Addison Oktoberfest Celebrates 30 Years!
While Addison, Texas may be a 10-hour flight from Germany, you can find a true taste of Bavaria at the town’s Addison Oktoberfest, the most authentic Oktoberfest experience in North America. Insiders for the event, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, know that you don’t have to don a dirndl to enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration. In fact, they share four key tips that every Addison Oktoberfest visitor should know.
It’s all about the STEIN
Every year, Addison Oktoberfest creates a beautiful glass stein to commemorate the event. While you can have your cold Paulaner in a plastic cup, to enjoy Oktoberfest like a local, buy a commemorative stein and have it refilled. Some guests bring back a favorite stein year to year, too! The steins often sell out, so make sure and get yours early. You can even order them in advance as a part of a package. Vendors will not fill up “das boot.” Only 1 liter and 1/2 liter steins will be accepted for refills.
Come for the KEG TAPPING
Just like in Munich, the Mayor celebrates the official opening of Oktoberfest by tapping a ceremonial keg of Paulaner. Addison’s Mayor Joe Chow uses a wooden mallet to hammer a brass tap into a beautiful wooden keg. He has only three strikes of the mallet to tap the keg and shout “O’zapft is,” which is Bavarian dialect for “It’s tapped.” The official keg tapping at Addison Oktoberfest occurs on Thursday evening at 8 pm in the Schloss Addison tent.
Celebrate like a VIP
In Bavaria guests at the brewery tents enjoy plated meals served by dirndl-clad servers. At Addison Oktoberfest, that experience can be best replicated at Chamberlain’s Brau Haus, a pop-up dining experience created by renowned chef Richard Chamberlain. For only $49.99, guests receive a three-course dinner expertly paired with Paulaner biers, a special souvenir stein, and a $25 gift card good at either Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House or Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill. You can purchase your tickets here.
Remember the whole FAMILY
While there may be bier served with those brats, Addison Oktoberfest offers great fun for the whole family. There is special children’s entertainment on the Bowl Stage, including the Napper Sisters. Plus, kids of all ages will love the amazing carnival. On Sunday ONLY, in addition to the famed Dachshund Parade, wiener dogs from across North Texas can race in the Dachshund Races for fun and prizes! Also, watch dogs complete the DAWG agility course including the 80’ pretzel tunnel!
For more information on ticket packages and hotel packages, visit AddisonOktoberfest.com.
