Photo courtesy of Veronica Bradley.
Prost! Oktoberfest season is underway, and Lake Highlands residents can celebrate with food, live music, beer and camaraderie at three events this month.
Cincinnati Sauerkraut Balls. Photo courtesy of Vector Brewing.
Vector Brewing – Hausfest
Vector Brewing will host its annual Hausfest Oktoberfest celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 10. Described as an Oktoberfest block party, the brewery will feature local vendors, German-inspired food, live music and activities for the whole family.
A market featuring vendors such as Swizzle and the Whisk, Crazy Plate Lady, Two Diamond Fit and more will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fest food will include kraut balls, giant pretzels with beer-cheese mustard, Strouderosa BBQ smoked brats on a stick and a pretzel plate with smoked brat. Food will be served all day.
From noon to 3 p.m., guests can listen to live music from Oom-pah Daddies, also known as Baba Yaga Orkestar. Halfway Down will perform from 5 to 7 p.m.
From 3 to 5 p.m., guests can bring their dachshunds dressed in their festival best to participate in the Weenie Dog Parade. The Stein-Hoisting Contest will also take place during that time.
Visitors can also adopt a new best friend from the Street Dog Project from noon to 3 p.m.
Hoppy the Hop Cone and Crusty the Pizza Man will also make special guest appearances.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Oktoberfest
As part of the Dallas Arboretum’s monthlong Pumpkins and Pints event, Oktoberfest will take place Oct. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m in the Pumpkin Village.
Guests can expect bratwurst, soft pretzels, German sides and desserts, as well as German brews, live music in the garden and an axe-throwing lane.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Photo courtesy of Veronica Bradley.
Exchange Club of Lake Highlands – Oktoberfest
The Exchange Club of Lake Highlands will host its 15th annual Oktoberfest Dallas from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 24 at Flagpole Hill Park.
The family-friendly event is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors and will feature live music, food, beer, local vendors and activities for children.
This year, the Exchange Club considered whether to continue the event as rising costs, declining sponsorships and lower attendance in recent years created challenges, according to Ken Riney, president of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands. Ultimately, the club decided to continue Oktoberfest as a way to support the community through scholarships and grants.
“We ultimately decided that Oktoberfest has become part of the fabric of the community, and we owe it to the community to ensure that it remains that way,” Riney said.
To avoid the late-September heat, the club moved the event from its traditional September date to October.
Texas country musician Pat Green will headline the evening concert, with George Dunham & The Bird Dogs and Drew Cooper also performing. Cooper will take the stage at 4:30 p.m., followed by The Bird Dogs at 6:30 p.m. and Green at 8:30 p.m.
Food options will include Burger Schmurger, Cane Rosso and Strouderosa BBQ, along with sweet treats from Pop Popcorn and Dippin’ Dots. Beverages will be provided by Vector Brewing, Andrews Beer and Spirits and Oak Highlands Brewery.
The Kid Zone will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature activities for children. Performances throughout the day will include the Lake Highlands High School Highlandettes, Folklorico, Wranglers and cheerleaders, as well as White Rock North School.
The Market Village, featuring vendors, will be open from noon to 6 p.m., while Festival Hall will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The event will also feature a Keg Tapping and Stein-Hoisting Contest from 6 to 6:30 p.m. before The Bird Dogs take the stage.
Proceeds from Oktoberfest Dallas support college and vocational school scholarships for local graduating students, local police and fire departments, and grants for local nonprofits.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the 15th Annual Oktoberfest with the community,” Riney said.
Presale tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online.
