As the air turns crisp and the trees’ leaves adopt the shade of pumpkins, thousands of people trade in short shorts and tank tops for Dirndls and linen pants for Lederhosen as they celebrate the official start of fall.
At most Oktoberfest events, there are tons of German beer, sausages, and polka music. The Addison affair is no different. Named the “most authentic Oktoberfest event outside of Munich” in the country, Addison’s Oktoberfest has been a must-attend since its creation in 1987.
So why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September? The 16-day Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, begins at the same time as Addison Oktoberfest. The first event was held on October 10, 1810, to commemorate the union of Princess Therese of Saxon-Hildeburghausen and Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. In 1880, the festival began to be held in September to take advantage of the better weather.
The celebration of German culture is present in Addison Circle from September 15-18 with something for every family member.
Oktoberfest is in line with football season, and Draught Haus Biergarten has the bier (beer), the brats, and the big screen for watching your favorite teams.
“Partyhalle” is where live entertainment will take place. The open-aired tent features 1,000 seats and an elevated stage where polka bands will play. Festivalgoers can test their strength at Masskrugstemmen (stein-hoisting challenge) and learn about dogs native to Germany. Partyhalle deck table tickets are available online.
Kleinhalle is located in the Addison Conference Centre, which features a place to relax in the air-conditioning. Live entertainment, as well as food and beverages with table service (no reservation required) will be available throughout the festival.
For the littles, Kinderzelt has free hands-on crafts, balloon twisting, and airbrush tattoos throughout the weekend. Children 12 and under can compete in games for prizes on Saturday and Sunday.
The Paulaner Biergarten is a shaded area located at the center of the festival grounds, where attendees can take a load off, enjoy a bier, and watch the festival games.
While no dogs are allowed at Oktoberfest, there will be a German dog showcase and a Dachshund Dash on Sunday, September 18.
The hours for Oktoberfest are:
- September 15, 2022: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- September 16, 2022: 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- September 17, 2022: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- September 18, 2022: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Oktoberfest’s main entrance is at the corner of Quorum Drive and Addison Circle. There are four parking garages where parking is free. Handicap parking is located at the DART parking lot (4925 Arapaho Road).
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday events are on sale online. Single-day tickets are $10, or tickets for both days are $40. Entry is free on Thursday, September 15, and Sunday, September 18.
Area hotels will have special hotelpakets for Oktoberfest that include two general admission tickets, two beverage tokens, two commemorative lapel pins, and two commemorative 0.5L steins (while supplies last).