Oktoberfest is a festival that takes place every year in Munich, Germany. It is celebrated with German music, dances, costumes, contests, and beer. It is a must-see destination for many people.
Not everyone can make it to Germany for Oktoberfest, but fortunately, many cities host their own versions of the festivals. Muenster, TX is one of the many. The city was settled by a small group of Germans in 1889 making it a hub for German culture.
There are several activities to enjoy when you’re in town for Oktoberfest. Read on for an idea of what your experience will be like.
About Muenster Oktoberfest
The 2020 Oktoberfest will be taking place from October 7-9 in Heritage Pavilion Park. It is open Friday 4PM to midnight, Saturday 10 AM to midnight and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission is $5. It takes place rain or shine.
Activities
Muenster Oktoberfest offers a variety of activities including the following:
Wurst Race 5K and Half Marathon
Participants can choose to run the 5K or the half marathon. Both are completely on pavement. They start at the heart of the community which offers a lakefront view and continue into the historic downtown area into baseball fields that are both picturesque and challenging.
The runs are fundraising events that benefit the city’s Sacred Heart Catholic School. It reduces the cost of admission and helps the school cover expenses.
Runners must register at 7 AM for the 5K and at 8 AM for the half marathon. Everyone who completes either course gets a medal and a Russian beer stein. T-shirts are also available.
Weiner Dog Races
Guests can fill out a form to enter their dog into the race. It costs $30 to register and those that pre-register will get a complementary t-shirt. The form must be hand-delivered to the Chamber of Commerce.
Stein Hoisting Contest
The stein hoisting contest is a traditional Oktoberfest event that requires people to hoist a full stein of beer with their arm outstretched. The one to hold it out the longest with the least amount of spillage wins. There are typically separate competitions for the men and women.
Live Entertainment
The stage will feature international, national, local, and regional music.
Other activities include a nagelschlagen contest (which involves the hammering of nails), a wurst race and a beer run. Additionally, there are 9 food booths serving a variety of German and American dishes and beer and 40 arts and crafts vendor booths selling a wide range of souvenirs.
Germanfest
You may also consider visiting the city in April, when its Germanfest takes place. This year’s event is scheduled for April 22, 23 and 24. Founded in 1889, it offers a Germanfest Fun Run, a Metric Century Bicycle Rally, a Sausage and Rib Cookoff, magicians, clowns, storytellers, a children’s theater, music, arts and crafts, rock climbing, dancing and two stages of entertainment.
Things to Do in Muenster
Here are some things you can do in Muenster when you’re not out at Germanfest or Oktoberfest.
• Stroll Main St.: Main St. is an ideal location for checking out German architecture. Fischer’s Market and Muenster Town Hall are particularly interesting examples.
• Fischer’s Meat Market: The meat market offers a wide selection of sausages and cheeses as well as all the amenities of a regular grocery store.
• Muenster Museum: This small museum offers insight to the history of Muenster. The museum has limited hours, but if it’s closed, you can still check out the vintage farm equipment out back.
• Muenster Lake: Muenster Lake is a terrific fishing destination.
• Go Antiquing: There are several small antique stores located throughout the city.
• Bayer’s Kolonialwaren: This bakery offers an array of German goodies including top-notch strudel.
• German Themed Murals: The mural collection on the edge of Main St. makes for a terrific photo op.
Not everyone can make it to Germany for Oktoberfest. Luckily, Muenster offers a terrific alternative. Will you be making plans to visit this year?
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