Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Southlake Oktoberfest Brings German Family Fun to Town Square for 15th Year

Oktoberfest logoFrom authentic German food to live entertainment and wiener dog races, Southlake Oktoberfest is back for its 15th year in Southlake Town Square October 7-9.

In a perfect, walkable location, the family friendly event is one of the largest German-inspired festivals in the area and the largest annual event in Southlake, having grown from an estimated 15,000 in attendance during its first year to an expected 100,000 people this year. With free parking and admission, guests are encouraged to come and enjoy what has developed into a favorite fall attraction for the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

With a variety of exciting elements, here are a few don’t-miss activities at Southlake Oktoberfest:

  • Swiss Horns – The sounds of authentic alpine horns will kick off festivities at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, followed by remarks from a German dirndl-clad Mayor Laura Hill at 5:30 p.m.kid zone
  • Live Entertainment – Singers and bands will entertain the crowds from two stages during the weekend, including headliners Le Freak, the self-proclaimed “greatest disco band in the world,” and the Molly Ringwalds, a group that specializes in all things ‘80s, from hair to music.
  • Die FestalleThe Festival Hall Tent located in the middle of the event is the site for seating, food, and one of two bars providing beer and wine. Additional dining options will be found by vendors surrounding Southlake Town Hall serving up everything from authentic German cuisine to traditional festival food.
  • Arts & Crafts – Artists and craft exhibitors in Rustin and Family Park will offer hand-crafted products for sale, including jewelry, furniture and artwork.
  • Sports Zone – Home to the 9×16 foot GoVision big screen, the Sports Zone will offer numerous sports activities, including several new athletic games this year. Also home to the Biergarten, guests will find a selection of authentic German beers to enjoy while watching college and NFL games on the big screen.
  • Kids Zone – With the same youth-friendly elements from previous years, the Kids Zone will provide exciting entertainment for children, including games, activities and face painting. Popular children’s singer/song writer Eddie Coker will perform on the main entertainment stage near the Kids Zone at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
  • Wiener Dog Events – Easily the most popular attraction at Southlake Oktoberfest, the wiener dog events will take place on Saturday morning of the festival, beginning with the costume parade at 9:30 a.m. and races at 10:00 a.m. Dachshund owners are encouraged to register their dogs online prior to the event.

Hosted by the Southlake Chaalpine hornsmber of Commerce and presented by Grubbs Infiniti, the City of Southlake has also been a dedicated partner in the event since its inception in 2001 – providing financial support and police and fire department presence throughout the festival. With many City staffers volunteering their time on the planning committee and during the event, Southlake Oktoberfest truly is a community-wide effort.

Southlake Oktoberfest hours of operation are Friday 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Although parking at the event is free, additional free parking and a shuttle service will be available at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church over the weekend. Shuttles will run continuously to and from Southlake Town Square.

For additional information, contact the Southlake Chamber of Commerce at 817-481-8200 or visit www.OktoberfestSouthlake.com.

An image of a family bowling and dining

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