How to celebrate Oktoberfest in Houston
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German folk dancers. Photo: James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Dust off your lederhosen: Oktoberfest season is in full swing across Houston.
Why it matters: You don't have to fly to Germany to get a taste of the Bavarian tradition.
Fun fact: Houston served as a major gateway and disembarkation point for German immigrants arriving via Galveston. That's also why a lot of nearby towns have German names.
- So it only makes sense that Oktoberfest is big here. Plus, of course, the celebration comes with beer and bratwurst.
Here's how to celebrate:
🇩🇪 Oktoberfest Nation Houston: This monthlong pop-up has taken over East Downtown with Hofbräu beer imported from Munich, German food and oompah bands, plus carnival games and stein holding contests.
- Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets start at about $15. All ages.
🥨 Saint Arnold Oktoberfest: Saint Arnold Brewing celebrates with German-inspired food, special beer releases, live music and games this weekend.
- Friday and Saturday bring live music and a local market, and Sunday's finale features a Bavarian brunch with the Houston Brass Band.
🐾 Karbachtoberfest: Karbach Brewing Co.'s final celebration is Oct. 2-4 with beer, brats, stein hoisting and — wait for it — wiener dog races.
- Selena tribute group Bidi Bidi Banda performs Saturday. Dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen.
🍺 Little Woodrow's: All the Little Woodrow's locations across Houston will have seasonal beer, merch and various events through Oct. 10.
🏙️ POST Houston: Head to POST Houston's Skylawn on Oct. 10 for beer, seasonal bites, folk dancing, polka and stein hoisting contests. 4–10pm. 21 and older.
🎶 Houston Saengerbund Oktoberfest: This German-American group is hosting an adults-only celebration on Oct. 10. 6–10pm. Tickets are $40 online and $50 at the door.
🍻 Galveston Island Oktoberfest: Make a day trip Oct. 23–24 for First Lutheran Church's annual free festival, featuring German food, live music, folk dancing, vendors and a kids zone in downtown Galveston.