2015 Oktoberfest in Denton

By Kathy Edwards McFarland

As a departure from “all things Jazz in Denton,” I’d like to visit with you a quick moment about the upcoming weekend in our fun-and-festival-loving community. (For details about the entire weekend of Denton activities, visit http://www.discoverdenton.com)

The traditional Oktoberfest, founded in a field outside Munich (Munchen), where the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the

Original Oktoberfest activity.

festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. 

Now in its 182nd year, Munchen’s festival has grown from an agricultural fair into a mega-festival with bier halls, food and souvenir stands and a kick-butt carnival, lasting three weeks.

Denton is just getting started (but give it time).

Walnut Street on Friday

The main event – and the one I am personally involved with – is Oktoberfest on Walnut, this Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 11 p.m.

The 2015 Oktoberfest on Walnut, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 11 pm. The free-entry event,

2014 Oktoberfest on Walnut at sunset.

Joe Tucker

benefiting Denton Kiwanis Club Children’s Clinic and Walnut off the Square, sports an expanded and improved street layout, and the new beer-tent concept will add more enjoyment to the ultimate block party, sponsored by Ben E. Keith, Frenchy’s, Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Chestnut Tree Teahouse and Bistro, Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, and Ed Steele Photography.

Look for the fun Nagel Shlagen (nail hammering), stein hoisting, children costume contest, and eclectic, live music featuring Joe Tucker One-Man-Band at 5:30 p.m., Buffalo Ruckus, at 7:30 p.m.,

Buffalo Ruckus

and headliner High School Caesar playing their brand of — from 9- 10:30 p.m.

High School Caesar

Opening ceremony is at 6 pm, with tapping of the firkin soon after.

For drinking-age adults, beer tickets and wristbands will be required and will be available at the Ticket Tent, adjacent to the Beer Tent, that will have a wide selection of German and seasonal brews, plus two varieties from Denton’s own Audacity Brewhouse.

Merchandise vendors include, Pan Ector T-Shirt Shop, Tranquility Artisans, Obsidian Jewelry, Turquoise Boutique, Muddy Jake’s Sports Bar & Grill (coupons), and face painting by Nora Susko.

Nagel Shlagen

Food booths by Dusty’s Bar & Grill, Hypnotic Donuts, Chestnut Tree Teahouse and Bistro, The Loophole and Beth Marie’s will offer a variety of treats.

*First Friday Downtown is also gong on from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/First-Friday-Denton-Texas-295347591389/timeline/.

Experience Denton’s art scene in many forms on First Friday. These businesses and galleries will have activities throughout the evening between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with hours varying. It’s a great way to stroll through downtown, experience and observe local art activities.

Fry Street on Saturday

Saturday, Oct. 3: Oktoberfest activities start early on Fry Street with the Inaugural Fry St. Oktoberfest Fun Run 5K registration at 8:30 a.m. and the run starting at 10 a. m. Visithttps://www.facebook.com/events/902913799763563/ for details.) All proceeds benefiting Michael’s Memories and The Russ Martin Show Listener’s Foundation, via Friends with Benefits • Denton. All runners will receive a sweet run shirt and a finisher medal, as well as be let in to the bars 1HR early. There will be a costume contest at the run as well!

At Noon – the 9th Annual Fry St. Oktoberfest at Riprock’s, Cool Beans, and Lucky Lou’s is off and running … (get your tickets early, and save $$$, this year at: http://www.active.com/denton-tx/running/distance-running-races/9th-annual-fry-street-oktoberfest-and-fun-run-2015

-Tons of Oktoberfest Beers
-German food by the plate (bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato salad)
-Polka band
-Stein Hoisting Competition

This will be an Oktoberfest for the books, included in your Oktoberfest package is 3 custom mugs from Lucky Lou’s, Cool Beans Bar and Grill, and Riprocks Bar, and an awesome Pan Ector Industries Shirt.

Please remember – many, many other activities and events are happening this coming weekend. Be prepared – comfortable shoes, sun screen, hydrate regularly and Enjoy!