Dallas Welcomes Oktoberfest 2024: Beer, Brats, and Bavarian Festivities Return
Did you know the original Oktoberfest began as a grand wedding celebration for Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen? The royal festivity on October 18, 1810 drew 40,000 guests, featured a 30‑horse race, a student choir, and, of course, beer tasting.
Since then, Oktoberfest has migrated from Munich’s Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow) to cities worldwide—including Brazil, Australia, and China—yet you don’t need an international passport to experience the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival).
Dallas is ready to host the event, celebrating das bier (beer) and Gemütlichkeit (cheerfulness) right here on Flag Pole Hill.
Oktoberfest Dallas
After a one‑year hiatus, Oktoberfest Dallas returns on Saturday, Oct. 2. The festival, located just north of White Rock Lake, will feature live music from Son Volt, Vandoliers, and Taylor Dunn, as well as a King of the Hill Cornhole Tournament for locals.
Enjoy hearty Bavarian fare and craft beer all day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults before 4 p.m., $20 afterward, $10 for children ages 4‑12, and free for kids under 4.
Breweries Celebrating Oktoberfest
If you can’t wait for Oct. 2, many local breweries are already offering Oktoberfest‑style brews. The festivities across the U.S. run from Sept. 18 to Oct. 3.
- Craft and Growler – Home to the city’s first growler‑filling station, they serve house‑crafted brews such as Star of Texas Hefeweizen and Exposition Porter. Bar hours: Tue‑Wed 4–9 p.m.; Thu 4–10 p.m.; Fri 3–10 p.m.; Sat 1–10 p.m.; Sun 1–9 p.m.
- Oak Cliff Brewing Company – This neighborhood brewery partners with local nonprofits, so every pint supports a cause. Taproom hours: Wed‑Fri 4–10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun noon–10 p.m.
- Pegasus City Brewery – Despite its small size, the taste is mighty. Try the Texikaner Black Lager, a dark brew with German and Mexican influences. Taproom hours: Wed‑Thu 4–10 p.m.; Fri 4–11 p.m.; Sat noon–11 p.m.; Sun 1–9 p.m.
- Steam Theory Brewing – Blending technology and tradition, they serve Frau Blucher Kolsch and Spitzer Helm Berliner Weisse. Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri‑Sat 11 a.m.–midnight.
Restaurants Celebrating Oktoberfest
Beer alone isn’t enough—pair it with authentic German cuisine for the full experience.
- District 9 Draught Haus – An East Dallas beer & brat hub offering a variety of wurst sandwiches and Bavarian treats. Kitchen hours: Tue‑Thu 3–10 p.m.; Fri‑Sat noon–10 p.m.; Sun noon–8 p.m.
- Kuby’s Sausage House – A Texas institution since 1961, renowned for its award‑winning wursts, schnitzels, and sauerkraut. Hours: Mon‑Sat 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery – Known for European breads and cakes, plus kassler and rouladen that are worth the trip. Hours: Tue‑Thu 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Fri‑Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
