The 2015 Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest in Addison

by Steven Doyle

For nearly three decades, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich has been held in Addison, Texas.  This year, over 70,000 fans will come together September 17-20, 2015 to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. As a part of its award-winning tradition, Addison has timed their festival to coincide with the famed Munich Oktoberfest, and Addison Oktoberfest will also feature much of the same music, folk dancing, sing-a-longs plus great German food and entertainment.

Often questioned about hosting a festival called Oktoberfest during the month of September, as a part of their efforts to make Addison Oktoberfest the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in North America, the festival is always timed to open the same weekend as the Munich celebration.  

The Munich Evergreens from Germany return to headline the entertainment line-up, along with Grammy-award winning polka legends Brave Combo and dozens of authentic German entertainers.  Oktoberfest guests, who visit Addison from all over the Southwest and beyond, will enjoy fun contests such as dachshund races, bier barrel bowling, a German Idol yodeling contest, a German spelling bee and more!  Guests wanting a more intimate experience can register to dine at the Chamberlain’s Brau Haus, with full service Bavarian dining and an exclusive menu.

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 nearly three decades old, know that you don’t have to don a dirndl to enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration. In fact, they share five 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.

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 Todd Meier 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 p.m. 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.

Remember the whole FAMILY

While there may be beer 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 Alpine Children’s Dancers and the Napper Sisters. Plus, kids of all ages will love the amazing carnival. On Sundays, you can purchase a wristband good for unlimited carnival rides for only $30. And don’t forget the four-legged family members! On Sunday, in addition to the famed Dachshund Parade, wiener dogs from across North Texas can race in the Dachshund Races for fun and prizes and watch dogs complete the DAWG agility course including the 80’ pretzel tunnel.

Plan your PACKAGES

There are great ways to stretch your budget at Addison Oktoberfest, and smart guests plan ahead to save money. First, new this year, Sunday admission at Addison Oktoberfest is free. Plus, guests who want to enjoy a variety of Addison Oktoberfest entertainment can pre-purchase packages which save 15% or more. 2015 Addison Oktoberfest packages include:

Ultimate Oktoberfest Package – $60
Adult Admission for Any One Day
40 Tasty Bucks (Food and Beverage Coupons)
Commemorative .5 Liter Stein
Souvenir Button
Authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest Hat

Kids Oktoberfest Package – $35
Child Admission for Any One Day, Except Sunday
Oktoberfest Color Changing Cup
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband voucher
Laugen Pretzel
Souvenir Button

Tasty Bucks Package – $45
Adult Admission for Any One Day
40 Tasty Bucks (Food and Beverage Coupons)

Food Lovers Package – $45
Admission for Any One Day
Smoked Sausage or Smoked Pork Plate
Dessert Item
Commemorative .5 Liter Stein
20 Tasty Bucks

Paulaner Lovers Package – $40
Admission for Any One Day
Paulaner Bottle Opener
Paulaner Oktoberfest Liter Stein
20 Tasty Bucks

Check out the website for all package information.