Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

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Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS OKTOBERFEST:
A NEED TO KNOW GUIDE

It’s almost time for the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest.  The weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 2 are the dates of this year’s lively festival that celebrates Fredericksburg’s strong German heritage.  Though Oktoberfest has become an international celebration, it’s done especially well in this Texas Hill Country town with powerful German roots.  And, though there’s plenty of beer and brats, Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest isn’t just for those age  21 and older.  If you’ve never been to Fredericksburg, you’re in for quite a special treat.

OKTOBERFEST?

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest festival, has been held in Munich, in the Bavaria region of Germany, for the past 200 years.  It’s one of the most popular and celebrated events in Germany.  The original Oktoberfest occurred in Munich, on Oct. 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese .   In 2010, at the 200^th anniversary, almost 6.5 million visitors attended Munich’s fest.

Males in Lederhosen and females in Dirndl and lots of colorful beer steins will be plentiful in the 31^st year of Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest.  Festival goers and performers often wear traditional Bavarian felt hats which originally sprouted tufts of goat hair that at one time signaled one’s level of wealth.  Many think of this celebration as a festival of beer, but it’s evolved into much more, offering something for everyone in the family.

OOMPAH, POLKAS AND TUBA JAMS

Fredericksburg puts its own twist on Oktoberfest entertainment and gears many of the games and music to the German-Texas heritage at its base.  Friday features OkTubaFest, which excites the soul with the deep, rich music of tubas and euphoniums.   How many times have you attended a tubaJam?  On Saturday there’s a traditional Chicken Dance around the Marktplaz, led by a giant chicken.

The popular folk music, marches and polkas are part of the Oompah music for which Germany is internationally known.  You can trust that the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest has plenty of oomph in its Oompah , including dozens of performers, such as Czech Folk Dancers of the West, Cadence Cloggers,  Havlak-Batla Polka Time Band, Oma and the Oompahs and many more.  There are also plenty of contests and experiences to delight children and adults.

GERMAN FOOD

German food is always available in Fredericksburg, but it’s especially plentiful and delightfully varied during Oktoberfest.  You’ll find sauerkraut and bratwurst, ruebens and Pfeffernusse, Schnitzel burger and Jaeger Schnitzel with German potato salad & red cabbage.  There’s also more Americanized fare.  But, if you wish, you can close your eyes, smell the aromas, savor the flavors and pretend you’re in Bavaria.

FREDERICKSBURG FOR THE WEEKEND

Fredericksburg is approximately 1.5 hours from Austin in the heart of the rolling hills and clear, spring-fed creeks of the Texas Hill Country.  It’s over 1000 feet higher in elevation than Austin, which results in cooler temperatures.  Fredericksburg is famous for its peaches, but also boasts many fine bed-and-breakfasts, cabins and small inns.   This friendly small town has a strong art culture and a big personality.  Galleries and shopping are abundant and unique.  There are several wineries to tour, along with the largest wildflower farm in the country. The National Museum of the Pacific War is in downtown Fredericksburg, celebrating one of its favorite sons, the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Nimitz.  LBJ’s ranch, including his Texas Whitehouse, is nearby and even has a “guest house” to rent overnight on the grounds.

If fall hiking is to your liking, you’ll want to scale Enchanted Rock.  This magnificent pink granite boulder is 425 feet above the ground, 1825 feet above sea level and covers 640 acres.  It’s also the perfect place for a picnic of German food or gazing at the stars. Or check out one of the Texas Hill Country’s best nature preserves.

FINDING YOUR GEMUTLICHKEIT

Gemütlichkeit is a word you’ll see and hear often in Fredericksburg. Among the preferred translations is a state of belonging and cheerful, well-being.  It’s finding and relaxing into quality time.  What better reason to come to the Fredericksburg Texas Oktoberfest than to find your own Gemütlichkeit!

BELVEDERE

Belvedere likes to think it provides its residents with an opportunity to find their Gemütlichkeit, too.  Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is a community of luxury custom homes on 1-3 acre home sites on 443 acres that includes an 80 acre nature preserve.  It’s a community that offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being.  Visit us on the web at: href=”http://www.belvedereaustin.com/”>www.belvedereaustin.com

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