Free Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest Planned in New Spot During September Bye Week

A fan-favorite early fall 5K and celebration of German culture will return next month in a new spot - and general admission is free!

The Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest presented by UA Online is planned for September 20th - an Alabama Football bye week! - now in downtown Government Plaza.

This is the third year Visit Tuscaloosa has organized the Oktoberfest, and it has grown in each iteration.

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This year, the festival will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and feature a 5K race as well as a 1K children's race to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Ronald McDonald House.

The tourism bureau has booked live music, secured German food vendors, and planned activities including the Dachshund Dash, a Dog Costume Contest, a Stein-Hoisting Competition, and a Hammerschlagen - a game where folks hammer nails into a log.

“Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and with great partners like UA Online and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., we’re excited to bring the community together for an unforgettable day,” said Kelsey Rush, President and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa.

There's no charge to attend the event and enjoy the music and games, but anyone buying beer on site must do so from a commemorative stein, sold for $10 on-site.

The Oktoberfest 5k, presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, begins at 8 a.m. and registration costs $45 and comes with a t-shirt, a stein, and a complimentary beer pour. The new kids' 1K race costs $25 and benefits the seriously ill children aided by the Ronald McDonald House.

VIP passes are available for $75 and come with four drink tickets, exclusive food offerings, and access to a cooled tent and air-conditioned restrooms. Only 200 VIP tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com.

For more coverage of events and news in west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.