TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest will return to Government Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 3, bringing German-inspired food, beer, live music and a slate of contests and family-friendly activities to downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Visit Tuscaloosa says the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., following the annual Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K, which begins at 8 a.m. and benefits the American Cancer Society.
General admission to the festival is free.
Organizers said this year's festivities will include the popular Dachshund Dash, presented by the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association, along with a dog costume contest presented by Unleashed Pet Boutique.
Other competitions will include a stein-hoisting contest presented by Crimson Tap House, along with Hammerschlagen — the traditional German nail-driving game, presented by FastSigns.
Oompah-Calypse and The Stone Feathers are scheduled to perform on the SmartBank Stage throughout the day.
College football will also be part of the festivities, with games broadcast on a large LED screen as Alabama takes on Mississippi State.
"Last year's Oktoberfest showed us just how much our community enjoys a festival like ours, and this year we're building on that success with a sharper focus on the guest experience with shorter waits, more comfort and more ways to enjoy the day," Visit Tuscaloosa Director of Events and Community Engagement Alicia Richards said.
Richards said organizers also see the festival as an opportunity to bring residents together while supporting businesses in downtown Tuscaloosa.
"Events like this are exactly why Visit Tuscaloosa does this work: it brings our community together, strengthens local business and makes Tuscaloosa a better place to live, work, and visit," Richards said. "We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Government Plaza on Oktober 3."
In addition to vendors, games and entertainment, younger attendees will have access to a Kids Zone presented by Tuscaloosa Academy.
While admission is free, anyone wishing to purchase beer must first buy a commemorative Oktoberfest stein for $10 on-site.
Beer will be sold separately.
The Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K, presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, will begin at 8 a.m. at Government Plaza.
Registration costs $45 and includes entry in the race, a T-shirt and commemorative Oktoberfest stein.
Participants 21 and older will also receive one complimentary beer.
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