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Friday, April 19, 2024

Oktoberfest Southlake Brings German Festivities to Southlake Town Square October 6-8

It’s almost time to don your lederhosen, Oktoberfest Southlake will return to Southlake Town Square Friday, October 6, through Sunday, October 8. Back for its 16th year, the German-inspired festival will once again offer live entertainment, authentic German food, activities for the whole family, and widely popular wiener dog races. Hosted by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, the community event will offer both free parking and free admission.

Guests can expect many of the same exciting elements that have become traditions over the years. The sound of Swiss Longhorns will kick off a weekend of festivities, including live entertainment on three stages. In keeping with the theme, expect performances by The German Band of North Texas and Alpine Dancers, in addition to sounds from popular headliners, Downtown Fever and Walk This Way.

Numerous dining options will surround Southlake Town Square and will also be offered in Die Festalle, the centrally located festival hall tent, which will also serve beer and wine.

“We are excited to offer a wide variety of authentic German food at Oktoberfest Southlake. Guests will find unique dishes they may have never heard of before,” stated Mark Guilbert, the president of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, adding that nearly 30 food vendors in total will be on site.

With something for everyone, there will be nearly 90 arts and crafts vendors, a Family Fun Zone with various activities for all ages and a petting zoo, and a Sports Zone, which will be home to a football-shaped mechanical bronco, a jumbo screen showing college and NFL football games, and the popular Biergarten. Throughout the weekend, also expect a German costume contest, a yodeling contest, and a stein hoisting competition.

The wiener dog events, a crowd favorite, will take place on Saturday morning of the festival, and include a dog costume parade and the highly anticipated Wiener Dog Races. Dachshund owners are encouraged to register their dogs online prior to the event.

Although parking at the event is free, additional 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, including event hours, visit www.OktoberfestSouthlake.com.

Break Out the Bookmarks for Camp Big Read: June 3 Kick Off Event for Southlake Summer Reading Program

This summer, grab your library card and take a hike to Camp Big Read, the 2017 Southlake Public Library Summer Reading Program. The library will host a camp-inspired kick off event on Saturday, June 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Family Park in Southlake Town Square. With free admission, the entire family can enjoy an evening of live entertainment, a giant tipi, games, activities, refreshments and more.

During the kick off event, kid-friendly Big Bang Boom will perform pop music as part of the MasterWorks Music Series. Composed of musicians who are also dads, the popular entertainers will play a mix of covers and original songs.

In keeping with the camping-theme, the Tipi Storytellers will bring a 28 foot-high tipi, and will share stories and understanding of Native American culture. The giant tipi and ancient tales will offer guests a fascinating perspective on our nation’s history.

Camping would not be complete without snacks. Rita’s Italian Ice will be on-site to provide 1,000 free Italian ice treats and the Southlake Library will offer an activity for children to help build a traditional campfire favorite—s’mores.

With camp-themed photo ops, crafts, make-your-own-bubbles, hula hoops, corn hole, and other activities for children, everyone will be a happy camper at the kick-off of Camp Big Read. With the Southlake Public Library as a partner in education, kids can keep their reading skills sharp as an arrow all summer long.

The Southlake Public Library Summer Reading Program will span from June 3 to August 11. Appropriate for children ages 5-12 years old, the program rewards readers for logging their reading hours and offers engaging and educational activities for kids almost every day during the 10-week program.

A few Camp Big Read program highlights include:

  • Storytelling Workshop—June 12-14 from 10:00-11:30 a.m., with a storytelling performance on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. Ages 6-12 years old.
  • Coding Camp—June 19-22 from 8:00-10:15 a.m. Instructors will lead the group on music and sound programming using Google CS First. Some coding experience suggested. Limited space, registration required. Ages 10+ years old.
  • Friday Flicks—every Friday June 19-August 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the library. Snacks provided. See the library website for titles. All ages.
  • Fort Worth Science & History Museum “Discovery Labs”—June 7, July 19 & July 26 at 2:00 p.m. Registration required. Additional hands-on science program on June 28 at 2:00 p.m. Ages 8+ years old.
  • Camp Art with ARThouse of Southlake—June 5, June 19, July 17, July 31 & August 7 at 11:00 a.m. Ages 5+ years old.
  • Circle Up for the End of Camp Big Read—August 11 at 11:00 a.m. Camp treats, camp stories, and a campy good time.

Any little campers who want to join Camp Big Read this summer must first register in the library or online at SouthlakeLibrary.com. For additional details and information about these and other programs and activities designed for preschoolers, teens and adults, visit the library’s Summer Program Schedule page.