Break out the bratwurst, iron your dirndl or lederhosen, and start practicing your best “Prost!” — because Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest is back and it’s going full Bavaria-mode on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Government Plaza!
Presented by UA Online, this year’s fest is packing in more gemütlichkeit (that’s German for good vibes) than ever — and yes, general admission is totally free!
Here are just a few reasons why you’d be das crazy to miss it:
1. Dash, Drink, Repeat — The Oktoberfest 5K and 1K
Set your pace for pretzels! The day kicks off with the Oktoberfest 5K, presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., and the all-new Kids’ 1K. It’s the only race where your medal is a beer stein and your recovery plan includes a brat.
🏁 Your race entry includes:
- A stylish race t-shirt
- A commemorative stein (for beer, water, or whatever your post-run vibe is)
- A free beer (21+ runners, of course)
- Bragging rights that last until next Oktoberfest
Running for a cause? Even better — proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.
2. Wiener Takes All: It’s a Dog-Gone Good Time
After the race, the fun is just getting started — and trust us, it’s paws-itively packed.
🐾 Dachshund Dash – Tiny dogs. Tiny legs. Big dreams. Maximum cuteness.
🎭 Dog Costume Contest – Because every good boy (and girl) deserves a lederhosen or dirndl moment.
💪 Stein-Hoisting Contest – It’s all fun and games until someone spills their beer.
🔨 Hammerschlagen – Yes, it involves hammers. Yes, it’s weirdly satisfying. Yes, you should try it.
And if the kids need to burn off some brat-fueled energy, the Kids Zone, presented by Urgent Care for Children, has them covered.
3. Schnitzel Happens — Come Hungry
You can’t spell Oktoberfest without food (well, you could, but why would you?). Expect all the German goodies your tastebuds can handle — bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, soft pretzels, and more!
🍻 Pair it all with frothy German beer and jam out to live tunes from:
- The crowd-pumping Oompah-Calypse
- Southern favorite Jason Jones Band
This is a feastival, after all.
4. VIP: Very Important Prost-er
Want to take your Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest experience to the next level? Snag a VIP ticket for just $75.
🎟️ It comes with:
- 4 drink tickets (that’s four reasons to celebrate right there)
- Exclusive food
- A private, cooled tent
- Air-conditioned restrooms (if you know, you know)
Perfect for anyone who likes their Oktoberfest with a little extra oomph.
5. No Euros? No Problem — General Admission is Free!
Yep, you read that right. Entry is completely free, including all the music, contests, and cultural flair.
🍺 Planning to enjoy the beer? You’ll need a $10 commemorative stein, available on-site — it’s your golden ticket to the taps. Beer is sold separately, but trust us, it’s worth every sip.
Save the Date — and the Schnitze
Whether you’re racing for a cause, hoisting for glory, or just here to watch dogs in tiny Bavarian outfits, Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 2025 is wurst-class fun for the whole family.
🗓️ Saturday, September 20, 2025– 5K starts at 8AM and Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest begins at 10AM!
📍 Government Plaza, Downtown Tuscaloosa
🎟️ Free General Admission
🔗 TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com — for tickets, race signup, and full schedule
So grab your stein, bring your appetite, and get ready to say “Prost!” Tuscaloosa style. 🍻🇩🇪
