It may not be Germany, but The Nashville Oktoberfest has all the dirndls, dachshunds, brats and beers to make you feel like you’re there. In the mid-19th century, German immigrants settled into the now historic Germantown community and, every year since 1980, this tiny neighborhood has transformed into a mini Munich for the annual Oktoberfest celebration.
As the second largest Oktoberfest in the nation, the Nashville fest is a biergarten nearly unparalleled. Early risers can kick off the Saturday festivities at 8 a.m. with the 5K Bier run and then move right into drinking with a congratulatory 20 oz. beer, but people aren’t the only ones running at this Oktoberfest. Wiener dogs are off to the races on Sunday afternoon at a dachshund derby where “the wieners take all” after dashing down a 50 ft. race track. If that’s not enough dog stuff for you, there’s also a pup parade. You can also hunker down at the Sierra Nevada Beer Tent with your favorite sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut and any one of the multiple German beers on tap.
No Oktoberfest would be complete without bratwursts and beer and while you can casually enjoy both, what’s the fun in that? Those in the competition spirit can participate in the Beer Stein Holding Competition or the Bratwurst Eating Contest — but be prepared, the Bratwurst Eating Contest kicks off with the required drinking of a boot of beer and closes with a chugging of a Stein. If eating and drinking as fast as possible sounds to you like a recipe for disaster, the Beer Stein Holding Competition only requires your arm and some endurance to hold up a liter of beer. There’s plenty of different ways to celebrate at the Nashville Oktoberfest and admission to the festival is free. So if you just want to stop by and listen to some good ol’ polka music while taking in the madness, it won’t cost you a cent.
The Specs
- 300,000 people attend.
- General admission to the festival is free.
- VIP tickets will be available, but are not for sale at the time of this writing.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s best hotels in Nashville for music lovers and some of the best things to do in Nashville.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to The Nashville Oktoberfest?
The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 8.4 miles away from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Is there parking available?
Yes, all public parking lots are free to park on weekends and after 5p.m. on weekdays.
It’s my first time going to this Oktoberfest. What can I expect?
This Oktoberfest celebration, like many like it, will offer craft beer, delicious food, arts and crafts, and live music — a lot of German music, in particular.
What breweries will be there and offering their brews?
The official website it touting a lineup of “more than a dozen” breweries and the following are listed: Erdinger, Bitburger, Köstritzer, Cigar City Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwood, Nola, Monday Night Brewing and Honky Tonk.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, The Nashville Oktoberfest is an outdoor pet friendly event. However, the festival follows all city leash laws and non-service animals are not allowed in the VIP areas.
What artists are set to play live music at The Nashville Oktoberfest 2023?
This is more of a beer festival and a street fair than a music festival. But, the Nashville Oktoberfest music lineup includes: LynnMarie and the Nashville Polka Guys, Good Bellows, Chill Pill, Yacht Rock.
What’s the exact address where the fest will be held?
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN, USA
