This post has been sponsored by City of Addison & Addison Oktoberfest to bring you more information about this fun event for families. All opinions are 100% my own!
While many couples might dream of spending their next vacation under the bright lights of Paris or strolling through small Italian vineyards, my husband and I will always long for our next trip to Bavaria! Germany that is! This often forgotten destination captured our hearts over a decade ago and we jump at any opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Germany culture — even opting for destination maternity photos our last trip back .
It’s nestled between the gorgeous mountainsides of the Swiss & Austrian Alps filled with lush countryside farmlands with quint, little villages. The language is captivating and the people are so friendly! And of course, don’t get me started on the food (or the Beer if you’re my husband)! A whole culture based around Meats, Potatoes, Bread….Carbs and Starches. What’s not to love?
Even though I’m not a beer drinker, I can appreciate my husband’s desire to one day attend an authentic German Oktoberfest in Munich, but for now, believe me when I tell you that the next best thing is right at our back door! Celebrating it’s 28th year, Addison Oktoberfest has been named among the most authentic in the U.S., according to Forbes. Each year Oktoberfest is timed to coincide with Munich’s own Oktoberfest and kicks off in a similar fashion with the “Official Tapping of the Keg” — an original Paulaner from Munich.
While you might think the weekend revolves entirely around Beer, you’d be wrong! In true German fashion, Addison Oktoberfest is a celebration and festival with activities for the whole family. Let me help introduce you to the German culture and family side of Oktoberfest!
1) It Supports a GREAT LOCAL Cause — Addison Oktoberfest “Run for the Children” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
One of the most important events taking place each year at Oktoberfest is the annual Oktoberfest 5K/Fun Run benefiting Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC), a Dallas-based non-profit organization founded in 1980 dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer by funding innovative research, education and treatment, while providing hope to children affected with cancer. This 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run starts at 7:45am on Saturday, September 19th and is open to registrants of ALL AGES!
Families are encouraged to come out and participate in this fundraiser and are rewarded for doing so! There will be entertainment, food, drinks, and prizes going on throughout the race. Plus, the first 500 children to cross the finish line will receive a special goodie bag and all registrants are granted early entrance into Oktoberfest 1 hour before it opens to the public!
2) What Child Doesn’t Love Dogs? — Dachshunds Parade & Other Sunday Entertainment
Sunday is for the dogs . . .literally! Bring your family out and enjoy a day’s worth of entertainment provided by the Dallas Agility Working Group and Dallas/Fort Worth Dachshund Club. DAWG Pretzel Run Agility Course, “Dach” Sunday Parade, “Dach” Sunday Dash are just a few of the fun events happening around the park.
3) There’s a Spot Just for Families in the Family Fun Zone
Enjoy great entertainment and activities for the family with Face Painting & Bubble Runners!
4) Win A Few Prizes or Just Get a Little Dizzy with Carnival Rides!
5) Watch Other Children Participate in a “German Idol” & German Spelling Bee
If you’re looking for exposure to the German language, come and listen to the Addison Oktoberfest Spelling Bee! See if you can “spell” along with the contestants as the work their way through the German language. (Located at the Bowl Stage at 8 pm on Friday evening.) Then immediately following, join in the fun of Addison’s original Yodeling Competition! (Located at the Bowl Stage at 9 pm Friday evening.)
6) The Food Should Be Reason Enough!
You’ll want a game plan when it comes to trying your favorite German treats! Specialty food vendors will be around the park selling authentic German dishes if you’re brave! I promise you won’t regret the Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings), Schnitzel Sandwich, Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad), Spatzle (German noodles) with cheese, and Latkes with sour cream and apple sauce.
Then of course, the Studel, Black Forest Cake, or Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancake with apples, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream) is a MUST for dessert!
Or for the picky eater, favorite fair foods like Turkey Legs and Funnel Cakes will be available too. Make sure to visit their website for a complete menu listing.
7) Eddie Coker — Need I Say More?
I don’t know what it is about this local singer, but children LOVE him! Stop by the Bowl Stage from 7-8pm on Friday or 8-9pm on Saturday to get your kids energy out before heading home to bed!
8) Explore A Variety of Arts & Crafts for Adults & Children
The German culture is rich with artistic ability! From woodworking to metal work, there will be interesting arts, crafts, and toys for the whole family to browse in the “Arts & Crafts Village”.
9) Discover More About the German Culture
Walking around Oktoberfest, your kids will probably ask a lot of questions! Make sure you know in advance what’s lederhosen, how to yodel, and what that strange instrument is that has a piano attached to it! (Psst: It’s an accordion!) The German culture is everywhere at Oktoberfest and makes for great people watching and conversation starter with your kids about different cultures.
10) If it’s FREE for your Kids, Why Not Take Them??
For a long time, one of the biggest reasons we brought our kids — they were FREE! No need to hire a babysitter when they could tag along in their strollers without paying for a ticket. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to enter Oktoberfest Thursday-Sunday for FREE. If you have older kids, make sure to head out on Sunday when everyone can get it without paying a dime!
What You Need To Know:
Addison Oktoberfest will take place Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20, 2015. Tickets are $10/person (ages 13+) and $5/child (ages 4-12) from Thursday-Saturday, September 17-19 and FREE for ALL AGES on Sunday, September 20th. Make sure to check their website for exact times as each day varies.
You’ll want to make sure you have PLENTY of cash or a bank card readily available. Participating food & beverage vendors will only accept “Tasty Bucks” tickets which can be purchased around the park. (1 Tasty Buck = $1.) Arts & Craft Vendors will typically accept cash and/or credit cards, but make sure to confirm before placing an order or making a purchase. To ride any carnival rides, each person will need to purchase an wristband which are for sale near the Talley Carnival Rides.
Because it is a family event, strollers and children’s wagons are welcome! Bags will be searched for prohibited items, but feel free to bring waters and snacks for the kids as you can expect to have a long day of fun!
Are you ready to attend Addison Oktoberfest 2015 with your family?
>>> Purchase Your Tickets in Advance Online! <<<
I hope these ideas help you have just as much fun with your family as I have with mine over the last few years. And to make it even more desirable, Dallas Moms Blog has partnered with the City of Addison to bring you this Giveaway! One reader will win 4 Event Tickets plus two unlimited ride carnival armbands for your family (a $100 value). Good Luck! We hope to see you there!
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**Have you been to Oktoberfest before and want to show your love of this local event? The folks at USA Today have paired with 10 Best to get readers to name the best Oktoberfests in the US. Addison Oktoberfest is one of the nominees, and they need help! Submit your vote for Addison Oktoberfest HERE!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by our friends at Addison Oktoberfest. All opinions are 100% my own!
SO excited to go!
So excited! Hope we win tickets!!!