800 Expected in 5K Kicking off Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest Saturday

A 5K race to kick off Saturday's Oktoberfest in downtown Tuscaloosa is expected to draw 800 participants ahead of the free event featuring games, German food and drinks, dogs in costume and more.

The Visit Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest is presented this year by UA Online and will take over Tuscaloosa's Government Plaza from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday.

Before the fun of the festival starts, the Oktoberfest 5K, presented by Mercedes-Benz and benefiting the American Cancer Society, is expected to draw 800 runners and walkers, said Jimmy Hart, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Visit Tuscaloosa.

"From the very beginning, Mercedes-Benz was very big on the 5K. It's probably fair to say that their vision for the 5K actually catalyzed the vision for the festival," Hart said. "Their partnership and the participation of Mercedes-Benz's employees and partners give the 5K such a strong foundation to build off of and continue to grow."

This year also features a 1K race for children. Learn more about both and register here.

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5k registrants will run the 3.1-mile course through the downtown district and end back up at the Festival, where a free commemorative stein and one pour of beer await them.

Oktoberfest brings back fan-favorite events from the first two years since its major revival in 2023 and will also introduce new ones in 2025 - it first year in the larger Government Plaza venue.

The fun includes a stein-hoisting contest, a weiner dog race, a kids' zone, a nail-hammer competition, a costume contest for dogs and even more.

The Dachshund Dash will return, and Hart said folks will bring their own weiner dogs for a friendly race - the same dog, Gus, has won both years before, and Hart joked that if he manages the three-peat, the speedster might have to become a judge for future races.

"You can register on the website or on, but it is strictly just for Dachshunds," Hart said. "That has just been so much fun and probably the biggest spectator draw of our Oktoberfest because it's just been such a great time. The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter has it down to a science, operating the race, and that's just another fantastic community partnership that has really elevated this event."

For the first time, the Festival will also feature a costume contest for canine companions, and all breeds of dogs are welcome as long as they're on a leash and dressed for the occasion.

And pet owners, please - clean up any messes your dog makes with the free bags stocked at the park.

Check out the free-to-attend Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 8 a.m. for race participants! Those wishing to drink beer can buy a $10 commemorative stein and buy 12-ounce pours from merchants on-site.

There are also $75 VIP passes available, which include a stein, four drink tickets, and access to a covered tent with food, exclusive bathrooms, and other bonus perks.

For scenes from the event tomorrow and other coverage of news from around West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.