Top 10 Oktoberfest Events In Austin In 2024

Looking to celebrate Oktoberfest in Austin this year? You’re in luck! The Texas capital is gearing up to host a range of vibrant Oktoberfest events that bring a taste of Bavarian tradition right to the heart of the city.

From beer gardens brimming with local and German brews to live polka bands, authentic German food, and traditional lederhosen-clad festivities, Austin’s Oktoberfest scene has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned Oktoberfest enthusiast or just looking for a fun fall activity, this guide highlights the top 10 Oktoberfest events in Austin for 2024 that you won’t want to miss. Grab your stein and get ready to post!

Live Oak Brewing Co. Oaktoberfest (September 20-22)

Overview: Live Oak Brewing Co. kicks off its 27th annual Oaktoberfest with a three-day event filled with traditional German festivities. This celebration captures the essence of Oktoberfest with its lively atmosphere, live music, and rich cultural vibes.

Key Highlights: Attendees can enjoy Live Oak’s signature Oaktoberfest beer, a classic Munich-style Märzen Lager brewed with German malts. Activities include stein-hoisting competitions, live performances from local bands, and a variety of food trucks serving everything from BBQ to pizza.

Why Attend: This family-friendly event is perfect for those who appreciate traditional German lagers in a vibrant setting. It’s a true community celebration that brings together beer lovers, music enthusiasts, and foodies alike.

Banger’s Sausage Garden Oktoberfest (September 26-28)

Overview: Nestled in the heart of Rainey Street, Banger’s Sausage Garden hosts one of Austin’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations. This event is a must-visit for those who love sausages, beer, and a good party.

Key Highlights: Expect German classics like Schnitzel Sausage and Schweinebraten, paired with an extensive selection of German-style beers. The event kicks off with a ceremonial tapping of the firkin, and throughout the weekend, you can enjoy live music, games, and a lively crowd.

Why Attend: Known for its fun and inclusive atmosphere, Banger’s Oktoberfest brings the best of German food, music, and community spirit. It’s a great spot to experience Oktoberfest in true Austin style.

St. Elmo Brewing Co. Oktoberfest (September 28)

Overview: St. Elmo Brewing’s one-day Oktoberfest offers a unique twist on classic German brews, making it a standout event among the many celebrations in Austin.

Key Highlights: The brewery’s special Märzen-style beer, Schlagen, is aged on French oak spirals, giving it a distinct oaky flavor reminiscent of traditional cask-aged beers. The festivities include live music from Austin Polka Band, food trucks serving themed dishes, and plenty of opportunities to show off your lederhosen.

Why Attend: St. Elmo Brewing provides a more intimate Oktoberfest experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional vibes with a modern twist. It’s a great place to try something new while enjoying classic Oktoberfest elements like music and games.

Easy Tiger Oktoberfest (September 26-29)

Overview: Easy Tiger is spreading its Oktoberfest cheer across two locations this year, offering a mix of traditional activities and quirky, fun elements. Known for its inviting atmosphere, the event brings together food, drinks, and engaging competitions that draw a diverse crowd.

Key Highlights: The festivities include classic stein-hoisting contests, daily live music performances, and an adult spelling bee, adding a playful twist to the usual Oktoberfest lineup. Easy Tiger’s famous baked goods, such as giant pretzels, pair perfectly with their selection of German-style beers.

Why Attend: This event stands out for its community-centered approach, inviting everyone to come together and participate in lighthearted competitions. It’s not just about the beer—it’s about the camaraderie, laughter, and delicious snacks that keep people coming back every year.

Meanwhile Brewing Co. Oktoberfest (September 29 – October 1)

Overview: Meanwhile Brewing Co. is known for infusing Bavarian traditions with Austin’s creative spirit, making their three-day Oktoberfest celebration a must-see. Set in a spacious venue with plenty of outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Key Highlights: The event features a variety of fun activities, including a pretzel toss, stein-hoisting competitions, and special Oktoberfest-themed food from their onsite food trucks. Live polka music keeps the energy high, while special beer releases provide a taste of seasonal flavors.

Why Attend: Meanwhile’s Oktoberfest offers something for everyone, with plenty of kid-friendly activities and unique twists that make it a standout event. Whether you’re there for the games, the music, or the beer, you’re sure to leave with great memories.

Laztoberfest at Lazarus Brewing Co. (September 27-October 6)

Overview: Laztoberfest at Lazarus Brewing Co. is a 10-day long Oktoberfest celebration that offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the festivities. With events taking place across their two locations, it’s a great way to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest over an extended period. Key

Highlights: Guests can expect a variety of activities, including live performances from local polka bands, stein-hoisting contests, and themed games. Lazarus Brewing’s lineup of beers, including their special seasonal releases, keeps the drink options fresh and exciting.

Why Attend: If you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest more than once, Laztoberfest is perfect. The extended schedule allows you to pick a day that suits your calendar, or come back for multiple visits to try new beers and enjoy the evolving entertainment lineup.

42nd Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg Marktplatz (October 4-6)

Overview: Known for its deep German roots, Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest is one of the most authentic celebrations near Austin. This event transforms the town’s Marktplatz into a lively festival grounds filled with traditional German music, food, and activities.

Key Highlights: The event features live music on multiple stages, showcasing everything from oompah bands to folk singers. Attendees can indulge in German delicacies like bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels while enjoying contests such as stein-hoisting and a variety of children’s activities.

Why Attend: It’s perfect for a weekend getaway from Austin, offering a rich cultural atmosphere that feels like stepping into a German town. The combination of entertainment, food, and historical setting makes it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic German heritage.

Austoberfest at Scholz Garten (October 5)

Overview: Scholz Garten, Austin’s oldest beer garden, puts a Texas twist on the Oktoberfest tradition with its annual Austoberfest. This historic venue provides a unique backdrop that blends German heritage with a distinctly Texan vibe, creating a festival that’s both familiar and fresh.

Key Highlights: This event features sausage tastings, polka dancing, and plenty of stein-holding contests to keep the spirit of Oktoberfest alive. Scholz Garten’s outdoor area becomes a lively party zone with live music, bowling, and an array of locally brewed German-style beers.

Why Attend: If you’re keen on experiencing Oktoberfest in a historic setting, Scholz Garten offers a blend of tradition and Texas charm. It’s not just about the food and beer; it’s about celebrating in a venue that’s been a staple of Austin’s social scene since 1866.

Austin Oktoberfest (October 12)

Overview: Hosted by the German Texan Heritage Society, Austin Oktoberfest offers a community-focused celebration that emphasizes cultural preservation. Set in the historic German Free School grounds, this event highlights the cultural contributions of German Texans to the city.

Key Highlights: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of German foods, traditional music performances, and various family-friendly activities, including face painting and games for kids. The event also features cultural exhibitions that showcase the rich history of German settlers in Texas.

Why Attend: This is the go-to Oktoberfest for families and those interested in exploring cultural heritage. It’s a welcoming space where you can enjoy great food, support cultural preservation, and take part in a festival that feels both intimate and celebratory.

Wurstfest in New Braunfels (November 1-10)

Overview: Wurstfest is not just an Oktoberfest—it’s a grand celebration of German culture in one of Texas’ most German towns. This 10-day event in New Braunfels is a short drive from Austin and offers an extensive lineup of food, music, and activities that celebrate all things Bavarian.

Key Highlights: The festival boasts Bavarian foods, live entertainment on multiple stages, carnival rides, and a bustling marketplace filled with traditional German crafts and souvenirs. With a blend of classic and contemporary German music, dance, and performances, Wurstfest offers something for everyone.

Why Attend: Wurstfest is the ultimate Oktoberfest experience, offering an immersive environment that feels both festive and nostalgic. Whether you’re visiting for a day or making a weekend out of it, this event promises an unforgettable dive into German culture with a Texan twist.

Final Thoughts on Oktoberfest Events in Austin TX

Austin’s Oktoberfest events in 2024 promise an unforgettable blend of German tradition and local flair, making them a must-visit for festival-goers of all kinds. Whether you’re here for the craft beers, the lively music, or the mouthwatering German cuisine, these top 10 events offer something unique for everyone.

So dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, gather your friends, and make plans to experience the best of Austin’s Oktoberfest this year.

Cheers to a season filled with great beer, good company, and unforgettable memories! Prost!

FAQs on Oktoberfest

Where is the best Oktoberfest in Texas?

Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest is widely regarded as one of the top Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas and even the United States. This charming town embraces its German heritage with live oompah music, traditional German food, and a festive atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience an authentic Oktoberfest in Texas.

Where is Oktoberfest held in Texas?

Oktoberfest is celebrated in several places in Texas, but Fredericksburg is particularly famous for its vibrant festivities. The event, held from October 4-6, 2024, features traditional German music, food, and drinks, along with plenty of fun activities, bringing the spirit of Bavarian culture to Texas.

What does Oktoberfest mean in German?

Oktoberfest, pronounced [ɔkˈtoːbɐˌfɛst] in German, is a traditional Volksfest (people’s festival) that combines a beer festival with a traveling carnival. The original Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, from mid or late September to the first Sunday in October, attracting over six million visitors from around the world.

What happens during Oktoberfest?

During Oktoberfest, visitors enjoy parades featuring beer wagons, floats, and folk costumes, along with a variety of entertainment options such as games, amusement rides, music, and dancing. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the world’s largest and most popular festivals.

Top 10 Oktoberfest Events in Austin in 2024