Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest Returns to Government Plaza

Downtown Tuscaloosa will get a taste of German tradition this weekend as Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest returns to Government Plaza for its fourth year.

Visit Tuscaloosa, in partnership with UA Online, Mercedes-Benz and local community sponsors and vendors, will host the free, family-friendly festival Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Government Plaza, located at 618 Almon Ave.

The day will actually begin before the festival gates open with the Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K presented by Mercedes-Benz at 8 a.m. The race will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Oktoberfest officially begins at 10 a.m. with the traditional Tapping of the Keg featuring Mercedes-Benz CEO Federico Kocklowski and a City of Tuscaloosa council representative.

Live entertainment will begin shortly afterward, with Oompah-Calypse performing at 10:15 a.m. The festival will also feature a dog costume contest presented by Unleashed Pet Boutique at 11:15 a.m. and a Dachshund Dash at 12:45 p.m., presented by the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association.

The Stone Feathers will take the stage at 1:15 p.m., followed by the Stein Hoisting Contest presented by Crimson Tap House at 2:15 p.m. The festival concludes at 4 p.m.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to enjoy German-inspired food and drinks, festive games and activities, local vendors and other entertainment. Admission to the festival is free, while food, beer and commemorative steins will be available for purchase.

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Now in its fourth year, Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest was created to bring German-inspired traditions to downtown while giving residents and visitors another opportunity to gather, support local vendors and enjoy community entertainment.

Organizers say Saturday’s festival will take place rain or shine. The team will continue monitoring conditions in the event of severe weather.

A complete schedule and additional festival information are available at Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest.