Texas is a melting pot with a rich, diverse history. The six flags of Texas may represent all the nations that have ruled over the state, but they don't come close to encompassing the many cultures that have had influences over what makes the Great State of Texas so great.
As any native Texan will tell you, one of the most prominent segments of early Texas settlers came from Germany. You only have to look at towns like New Braunfels, Schulenburg and Fredericksburg to see the Germanic heritage in the Lone Star State. Since Oktoberfest is a celebrated event in Germany, it's also a big deal here in Texas. So if you want to celebrate the historic Bavarian holiday, you don't have to go to Munich, you can do it right here. Here are 10 great Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas.
AustOberfest - Austin
When: Sept. 30
Where: Scholz Garden and Sängerrunde Hall
Named by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in America, the AustOberfest offers attendees excellent German sausages and beer as well as live music. It's a taste of Central Texas German heritage you can't miss.
Lake Highlands Oktoberfest - Lake Highlands
When: Sept. 30
Where: Flag Pole Hill
One of the largest neighborhoods in Northeast Dallas, Lake Highlands, hosts its own Oktoberfest each year. The event boasts plenty of food, drink and music for all who attend. Join the corn hole tournament for a real laugh.
Oktoberfest Fredericksburg - Fredericksburg
When: Oct. 6-8
Where: Downtown Fredericksburg
One of Texas' most treasured historic German settlements, Fredericksburg, hosts their Oktoberfest celebration in the heart of downtown. The entire town becomes a Bavarian hamlet filled with lederhosen and dirndl skirts. The celebration lasts three days, with such events as a 42 tournament, yodeling and dancing.
Island Oktoberfest - Galveston
When: Oct. 27-28
Where: First Lutheran Church 24th and Winnie
There will be plenty of polka, wine and, of course, German food at Island Oktoberfest in Galveston. The event has been taking place every October for 36 years now, celebrating the unique mix of German ancestry in the island port of Galveston.
Oktoberfest Granbury - Granbury
When: Oct. 13-15
Where: Ketzler's Schnitzel Haus and Biergarten
Oktoberfest in Granbury's historic downtown consists of great beer, food and cultural music. It's held in conjunction with the Brazos River Corvette Club Show, so it's a twofer event with something for every Texan.
Oktoberfest at Beethoven Maennerchor - San Antonio
When: Oct. 6 & 7, Oct. 13 & 14
Where: Beethoven Maennerchor
Beethoven Maennerchor in San Antonio is a German cultural society dedicated to preserving German music and heritage in Texas. Each year they open up their biergarten to the city for Oktoberfest to indulge in some authentic German food and music. This year, it's taking place on two consecutive weekends in mid October.
Surftober Fest - Corpus Christi
When: Oct. 7
Where: Marina Arts District
If you ever wondered what Oktoberfest would look like if you plunked it down near a Texas beach, then Corpus Christi's Surftober Fest is for you! Filled with beer, food, music, and of course, surfers. Proceeds from this year's events go to benefit the Port Aransas Education Foundation to help schools in Port A get back on their feet after Harvey.
Oktoberfest Muenster - Muenster
When: Oct. 28 & 29
Where: Heritage Park Pavilion
Just south of the Oklahoma border sits the tiny German village of Muenster. Don't underestimate their Oktoberfest just because their population is small though, they know how to have a good time in Muenster. Along with the standard food and beer, Oktoberfest in Muenster includes a weenie dog race, a stein hoisting competition, and a lederhosen and dirndl competition.
Oktoberfest on the Square - La Grange
When: Oct. 7
Where: The Square, Downtown La Grange
The Rotary Club of La Grange puts on a fantastic Oktoberfest each year. With over 100 craft beers and music by a band called Los Kolaches, you can't go wrong with this one.
Wurstfest - New Braunfels
When: Nov. 3-12
Where: 120 Landa St., New Braunfels, Texas
In a town like New Braunfels, you'd expect them to take Oktoberfest seriously, and you'd be right. Wurstfest, the Oktoberfest celebration in the German settlement of New Braunfels is a ten-day annual event that encompasses everything German in the Lone Star State.
