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Oktoberfest – Festival Info

Plan your visit to one of Texas’ most beloved fall festivals. McKinney Oktoberfest transforms Historic Downtown into a lively Bavarian village with traditional music, contests, and fun for all ages. Use the information below to get oriented and make the most of your weekend.

Dates: September 25 – 27, 2026  |  Admission: Free with add-ons  |  Location: Downtown McKinney

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Festival Hours & Admission

No ticket is required — admission to McKinney Oktoberfest is free all weekend.

Location:
111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069

Festival Schedule:
Happy Hour: Friday, September 25 | 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 25: 5 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 26: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 27: 12 – 5 p.m.

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Parking & Transportation

Parking and shuttle service are free for Oktoberfest.

A complimentary round-trip shuttle runs from First McKinney Baptist Church, located at 1615 W. Louisiana St., with service approximately every 15 minutes.

  • Friday: 4 p.m. – midnight
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – midnight
  • Sunday: 12:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Rideshare Drop-Off:
Lyft and Uber drop-off is available on the west side of Mitchell Park along Benge Street, between Louisiana and Virginia.

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Festival Map

Get oriented before you arrive and easily find your way once you’re downtown. The festival map highlights stages, biergartens, activity areas, food and beverage locations, restrooms, and key amenities throughout the footprint.

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Schedule

From live music and traditional performances to contests and specialty events, there’s always something happening throughout Oktoberfest.

View the full entertainment and activities schedule

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Happy Hour

Celebrate Oktoberfest early and enjoy discounted drinks during Happy Hour on Friday from 2 – 4:30 p.m.

It’s a great time to beat the crowds, grab festival merchandise, and ease into the weekend.

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VIP Experience

Upgrade your Oktoberfest experience in the Blue Box VIP Biergarten, a private retreat offering premium comfort and exclusive amenities.

  • Dedicated VIP biergarten access
  • Specialty beers available only in the VIP area
  • Food by Chef Noah Hester of Hamm’s
  • Live music performances
  • Exclusive VIP restrooms
  • Limited-edition VIP swag (while supplies last)

Must be 21+ (children in strollers permitted). Quantities are limited.

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Contests & Games

Get in on the fun with traditional Oktoberfest competitions and interactive games throughout the weekend.

Highlights include stein-holding competitions, bier races, weenie dog and wannabe weenie dog races, and other crowd favorites.

For full details and registration information, visit the Entertainment & Activities page.

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FAQs

Have questions about accessibility, permitted items, weather policies, or general festival guidelines? Visit the FAQs for helpful answers to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

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Oktoberfest FAQs

What if we still have tickets/coupons from previous years?
Oktoberfest is now ticketless for admission. Some activities still use coupons (petting zoo, carnival, rock climbing, face painting, bounce houses), and those coupons are available directly from the activity vendor. Previous years’ coupons or tickets will not be accepted.
Is the festival cashless?
Most vendors accept credit/debit cards and mobile wallets. Cash may be accepted in limited locations, but we strongly recommend card or digital pay for faster service.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No. Outside food and beverages are prohibited on festival grounds, including beer and wine. All alcohol sales end 30 minutes before closing.
What is the re-entry policy?
Since admission is free, you can come and go at any time with no re-entry fee.
What are the Meet the Brewmaster events?
These sessions are a chance to learn about featured beers directly from the brewers (including TUPPS). Sessions are free, limited to the first 30 people who register online, and attendees must be 21+.
Can I bring my own chair?
No. Personal seating (including bag chairs) is not allowed. Seating is provided in stage entertainment areas and around the square.
Are there kids’ activities?
Yes. Families can enjoy Kinder Corner and other kid-friendly options such as a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, and a carnival with rides for younger guests.
Is there a dress code?
Shirts, shoes, and smiles are required. Dirndls, lederhosen, and festive hats are encouraged.
What happens if it rains?
Oktoberfest is rain or shine. No rain dates are scheduled. Please plan for changing weather.
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and accessible port-o-lets are available throughout the venue. Accessible restrooms are also available inside MPAC (111 N. Tennessee St.). Limited ADA parking is available in City of McKinney free lots on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome (including those in training).
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Will First Aid be available?
Yes. City of McKinney EMTs are on-site. The First Aid Station is in the basement gallery of the McKinney Performing Arts Center (see map for location).
What if parents and children get separated?
A Found Children / Lost Parents area is located in the basement gallery of the McKinney Performing Arts Center.
Will there be ATMs?
No. Credit cards and digital payments are strongly encouraged and accepted by vendors.
Will there be restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available throughout the festival grounds. Locations are identified on the site map.
What items are prohibited / what else should I know?
For public safety, please do not bring: coolers, large bags, backpacks, outside food/drinks, contraband, weapons, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, laser pointers, drones, or frisbees. Unauthorized sales, solicitations, and distributions are prohibited. Guests may be subject to search, and festival management may refuse admission or remove anyone for illegal or disorderly conduct. By entering, guests grant permission for event-related photo/video use for publicity or advertising.
How do I become a vendor / sponsor / volunteer?
Vendor opportunities, sponsorships, and volunteer info are available on their respective pages. Check out the events opportunities page for more information.
Where is Lost and Found?
Lost and Found is located in the basement gallery of the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Items are kept there until the festival closes Sunday. After the festival, call 972-547-2683.
Who organizes the festival?
McKinney Oktoberfest is organized by the City of McKinney – McKinney Main Street.
How do I contact Oktoberfest organizers?
McKinney Oktoberfest
111 N. Tennessee St.
972-547-2660
contact-mainstreet@mckinneytexas.org

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