Texas Celebrates German Heritage with Oktoberfest

Photos by: Robbyn Dodd

Written by: Lydia duPerier

Texas has a rich and unique German history that dates back to the 19th century and has culturally impacted the Lone Star State forever. According to the World Population Review, around 2.4 million Germans live in Texas, which makes up 7% of the state’s entire population.

One of the significant organized efforts to bring Germans to Texas was led by the Adelsverein, a society founded in 1842 to protect German immigrants in Texas and establish a new German state within Texas. The Adelsverein established several settlements, with New Braunfels (1845) and Fredericksburg (1846) among the most notable. These towns became centers of German culture and influence.

While all of Texas acknowledges this history, New Braunfels and Fredericksburg passionately celebrate it through events like Oktoberfest and invite others to join them in the festivities.

Debbie Reeh, Oktoberfest Fredericksburg manager and event coordinator, said she has helped organize the festival since its inception in 1981 and has seen it bring communities together.

“Here in Fredericksburg, we are very proud to keep that culture alive through the festival to meet the various needs of our community,” Reeh said.

Texas’ German History

When Germans integrated into Texas, their culture left a significant mark— language, traditions, and architecture that still exist in Texas today.

German immigrants brought their language, and many communities continued to speak German for several generations. People who grew up in Texas and spoke German developed a dialect called “Texas German.”

“Texas German descended from a group of dialects spoken by the early Germanspeaking settlers in Texas. Texas German is a mixture of the original immigrants’, combined with English and some natural language changes over time. It is not a single dialect—it is spoken differently in different areas of Texas,” according to the German Dialect Project at UT Austin.

This dialect was prominent up until the first half of the 20th century. Now, there is estimated to be around 5,000 Texas German speakers.

The German influence on architecture is still present in the Hill Country region of Texas today.

When Germans settled here, they brought with them a variety of Old World building customs. They adapted these customs to the materials and climate of Texas, forging a unique blend of German and Texan influences.

What is Oktoberfest?

The most significant way Germans continue their presence is through festivals like Oktoberfest.

The festival began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of SaxeHildburghausen in Munich, Germany. Now, it is the world’s largest beer festival and a major cultural event held annually. It typically runs for 16 to 18 days, starting in late September and ending on the first weekend of October. The event gained popularity and is now celebrated all over the world.

Oktoberfest typically consists of beer tents, traditional food, Bavarian music, dances, parades, and so much more. Attendees often dress up in lederhosen for men and dirndls for women to create a traditional German environment.

Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Oktoberfest Fredericksburg is Fredericksburg’s version of Munich’s Bavarian celebration. In 2022, the festival was named the “Most Authentic Oktoberfest in America” by travel website.

Only in Your State, and it’s been identified as one of the best Oktoberfests in the U.S. by Fodor’s, Trip Advisor, and Travel magazine.

This year, it takes place from October 4 through October 6 in the historic downtown of Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz (Market Square). According to their website, the festival aims to recreate a Bavarian sense of “Gemütlichkeit,” a German-language word used to convey the idea of a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer.

Reeh said she and her team completely transform the grounds yearly to create a festive German environment using fresh flowers, music, dancers, decorations, and traditional art and crafts from German artisans.

“We’re a family festival environment,” Reeh said. “So many families come, and we have noticed over and over again throughout the years that more and more people dress in their German attire of dirndls and lederhosen.”

After this realization, Reeh said they added a dirndl contest several years ago for the families to participate in. The festival also has other activities for people to compete in, such as waltz and Polka contests.

Reeh said Fredericksburg’s long German history, paired with the dedication of Oktoberfest Fredricksburg’s volunteers and employees, makes this festival unique.

Other celebrations in Texas

Suppose Oktoberfest Fredericksburg isn’t possible for some. In that case, there are plenty of other festivals across Texas to attend, such as Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Addison Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest Fort Worth, San Antonio Oktoberfest, and Galveston Island Oktoberfest.

Wurstfest in New Braunfels is from November 1 through the 10. It is in Landa Park and offers a scenic venue along the Comal River. It offers Authentic German music, food, beer, carnival, dancing, and craft vendors.

Addison Oktoberfest takes place September 19 through 22 in Addison Circle Park. It features Traditional German polka bands, beer tents, and authentic Bavarian cuisine. The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, including kid-friendly activities and entertainment.

Oktoberfest Fort Worth is from September 25 through 28 at Trinity Park. It will feature German-style beer halls, traditional music, dancing, and local vendors. The event is set along the Trinity River, which provides a picturesque setting for the festivities.

The community of Beethoven Maennerchor hosts several San Antonio Oktoberfest events throughout October. Beethoven Maennerchor is one of the oldest German singing societies in Texas. The events will all feature authentic German food, beer, and music.

Galveston Island Oktoberfest takes place October 25 through 26 on the grounds of and streets adjacent to First Lutheran Church, 24th and Winnie—in historic downtown Galveston. The event is free and will include a cake wheel, raffle, and a variety of vendors.