Texas Oktoberfests

Above: A sign welcoming visitors to New Braunfels's Wurstfest

Originally held in 1810 to commemmorate the marriage between a Bavarian prince and his princess, Oktoberfest has transformed over the years into a celebration of German heritage which has been embraced by all cultures. Following are a few Lone Star sites that will greet you with a warm "Willkommen!"

Addison
late September

Adopting the start date of the Munich festivities, the city of Addison gets a jump start on other Oktoberfest celebrations around the state. During the four-day event, Addison Circle Park comes alive with displays of German pride ranging from yodeling competitions to a parade of Deutschland's most beloved export, the dachshund. Aeronatic aficionados will enjoy a guided tour of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, while an array of children's activities, including carnival rides, face painting, a side street circus and a magic show, will entertain the little ones for hours.

El Paso
mid-September

Building 747 of The German Air Force Air Defense Center at Fort Bliss echoes with the foot-stomping beat of the Schuhplatter Dance Group while patrons try their luck at a nightly raffle and sample bites of Bavarian cuisine.

Fredericksburg
early October

This Texas Hill Country city becomes an oasis for oompah during a three-day festival held on the 100 block of Main Street. Lads wearing lederhosen and damsels in dirndls twirl to a polka or waltz beat while a bevy of bands perform traditional tunes on two stages. A children's area will keep the little ones amused as bargain hunters explore booths filled with arts and crafts.

San Antonio
Beethoven Halle und Garten
early and mid October

A rousing chorus of "Ja, ja, ja, ja" can be heard in the King WIlliam District each year as the assembled crowd sings the German beer drinking favorite "Du, Du liegst mir im Herzen" along with The Beethoven Maennerchor. Held in the venue's garden, this annual event features performances by organists and cloggers, which visitors enjoy as they sample authentic German cuisine.

Clifton
mid-October

The spirit of Germany is celebrated in the Norwegian capital of Texas every third Saturday in October, when Main Street is filled with arts and crafts and authentic Deutschland delicacies.

Brenham
mid-October

Say "Auf Wiedersehen!" to your diet and pile on heaping helpings of the authentic German food served at this two day festival, held at Fireman's Park. The hands of time will turn back as you watch an old Medicine show and view the vintage vehicles on display in the classic car and truck show.

Galveston
late October

October is the month for oompah in Galveston, which has held its annual Island Oktoberfest for the past quarter of a century. Let your senses go on a European excursion as you enjoy plates filled with bratwurst, sauerkraut and red cabbage washed down with a pint of German beer while the old world sounds of a 13-foot-long Alpenhorn and cowbells ring out at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Entertainment for tots include a pony carrousel, face painting and a rock climbing wall, while shoppers can beat the Christmas mall rush at the 1868 Original Church, which houses the arts and crafts booths.

New Braunfels
early November

A self-proclaimed "salute to sausage," Wurstfest is a 10-day display of German-American gemutlichkeit in a town founded in 1845 by an authentic Prussian prince. Up to 100,000 strong annually congregate in Landa Park to partake of schnitzel and strudel, listen to the sounds of an oompah band and watch as dance floors become lederhoden-laden landscapes as polkas are performed to the rhythm of an accordion.