Best Ways To Celebrate Oktoberfest In DFW
Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival that celebrates beer and is held annually in Munich, Germany. Luckily, you don't have to go all the way to Germany to celebrate this holiday. There are many large celebrations, festivals and restaurants that will let you have a similar experience right here in DFW. From authentic German food to beer brewed right down the road in German style, these events will give you an experience very similar to the one you would have in Munich.
McKinney Oktoberfest
Downtown McKinney
McKinney, TX 75069
www.mckinneytexas.org
Date: Sept. 27-28, 2013
Since it began five years ago, the McKinney Oktoberfest event has become one of the favorite ways to celebrate this holiday. It takes place in historic downtown McKinney. This year, the event will be even bigger than previous years. Some of it will literally be bigger as there will be an expanded "beer garden" and the event will expand to around 14 blocks of downtown. Entertainment will be provided to really give you that German experience. Guests can enjoy German beer that is brewed right in McKinney at Franconia, wine and genuine German cuisine.
Beir Barrel Events
4970 Addison Circle Drive
Addison, TX 75001
(972) 450-2851
www.addisontexas.net
Date: Sept. 21, 2013
With bier barrel rolling and bier barrel bowling, there are some fun, alternative events to celebrate Oktoberfest. These events are part of Addison's Oktoberfest celebration.The bier barrel rolling event will consist of teams competing in a bier barrel rolling relay. Participants will use one hand to roll a bier barrel down to the finish line. Prizes are available for competitors. For bier barrel bowling, teams will trade in their bowling balls for mini kegs. Participants for both events much be at least 21.
Bavarian Grill
221 W. Parker Road
Plano, TX 75023
(972) 881-0705
www.bavariangrill.com
It is difficult to find more authentic German food anywhere in the Dallas area other than at Bavarian Grill. Its cuisine is southern German with delicious and authentic flavors. If you'd like to avoid the crowds at the larger Oktoberfest events, a nice dinner with German flavors might be a great way for you to celebrate with friends. The restaurant has been voted "Best German Restaurant in America" and is known for its schnitzel. It also offers a full bar with over 50 types of German beer and at least 20 styles of German wine.
Southlake Oktoberfest
1256 Main St.
Southlake, TX 76092
(817) 329-5566
www.oktoberfestsouthlake.com
Date: Oct. 4-6, 2013
One of the main attractions at the Southlake Oktoberfest, other than the genuine German beer and food, are the wiener dog races. In 2012, over 180 wiener dogs gathered to compete in the Southlake Town Square. There is also a wiener dog parade earlier that same day. Entertainment from a variety of bands will be provided on the stages throughout the days of the event.
Addison Oktoberfest 5K
4970 Addison Circle Drive
Addison, TX 75001
(972) 450-2851
www.addisontexas.net
Date: Sept. 19-22, 2013
In previous years, this Oktoberfest event has attracted more than 70,000 lovers of polka, German beer and German entertainment. The Addison Conference Centre is being transformed into a German beer hall with a Texas twist. This is where you can find all kinds of authentic German food and beverages. If you're looking for more fun, there are also arts and craft areas as well as a carnival. If you're looking for something fun and different, you won't want to miss the German Idol and German Spelling Bee events during Addison's Oktoberfest.
Kelsi Gerwell is a freelance writer covering all things Dallas-Fort Worth. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
