RYAN DAVIS
Pretzels, polka dancing and wiener dog races — what's not to love about Oktoberfest? From Oct. 14-16, Southlake Oktoberfest is taking place in Southlake Town Square. Here are five things you can look forward to this weekend.
1. Stein Hoisting Competition
Raise your stein and your biceps in this traditional Bavarian pastime hoisting and throwing back one liter of German beer. The annual stein hoisting competition occurs near the Main Stage on Friday at 6:45 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Expect the competitors to be dressed in full German regalia.
2. Wiener Dog Races
An annual highlight is watching these fierce little competitors go head to head, or shall we say tail to tail? The wiener dog race begins on Saturday at 8 a.m. and kicks off with 200 Dachshunds. Pre-register online for a coveted spot to win the $100 first-place prize. The costume contest follows after the race at 9:30 a.m.
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Video Competition
Players, get ready for battle! "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" has been one of the bestselling Nintendo Switch games since launching in 2022, and this Oktoberfest will feature an action-packed tournament. If you are not registered to play, spectators will enjoy watching the 32 competitors vying for the top prize of an XBOX Series S. The competition is held in the Sports Zone Area on Main Street on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
4. Live Music
It’s not Oktoberfest without performances across all stages the entire weekend. Nick Ballarini kicks off the weekend's festivities at 4 p.m. at the Polka Stage, followed by Brian Busch at 5 p.m. Then headlining the Main Stage on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. is the Grammy Award-winning band Brave Comb.
5. German Traditions
Featured on the German Stage at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday are the TubaMeisters, bringing their rousing "Oompah" tunes. At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Bavarian Dancers will perform traditional German-style polkas and folk dancing for a knee-slapping good time.
Free parking and a shuttle service will be available at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church over the weekend. Shuttles will run to and from Southlake Town Square. This year, the event will be cashless, so be prepared to swipe your card for all tickets, wristbands and vendors.