About this event
**Willkommen! McKinney Oktoberfest is FREE to attend, but even better with add-ons!**
Get ready to don your lederhosen and perfect your yodel for this year's McKinney Oktoberfest, a beloved family tradition! Enjoy authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children's activities, and much more. McKinney Oktoberfest is **FREE** to attend.
Make the most of the event by staying overnight in McKinney! **[Check out hotel rates here.](https://www.playeasy.com/events/019fa493-ef59-76af-8cf1-60930cfa04a7)**
**FESTIVAL DATES:** Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026**FESTIVAL HOURS:**Friday: 5 - 11 p.m. • Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.
Available Add-on Tickets and Packages
**Experience McKinney Oktoberfest in style at the exclusive Blue Box VIP Biergarten!**
Enjoy a private escape from the festival crowds with exclusive craft beers, delicious food, live beer hall-style music, and VIP-only restrooms.
**Pre-ordered VIP multi-day passes include:**
- Commemorative Stein
- Official McKinney Oktoberfest Pin
- Exclusive VIP Oktoberfest T-shirt
- 2 Beer Vouchers
- 2 Food Vouchers
The VIP Biergarten is 21+ only. Children in strollers are welcome.
**VIP Hours:**
- Friday: 5 - 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.
Hofbräu "Masskrugstemmen" Stein Holding Competition
Try your hand—and arm—at Masskrugstemmen, the traditional German beer stein holding competition. This isn't a drinking game; it's a test of strength and endurance. Contestants hold an official Hofbräu one-liter glass stein (filled with beer) with their arm extended straight out, parallel to the floor, for as long as possible.
Beard & Mustache Competition
Show off your best facial hair in this family-friendly competition. The annual McKinney Oktoberfest Beard & Mustache Competition will crown one lucky participant as the official beard/stache of McKinney.
17th Annual Weenie Dog Races
**Free registration through Eventbrite.**
More than 70 Weenie Dogs—and Wannabes (all other breeds)—race to see who will be crowned top dog at McKinney Oktoberfest.
Meet the Brewmaster Sessions
Learn more about the craft beer served at McKinney Oktoberfest! These free Brewmaster Sessions are held on W. Louisiana Street at the Bavarian Experience Stage. Must be 21+ to attend.
TUPPS Brat Eating Competition
**Free Event**
Limited to the first 10 participants to register.
See who can eat the most "naked" brats in 8 minutes and be crowned Grand Champion of the annual TUPPS Brat Eating Contest. The winner receives a prize package from TUPPS Brewery.
For more information, visit the official McKinney Oktoberfest page: [McKinney Oktoberfest](https://www.visitmckinney.com/events/annual-events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
McKinney Oktoberfest is presented by the City of McKinney.
Dates & times
Runs on multiple dates — check the organizer's site for the full schedule.
The basics
Hosted atHistoric Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee, McKinney, TX 75069.