Polka, pretzels, Paulaner and plenty of Texas personality take over Addison Circle Park Sept. 17–20.
For four days this September, Addison Circle Park will become a little bit Bavarian—and unmistakably Texan.
Addison Oktoberfest, presented by Paulaner, returns Sept. 17–20, bringing an estimated 50,000 visitors together for one of the country’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations. There will be plenty of traditional German food, bier, music and dancing, but the real appeal is the way Addison puts its own Texas spin on the celebration.
At the heart of the festival is the 30,000-square-foot Partyhalle, where polka party bands will keep the dance floor moving and friendly competitions will add to the festivities. Among the featured performers are Auf Geht’s and five-time Grammy-nominated LynnMarie & The Nashville Polka Guys.
But you don’t have to be a polka purist to have a good time.
The Party Zelt will mix traditional sounds with more contemporary party music, while the Texas Prost Stage celebrates the surprising influence of polka on Texas and international music. Los Gran Reyes brings accordion-driven cumbia, Two Bit Swing Band delivers western swing, North Texas Tornados perform conjunto and Metalachi—the world’s first and only heavy-metal mariachi band—promises a particularly memorable performance.
Traditional Bavarian dancing will also take center stage, with the TSV D’Holzar Dancers performing throughout the weekend.
For those looking for a break from the outdoor festivities, the air-conditioned Kleinhalle will feature live music from artists including neo-retro soul singer Quentin Moore. Nearby, the facade of the Addison Performing Arts Centre will become a giant Glockenspiel Clock, complete with bells, balcony performances and the occasional invitation to “prost, y’all!”
Something for Everyone
Music is only part of the experience.
Families can head to Kidsgarten for arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos, a Root Biergarten and a Mini Masskrug competition for children 12 and younger. A colorful carousel near the entrance offers free rides for young children—and doubles as a popular photo opportunity.
For adults ready to dance without worrying about anyone watching, the Stiefel Studio offers a silent disco with a live DJ. The Karneval brings back favorite games and rides, including a Ferris wheel, while Marktplatz offers plenty of opportunities to shop for souvenirs, from authentic dirndls and Alpine hats to traditional beer steins.
Inside the Performing Arts Centre, Biercadia takes a nostalgic turn with free-play versions of classic arcade games including Space Invaders, Frogger and Guitar Hero.
And then there are the competitions.
Bierspiele Stadium is the home of the official Addison Oktoberfest Bier Games, featuring everything from Bier Maiden Stein Carrying and Bier Barrel Rolling to Biergarten Bingo. Masskrugstemmen—competitive stein hoisting—will test strength and concentration throughout the festival.
New this year, police officers and firefighters will face off daily Friday through Sunday in a special Police vs. Fire Masskrugstemmen competition.
Come Hungry
Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without the food—and Addison’s menu goes well beyond sausage and sauerkraut.
Traditional favorites include bratwurst with plenty of toppings, schnitzel, sausage plates, strudel, giant pretzels and Oktoberfest Beer Glazed Bacon. At Kaffee and Kuchen in the Stone Cottage, visitors can indulge in German sweets including Black Forest Cake and 
Lebkuchenherz, the heart-shaped gingerbread cookies traditionally worn as decorations.
And because this is Texas, there are plenty of familiar favorites, too: corndogs, funnel cakes, ice cream and sweet tea.
The bier selection is equally impressive. Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr—two of the six breweries permitted to serve bier at Munich Oktoberfest—will pour several varieties, including Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, Märzen, Hefe-Weizen and Pils, along with Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen and Munich Gold.
The Texas Zwei Step area adds another local touch, featuring selections from Texas craft breweries. Guests can even vote for their favorite Texas craft bier, with the winning brewery taking home the Golden Stein.
For those skipping alcohol, Beyond the Bar will offer a pop-up dry bar featuring zero-proof beverages.
Sunday Goes to the Dogs
One of Addison Oktoberfest’s most entertaining traditions returns Sunday with Hund-Day, sponsored by Texans Credit Union.
Dogs on leashes are welcome to join the festivities, and those dressed in their Oktoberfest best can compete in the Pet Parade for prizes. The day’s signature event, however, is the Dachshund Dash, sponsored by Pappy’s Pet Lodge.
One hundred dachshunds will race for the coveted Golden Dachshund trophy—and, presumably, bragging rights for their humans. Advance online registration is required for the race.
Whether you’re there for the bier, the music, the food, the competitions—or simply the spectacle—Addison Oktoberfest has mastered the art of making an old-world tradition feel right at home in North Texas.
So dust off the lederhosen, find that dirndl and get ready to raise a stein.
Prost!
EVENT DETAILS
What: Addison Oktoberfest
Four days of Bavarian entertainment with a Texas twist, including live music, traditional dancing, German food and bier, Texas craft bier, games, competitions, a Karneval, silent disco, vintage arcade, dachshund races and family activities.
When: Sept. 17–20, 2026
Thursday, Sept. 17: 5–11 p.m. — Free
Friday, Sept. 18: 5–11 p.m. — $15 ages 13+; $5 ages 6–12; under 5 free
Saturday, Sept. 19: Noon–midnight — $15 ages 13+; $5 ages 6–12; under 5 free
Sunday, Sept. 20: Noon–6 p.m. — $10 ages 13+; ages 12 and younger free
Where: Addison Circle Park4970 Addison Circle, Addison
Free parking:
Millennium Garage — 15455 N. Dallas Parkway
Colonnade Garage — 15305 N. Dallas Parkway
Addison Circle Two Garage — 15725 N. Dallas Parkway
Accessible parking is available at the DART Transit Center, 4925 Arapaho Road. Guests can also take the DART Silver Line to the Addison Station, which borders the festival grounds.
Tickets & information: Advance tickets are available at AddisonOktoberfest.com.
