September means the start of Oktoberfest season! Yes, despite the name, September is the traditional time to celebrate, and there are plenty of options for doing just that in Texas. Many parts of the state with strong German roots will be throwing big parties this month and beyond.
One celebration worth checking out is in the city of Addison, in Dallas County. Its Oktoberfest has been recognized as one of the most authentic outside of Munich for over three decades. This year, over 50,000 people are expected to come Sept. 19-22 to share a love of German music, food and the same Paulaner bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival.
The very best food will be served in the Chamberlain’s Brau Haus. It offers a three-course tasting menu served in an upscale setting.
For the common Volk, dozens of polka bands and other traditional entertainers from around the country will perform, with continuous entertainment on multiple stages. Returning this year is Grammy-nominated polka artist, Alex Meixner, better known to fans as the Hormel Pepperoni one-man band.
There will also be dachshund races, beer-barrel rolling, a yodeling contest and a German spelling bee.
Many other popular Texas Oktoberfest celebrations are scheduled for the first week of October. So enjoy Addison, take a week off, and then check out another one! There’s Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, and Wurstfest in New Braunfels (which is actually in November). San Antonio has Beethoven Halle Oktoberfest, and then there’s Surftoberfest in Corpus Christi, which organizers say gives Oktoberfest a “coastal spin.” Prost!
You can learn more about these and other Texas destinations in the travel issue of Texas Lifestyle Magazine.