Where to celebrate Oktoberfest around San Antonio
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Even without a trip to Germany, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Central Texas. Photo: Michaela Handrek-Rehle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
It's Oktoberfest season in Central Texas, and events around San Antonio offer plenty of ways to mark the occasion starting this weekend.
Why it matters: Despite its name, the German beer celebration begins in September. It's a fun way to ring in the fall season and honor the region's plentiful German heritage.
Flashback: The festival is traced to the Oct. 12, 1810, wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
- It's grown into an international celebration and a seemingly never-ending flow of beer.
Here are some ways to make the most of it.
La Villita Oktoberfest: The first-ever Oktoberfest at the historic La Villita runs Friday through Sunday. It includes kids activities like face painting and balloon making alongside German food, beer and music.
- Entry is free.
Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Cruise: Go Rio is offering two River Walk cruises on Friday and Sept. 27.
- A $60 ticket includes a German food tasting board and Shiner beers.
Oktoberfest at Vista Brewing: Head to the Driftwood location in the Hill Country to celebrate Saturday.
- There will be a German-inspired menu, a five-beer Oktoberfest flight and much more.
- RSVP for free. Noon-7pm.
Künstler Brewing: The local German-style brewery hosts its Oktoberfest from 10am-10pm on Sept. 28, featuring new beer releases.
Parktoberfest: The 13th annual free event at Brackenridge Park is on Sept. 29, 4-7pm.
- You can get free samples from local breweries and listen to live German music. Food will be available for purchase.
Oktoberfest Fredericksburg: The three-day blowout takes place from Oct. 4-6 this year. Expect five stages with nonstop music and plenty of German food and beer.
- A one-day ticket starts at $15. Hours vary.
Beethoven Männerchor: The German singing society hosts its annual celebration on Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12 starting at 4pm each day. There will be plentiful German food and entertainment.
- Tickets cost $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
Stable Stein Fest: Pearl's Stable Hall hosts its inaugural Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 5 starting at 1pm.
- There will be live music and a stein-holding competition.
- RSVP for free.
Oktoberfest at The Rock: The first-ever Oktoberfest celebration at The Rock at La Cantera is on Oct. 11 from 6-11pm. Expect live music and a kids stein-hoisting contest.
- Tickets start at $17.50.
What's next: Get excited for Wurstfest in New Braunfels, running Nov. 1-10.