Houston residents can celebrate Oktoberfest all month long in October with a brand new event taking over East Downtown this year.
What's happening?
From the team behind Frosty's Christmas Bar, a large holiday-themed pop-up experience in December, comes Oktoberfest Nation Houston.
The event started its inaugural run Oct. 1 on Dallas Street in EaDo and will continue through Oct. 31. The five-week event is open to all ages, although guests need to be at least 21 years old to purchase an alcoholic beverage.
Activities include:
Stein-holding showdowns
Live Oompah bands and DJs
Festival-style carnival games
Interactive team competitions
Oktoberfest Nation will also pour authentic Hofbräu München beer imported from Hofbräu München, the iconic German brewery in Munich, behind the official Oktoberfest Nation experience, per the event's website. Guests can also expect to try traditional German food such as bratwursts, jumbo pretzels and sausages.
Two on-site shops, Lederhosen and Dirndl, will also offer a curated selection of apparel for purchase, including classic lederhosen, traditional Dirndl dresses, Bavarian shirts and blouses, hats, suspenders, aprons and accessories.
What you need to know
Doors to Oktoberfest Nation open at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The event runs through midnight. Guests must enter the premises at the time selected on their ticket, with a 30-minute grace period.
Ticket costs vary from $12.60 to $48.10.
For the smallest package, guests will receive entry plus one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from the Oktoberfest drink ticket menu. The most expensive option includes entry plus two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and $20 worth of carnival tickets.
Before you go
In addition to Oktoberfest Nation, other events that will take place in October for the German festival include:
POST Houston Skylawn Oktoberfest: Held Oct. 10 from 4-10 p.m. this event will feature craft beer vendors, seasonal bites, folk dancing and costume contests.
Texas Renaissance Festival: The 52nd installation of the event will kickoff with Oktoberfest Weekend on Oct. 10. The event will include themed attractions, dining experiences and live entertainment.
Little Woodrow's: The Shepherd Drive location will hold a stein-holding competition at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10.
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival and traveling fair that originates from Munich, Germany.
