The event will take place over three days with varying hours each day, including:
- 2-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27
- 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28
- Noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29
1. Admission is free but the VIP experience is ticketed
Attendees are able to experience the event, watch contests, see the keg tapping and more for free.
For those interested in a VIP experience, the Blue Box VIP Biergarten will offer a private area with exclusive craft beer, food from Hamm’s Meat + Market, live music and private restrooms. Pre-ordered VIP tickets also include swag items.
VIP tickets are $45 for a single day or $115 for a multi-day pass, and can be purchased online here.
“We're excited to bring back the VIP biergarten sponsored by Blue Box with upgraded beer and food options, which is perfect for those who enjoy an exclusive experience away from a bit of the hustle and bustle of the event,” Cultural District Director Andrew Jones said in a news release.
2. Food and drinks can be purchased directly from vendors
The event is ticketless, meaning attendees can purchase food, drinks and activities directly from vendors rather than waiting in a ticket line, the release stated. Event officials encourage the use of credit cards and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
“We are also bringing back our well-received ticketless system to make the process seamless and enjoyable for everyone in downtown,” Jones said.
There will be authentic German food for sale, such as brats, sausages, strudel and more, the release stated. There will also be beers from Hofbrau and Tupps Brewery, as well as wine from Landon Winery and Lone Star Cellars. A happy hour special will also take place from 2-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 in which beers will be discounted.
3. Activities are planned for each day of the event
The family-friendly event will offer live music and entertainment from three stages located throughout downtown.
The event also includes the annual keg-tapping tradition and a parade on Friday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can also shop around the Marktplatz, which will offer Bavarian craftsmanship and traditional wares.
4. Participate in or watch daily contests
Contests are planned for each day of the event, with attendees able to participate in or watch each event. Competitions planned include:
- Weenie dog races
- Wannabe dog races, for all dog breeds
- A beard and mustache competition
- A stein-holding competition
- A brat-eating competition
5. Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle is available
Parking for the event is free and available at the various parking lots and garages around downtown. See a map of downtown parking lots here.
A round-trip shuttle service will also be available, taking attendees that park at First McKinney Baptist Church, located at 1615 W. Louisiana St., to and from downtown. The shuttle will leave every 15 minutes and operate during select times:
- 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday, Sept. 27
- 10 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, Sept. 28
- 12:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29
For more information about McKinney Oktoberfest, visit www.mckinneyoktoberfest.com.
