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McKinney Oktoberfest returns to Downtown McKinney, September 26-28
By City of McKinney
Aug 27, 2025
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Presented by Tomes Auto Group, the annual festival
brings German tradition to the heart of McKinney

McKinney, Texas  – McKinney Main Street is pleased to announce the return of McKinney Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of German culture, community, and tradition, taking place September 26–28, 2025, in Historic Downtown McKinney. The event is presented by Tomes Auto Group.

 

“We are proud to welcome residents and visitors alike to McKinney Oktoberfest, where the rich traditions of

German heritage are celebrated alongside the vibrant spirit of our local community,” said Andrew Jones,

Cultural District Director. “This year’s event offers something for everyone—from culinary delights and craft

beer to live entertainment and family programming.”

 


Prepare for an unforgettable weekend at this year’s McKinney Oktoberfest! The three-day celebration will

once again transform Historic Downtown into a lively showcase of German culture, complete with authentic

music, traditional costumes, folk dancing, and festive entertainment. Guests of all ages can enjoy classic

German fare, specialty drinks, and a wide variety of family-friendly activities.

 


WHAT: McKinney Oktoberfest

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 26, 2-11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28,

noon to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Historic Downtown McKinney

ADMISSION: Free

PARKING: Free parking and complimentary shuttle service available

INFO: www.mckinneyoktoberfest.com


EXCLUSIVE BLUE BOX VIP BIERGARTEN

This private VIP experience offers a special retreat from the bustle of the festival, featuring exclusive craft

beer not found anywhere else at Oktoberfest, delicious food offerings, live beer hall-style music, and VIP

exclusive restrooms. Pre-ordered VIP weekend packages include a commemorative Stein, the official

McKinney Oktoberfest pin, an exclusive VIP Oktoberfest t-shirt, a beer voucher, and one food item voucher.

Join us for an upgraded Oktoberfest adventure in the Blue Box VIP Biergarten, where great drinks, delicious

food, and a unique atmosphere come together. The VIP area is 21 and older only.


SKIP THE TICKET LINE

Oktoberfest is ticketless - save time with fewer lines! Credit cards and digital pay options are encouraged.

Purchase Oktoberfest food, beer, and activities directly from the vendors. Bring your credit/debit card, or use

your favorite mobile wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.


 

OKTOBERFEST HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

Take advantage of discounted beers from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2025.


NEW! INTRODUCING MILKSPACE

A new feature at this year’s Oktoberfest is the MilkSpace mobile nursing station, offering a comfortable,

private, and free resource for mothers. Located in the Kroger Kinder Corner, MilkSpace provides a

welcoming space for breastfeeding and infant care throughout the festivities.


ACTIVITIES


 Authentic German Food

McKinney Oktoberfest features brats, sausages, schnitzel, strudel, funnel cakes, roasted almonds,

and more.

 

 Biers and Wines of Oktoberfest

Guests can enjoy authentic German flavors from Hofbrau and TUPPS Brewery. Wine from Landon

Winery and Lone Star Cellars will be available.

 

 Live Entertainment

Enjoy polka bands and live entertainers from three stages located throughout Downtown McKinney.

 

 Keg Tapping and Parade

The annual keg tapping tradition continues Friday at 6 p.m. at the Prost Stage!

 

 Marktplatz

Experience Bavarian craftsmanship as well as traditional wares at the Arts and Crafts Marktplatz!

 

 Meet the Brewmaster Sessions

Learn more about the craft beer served at McKinney Oktoberfest located at TUPPS Brewery. Must

be 21 to attend. Saturday, September 27 at 4 p.m. 


 

CONTESTS

 Weenie Dog Races

 

Over 70 weenie dogs and wannabes (all other breeds) meet at McKinney Oktoberfest to see who the top dog will be.

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. (Check-in 10-11 a.m.)

12 -2 p.m. - Weenie Dog Races

2 -5 p.m. - Wannabe Dog Races

Free to register


 Beard & Mustache Competition

The 6th annual competition will crown one lucky person the official beard/stache of McKinney.

Friday, September 26 at 8 p.m. (Limited to 30 contestants).


 Hofbrau "Musskrugstemmen" Stein Holding Competition

Strength competition with participants holding a glass stein filled with beer.

 

Saturday, Sept. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

$30 fee to enter. Includes official Hofbrau stein and beer.


 TUPPS Brat Eating Competition

Brat eating competition to see who can eat the most brats in eight minutes. Sunday, Sept. 28, from 3-

4 p.m. (Limited to 10 contestants).


Sponsors for Oktoberfest include, City of McKinney, Tomes Auto Group, Tumbleweed Texstyles, Texans

Credit Union, Hofbrau, Blue Box, Kroger, Sheraton McKinney Hotel, Tupps Brewery, Visit McKinney, LJA

Engineering, Alev Cosmetics, SafeandSecureRoof, The Learning Experience, Cricket Wireless McKinney

Community Development Corporation, and McKinney Economic Development Corporation.