By Bailey Coyle, FOX23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Oktoberfest is back at River West Festival Park, bringing German-inspired food, beer, live music and traditional festivities to the Tulsa waterfront.
The festival is celebrating its 47th year, with activities spread across approximately 14 acres. Organizers say there are options for visitors looking to enjoy everything from live entertainment to carnival rides, food and shopping.
Here’s what to know before heading out.
When is Tulsa Oktoberfest?
The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 22-25.
- Thursday: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday festivities continue into the early morning with Euro disco entertainment.
Where is it?
Tulsa Oktoberfest takes place at River West Festival Park along the Arkansas River.
What can you do there?
There’s more than beer at Oktoberfest. Visitors can find:
- Food and drinks: A wide selection of German-inspired food and beverages.
- Live music: Bands perform in four of the festival’s five large tents, including two groups traveling from Germany.
- Polka Floyd: The band is among this year’s entertainment additions.
- Traditional German clothing: The Trachtenmode Boutique offers dirndls, Lederhosen and other Oktoberfest attire.
- Carnival rides and activities: Options for visitors looking to experience more of the festival grounds.
- Biergarten: The new Ecolocal Biergarten offers views overlooking Zink Lake and the Tulsa skyline.
Organizers say more than 300 beers are available throughout the festival.
How can you get there?
Festivalgoers can use festival shuttles, walk, bike or take advantage of the River Parks trail system.
Limited paid parking is available near River West Festival Park. Rideshare services and designated drop-off arrangements are also options to consider when planning your trip.
Because parking near the festival is limited, visitors may want to plan transportation before arriving.
What’s new this year?
One addition is a dedicated Trachten clothing boutique, where visitors can shop for traditional German outfits, including dirndls and Lederhosen.
The festival also features the new Ecolocal Biergarten, offering another place to gather and take in views of Zink Lake and downtown Tulsa.
How does the festival support the community?
Tulsa Oktoberfest is operated by volunteers and raises money for the River Parks Authority. Organizers say planning takes place throughout the year, with the festival grounds transformed into a Bavarian-inspired celebration in the weeks leading up to opening day.
