later King Ludwig I, in 1810. While different in flavor, the current Oktoberfest festivals kept the most important German traditions--lots of beer and good food! Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check the calendar for the dates of the festival, usually the first weekend in October. The Fredricksburg Oktoberfest website contains tentative dates for several years in advance. You can buy your tickets in advance while you're at the website or purchase them at the gate.
2. Plan your trip. The festival starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and runs through Sunday at 6 p.m. You should plan on spending at least one full day, although 2-day and 3-day passes are available at a discount price.
3. Walk down West Main Street to the 100 block and enter the Marktplatz (Market Square). Head to one of the food areas first to grab a stein of beer. If German beer isn't your thing, over 30 domestic and imported beers are available.
4. Listen to some oompah, polka, and waltz music at one of the three stages set up in the Marktplatz. Numerous bands will be playing throughout the festival and a entertainment schedule is available. Kick up your heels at the dance competition if your waltz skills are up to it.
5. Sample some authentic German cuisine at the many food booths set up in the Square. Occasionally, the German Agricultural Marketing Board will set up a "Taste of Germany" booth with free samples and recipes. Otherwise, open your wallet to buy some sausage, kraut, and strudel.
6. Browse the craft booths set up by artisans from around Texas. Located in the two big tents, the souvenirs you find might not all be authentic German, but you're sure to find a stein, a nutcracker, or maybe even a pair of liederhosen to take home with you.
7. Take the kids to Kinder Park for a few hours of kid-friendly entertainment, such as games, a slide, and a castle bounce.

Tips & Warnings

• No outside food or beverage is allowed at the Oktoberfest Festival.