OKTOBERFEST RETURNS TO TUSCALOOSA WITH FESTIVAL AND 5K

Oktoberfest returns to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 with a 5k run benefiting the American Cancer Society and a German-themed festival featuring food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment.

Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest, presented by Visit Tuscaloosa, will occur 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Druid City Social (301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL  35401). The traditional tapping of the keg will kick off programming that also includes a dachshund race presented by the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, steinholding contest and a variety of live music, including a performance by German band Oompah-Calypse, and more.

“Visit Tuscaloosa is thrilled to host Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest alongside Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and their 5k race,” said Kelsey Rush, Visit Tuscaloosa president and CEO.  “We understand our community desires more events, and given the connection to Mercedes as well as our Sister City in Schorndorf, Germany, we feel confident this can become an annual festival our community looks forward to each year.”  

General admission tickets for Oktoberfest are $10, include a special edition commemorative stein, and will be available beginning Sept. 1 at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com. Children 12 and under get in free.

Multiple craft breweries will be on hand to make a diverse selection of beers available for purchase. Additional vendors will sell German food, pretzels, desserts, soft drinks and more.

VIP tickets also will be for sale for $75, featuring a package that includes food, access to indoor restrooms and tvs broadcasting college football, special seating for the dachshund race and three beer tickets. Two hundred VIP tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

The 5k race is presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and will start at 9 a.m. from downtown Tuscaloosa. Registration is available at a $45 early bird rate until August 20 and includes race entry, a race t-shirt, a commemorative beer stein exclusive to race participants, free admission to the Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest and a free beer (for runners 21 and older).

Visit Tuscaloosa will continue to provide additional updates on vendors, activities, and more at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com and through social media. Businesses or organizations interested in partnering may send inquires to info@visittuscaloosa.com or call 205-391-9200.