When and Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio

By Sara Branstetter | August 16, 2023

While San Antonio is most notably known for its strong Mexican heritage, SA and many of the outlying communities also have a lesser-known German heritage that dates back to the 1840s. It was during this time that German immigrants made their way to the Alamo city in search of jobs and opportunities in agriculture, as well as political freedom from the upheaval in their home nation. Many put down roots in and around San Antonio and their influence can still be seen today in street names, restaurants, and annual celebrations of Oktoberfest. For those looking to get their polka on while putting away frothy liters of ale, we have compiled a list of the places that you can celebrate the über-popular Oktoberfest in San Antonio. Prost!

When Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio

When and Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Photo Credit: Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flag’s annual celebration of Oktoberfest will be held in the park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from August 26 to October 29. Guests to Oktoberfest can enjoy craft and seasonal beers, along with a German-inspired menu of all the standards (bratwursts, kiolbassa sausages, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes) found at food tents throughout the park. See the website for the location of the food and drink booths.

Please note, you can eat your way through Oktoberfest from park opening until 1 hour before park closing, and will run concurrently with another popular Six Flags Fiesta Texas event, Fright Fest.

WEBSITE | 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257

Wurstfest in New Braunfels

Photo Credit: Facebook Wurstfest

Wurstfest, while not completely an Oktoberfest celebration, is an all-out festival celebrating the historic German heritage of New Braunfels, TX. And just like any good Oktoberfest celebration, is all about the food and drink.

Wurstfest takes place over 10 days from November 3 to 12 with hours varying by day. If you’re headed to Wurstfest, your ticket price will cover admission to the festival grounds and access to all the entertainment and public spaces. Food and drink booths will cost extra, but you can purchase a drink ticket online on Wurstfest’s website.

While most Oktoberfest celebrations tend to be adults-only, Wurstfest is extremely family friendly and includes carnival rides and games, as well as live music and dancing (come prepared for more chicken dancing than you will have ever seen in your whole life). And given the lovely weather in New Braunfels in November, is a great place to spend a family evening with food and fun.

WEBSITE | 178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Biergarten Riverwalk

Photo Credit: Biergarten Riverwalk

Popular San Antonio bar, the Biergarten Riverwalk, will host its annual Oktoberfest in San Antonio from September 12 through November 21. The celebration will include live German bands, hearty sing-a-longs, a ceremonial keg-tapping by a local celebrity, games, giveaways, and gigantic steins of frothy beer.

No tickets are needed, just plan your arrival accordingly for an evening of robust and exuberant celebration.

WEBSITE | 126 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Oktoberfest 2023 at Künstler Brewing

Photo Credit: Facebook Künstler Brewing

This two day annual event commences at Künstler Brewing on September 16 and 17 and will include lots of beer, food, and live music. Past celebrations have included special food and drink menus with a huge Oktoberfest platter of savory German snacks like pretzels, bratwursts, and potato salad, feeding up to 4 people. Details have yet to be released, but will be available on Künstler’s website or on the Facebook invite page.

WEBSITE | 302 E Lachapelle, San Antonio, TX 78204

San Antonio Beer Festival

Photo Credit: Facebook San Antonio Beer Festival

The 17th annual San Antonio Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, October 21 in Crockett Park and will feature more than 400 different craft ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts, and porters. In addition to ALL THE BREWS, there will be games and food trucks, as well as wines and ciders available for the non-beer drinkers.

Early bird tickets are on sale now and begin at $40. All tickets include 12 two-ounce samples of beer from the more than 400 options and the ability to purchase 12 more for only $5 each.

Given the free-flowing booze here, the SA Beer Festival is only for those 21 and up.

WEBSITE | 1300 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, TX

Photo Credit: Facebook Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Head to Fredericksburg, TX, just an hour and half northwest of San Antonio in the gorgeous Texas hill country for three days of music, dancing, food, and beverage. From October 6-8, families can enjoy one of the most popular, and cheapest, Oktoberfest celebrations in the area. Tickets start at just $10 for adults and $1 for kids ages 7-12. 6 and under are free.

WEBSITE | Marktplatz, 126 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Barktoberfest 2023 in Boerne, TX

Photo Credit: Facebook Hill Country Animal League

Boerne’s 3rd annual Barktoberfest 2023, is scheduled for Saturday, October 21 in the main plaza in downtown Boerne. This family-friendly event combines all things Oktoberfest with all things pets.

On the beer side, guests can sample from local beer vendors, listen to live music, check out the food trucks, and participate in the raffle. On the pets side, guests can expect a petting zoo, doggy dash races, and pet adoptions.

This free event is sponsored by the Hill Country Animal League, a nonprofit organization offering affordable spay, neuter, and wellness services in the hill country area.

WEBSITE | 100 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006

Parktoberfest in Brackenridge Park

Photo Credit: Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park’s annual Parktoberfest is scheduled for Sunday, September 24 from 2-5pm. This event celebrates Oktoberfest in San Antonio by honoring the memory of Emma Koehler (namesake of the Hotel Emma and member of the Pearl Brewing family) who previously donated 11 acres to Brackenridge park where beer could be legally consumed on the premises.

This event will include live music and free (yes free!) beer tastings at the Koehler Pavilion, Cypress Pavilion, and the Pecan Grove. Admission is also free, and the event is open to the public.

WEBSITE | 3700 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78209

Beethoven Mäennechor

Photo Credit: Facebook Beethoven Mäennechor

Established in 1867, Beethoven Mäennechor is one of the oldest German singing societies in Texas. Every year, Beethoven Mäennechor hosts a traditional Oktoberfest celebration in their beer garden and music hall. This year’s celebration will occur from October 6 to 14 and will include German beers on tap, delicious German food, and LOTS of time-honored German music.

WEBSITE | 422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78210

148th Oktoberfest 2023 in Spring Branch, TX

The 148th(!!!) annual Oktoberfest in Spring Branch will be held on Sunday, October 22 from 11am to 6pm. This super long-running event will take place at the Anhalt dance hall and will include music, food, and kids activities.

General admission starts at $10 per person, or $20 for admission and a meal.

WEBSITE | 2390 Anhalt Rd., Spring Branch, TX 78070