Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K, Dachshund Race & More Return to Government Plaza Soon
Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest is back at Government Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 3, with German food, live music, a 5K and a race between dachshunds.
The festival, presented by UA Online, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. The Oktoberfest 5K, presented again by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, starts earlier, at 8 a.m., and benefits the American Cancer Society.
The day's schedule leans hard into the crowd-pleasers. The Dachshund Dash returns, presented by Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and the Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association, alongside a Dog Costume Contest presented by Unleashed Pet Boutique, a Stein Hoisting Contest presented by Crimson Tap House and Hammerschlagen presented by FastSigns.
Two bands, Oompah-Calypse and The Stone Feathers, will play the SmartBank Stage through the day.
Because Alabama plays at Mississippi State that afternoon, the festival will broadcast the day's football games on a large LED screen presented by SmartBank and made possible by EatMyBeats.
Admission covers the vendors, games and entertainment. The Kids Zone, presented by Tuscaloosa Academy, is also included.
Beer works differently, as it has in years past, and anyone who wants to buy one needs a commemorative Oktoberfest stein, sold on-site for $10, with the beer priced separately.
"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," said Alicia Richards, director of events and community engagement for Visit 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. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Government Plaza on October 3."
The 5K also starts at Government Plaza. Registration costs $45 and includes the race entry, a T-shirt, a commemorative stein, and one free beer for runners 21 and older.
The full schedule and 5K registration are at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com.
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