Celebrate Fall at Austin’s Area Oktoberfest Events

The tradition may have begun in Germany, but Oktoberfest has become a worldwide phenomenon and a great way to celebrate the coming of fall with friends and family. The Austin area is abuzz with various Oktoberfest activities and celebrations. Here are a few you won't want to miss.

1. Oktoberfest at German-Texans Heritage Society
507 East 10th St, Austin

On October 14, the German Free School will host a family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration featuring live music, German food, and a biergarten for the adults. Plenty of attendees will be dressed in authentic German garb, so if you own some lederhosen, feel free to show them off! The event lasts from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

2. Banger's 5th Annual Oktoberfest
79 and 81 Rainey St, Austin

Hosted by Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden, this is the perfect opportunity to try some unique German brews in a festive atmosphere. The event will last all weekend from Thursday, October 26 through Sunday, October 29. The main attraction is the Oktoberfest games, which are open for public participation. Live music will be performed by bands like Der Klein Steins and Austin Polka Band, and the festival concludes with a Big Band Brunch on Sunday.

3. Oktoberfest, Texas Style
4001 North Lamar, Austin

Here's a unique way to celebrate! Register for a cooking class through Central Market Cooking School, and learn how to make classic German dishes with a Texas twist. On the menu will be buttered spaetzel, grilled bratwurst, hot German potato salad, and apple strudel. Participants will get to enjoy a cold glass of Paulaner Oktoberfest beer as they learn. The class lasts from 6:30 – 9 p.m. on October 12, and you can purchase tickets online for $50 per person.

4. 15th Annual Barktoberfest
3300 Bushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park

If you want to include the furry family member in your Oktoberfest celebrations, head to this annual gathering at Bushy Creek Lake Park. Hosted by the Central Texas SPCA, the festival raises funds to save homeless pets in the Austin area. There's a 5k run at 8 a.m., a walk at 10 p.m., and plenty of food vendors and fun games to keep everyone entertained.

5. Bloody Good Beer Fest
2000 E Cesar Chavez Dr, Austin

This lively party hosted by Craftsman Bar features beer tastings from 10 different breweries and an Oktoberfest cook-off. Proceeds go to benefit We Are the Blood, a blood donation organization supporting Central Texas. The menu will include grilled sausage, German potato salad, kraut, mustard and cucumber salad. Breweries in attendance include Pint House Pizza, Hops & Grain, and SweetWater Brewing. Stop by between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, and look forward to a bloody good time.

Residents at Springs a Lakeline and Springs at Round Rock Apartments, where do you plan on celebrating Oktoberfest? Share your favorite events and celebratory experiences in the comments section below.