While Fredericksburg, TX boasts over 400 festivals and events annually, the fall season brings a few signature celebrations that many loyal visitors simply refuse to miss.
This year Fredericksburg’s Annual Oktoberfest, running October 4, 5 and 6, will celebrate 39 years. It’s the festival of all festivals in Fredericksburg, setting the standard for German-style Oktoberfest celebrations throughout Texas. Streets close, volunteers take their yearly posts, and Lederhosen vendors restock their depleted inventory.
It’s fun for the whole family as our rich German heritage comes alive.
Held at our main Marktplatz in the center of town, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of German food and drink, as well as other tasty treats. There’s a full schedule including dance contests, music on four stages all weekend, local artisan displays, Kinderpark for the little ones, souvenirs and so much more.
There’s always something happening at Oktoberfest, too. You won’t want to miss some of the favorites including the OkTUBAfest performance; the Kraut Fun Run, the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance that stretches around the Marktplatz, the Histriker Competitions, the Samuel Adams Beer Stein Hoist; Beer & Hymns, 42 domino tournament and the Lederhosen Contest.
Next in the “must-see” festival line up is the 26th Annual Texas Mesquite Arts Festival. It runs October 11 through the 13 and featuressome of the most amazing woodwork you’ll ever see. Visitors will be treated to collections of sculpted wood from the world’s absolute finest mesquite craftsmen. Their works range from large furniture items such as beds, dressers and chairs made entirely from mesquite, to unique crafts and gifts including beautifully turned lamps, delicate scroll work, handsome pen and pencil sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments, and sculpted vases, all carefully crafted of mesquite. It’s a great place to do some early holiday shopping. And there are shipping services in Fredericksburg should you purchase more than you can pack.
The 10th Annual Knights of Columbus Bestfest is on Saturday, October 19. If you can’t make it to Oktoberfest, this is your next best bet. It’s a colorful celebration with craft beer, all the specialty sausage you can eat and German-style side dishes. It’s your chance to try polka dancing with a live polka band or take a chance on one of the many raffles. It’s a laid-back local event with all the German influence of Oktoberfest. Insider Tip: Come hungry!
Last but not least on the list of signature festivals is the 29th Annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, scheduled for Saturday, October 26. If you’ve ever wanted a sampling of Texas wines, and cuisine from this region, this is the festival for you. But it doesn’t stop at tasting. You can watch gourmet chefs at the Grape Expectations Cooking Demos, take part in the Gargantuan Great Grape Toss (yes, big water balloons), enjoy live entertainment and silent auctions. In addition, there areunique events throughout the weekend requiring advanced tickets, like the Go Texan! Dinner at Messina Hoff and an exclusive Patron Party brunch. Don’t miss this chance to discover 22 different wineries at one festival.
Perhaps the best part of all the 400 festivals and events held in Fredericksburg is the fact that a majority of them help support local non-profit organizations. It makes all the fun you have that much more satisfying. Sit back. Relax. And enjoy it all — Fredericksburg, Texas style.
