Regions:

The fall and harvest season is celebrated all over the world in thousands of different cultural celebrations. But perhaps one of the most colorful is the German Oktoberfest, a time when not only the crops have been gathered, but the beer has been bottled.

And outside of Germany, the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the world are held in -- you guessed it -- Texas!

With a large influence of Germanic culture in Texas it shouldn't come as a surprise that the state is home to some of the most grand of German festivals. From communities like Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Boerne, Schulenburg, Rosenberg and others, you can bet you can find a cold beer and oompa band without a great deal of trouble.

But the month of October is super special in Texas and in the German communities that have helped shape the history of the state.

According to historian Theresa Gold of San Antonio, the first german immigrants settled in Austin, Colorado, Fayette, and Washington counties. Among the communities in that area considered German towns were Mill creek, Biegel, La Grange, Fayetteville, Cat Spring, Bellville, Frelsburg, New Ulm, Bernardo, Shelby, Ross Prairie, Millheim, and Berlin.

In the 1840s, the social, economic, and technological conditions in Germany, coupled with the availability of lands in frontier Texas, created an ideal climate for an influx of immigrants. Ms. Gold writes: "In 1842, a group of German noblemen formed the Verein zum Schutz deutscher Einwanderer in Texas, called the Verein or the Adelsverein, to secure land in Texas for immigrants. The Verein obtained a grant of 3,800,000 acres in west-central Texas from Henry Fisher and Burchard Miller, thus known as the Fisher-Miller Grant. Prospective settlers were promised 320 acres of land for a married man or 160 acres for a single man, plus transportation across the ocean and to the land; a house, household furnishings, utensils, and farming equipment; churches, hospitals, roads and general provisions for their welfare.

Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels preceded the group to prepare for the arrival of the colonists. He realized that the huge land grant could not be settled immediately because it was too far from the coast and from existing settlements for transportation and supply, and so he established the town of New Braunfels as a way station to the Fisher-Miller lands. Prince Carl returned to his homeland and was succeeded by Baron Ottfried Hans con Meusebach, who discarded his title upon arrival in Texas and became known as John O. Meusebach. When it became evident that large numbers of expected settlers could not be located at New Braunfels, Meusebach laid out another settlement and named it Fredericksburg. About this time, it became clear that the grant of land was not suitable for settlement: the soil was not fertile enough for farming, and large numbers of Comanche Indians inhabited the area."

In modern times, the tradition of Oktoberfest continues with charming and robust celebrations all across the state, most notably the Oktoberfest celebration in Fredericksburg and the Annual Wurstfest in New Braunfels.

Use the links below to connect to Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas:

Held on the town plaza, this traditional Oktoberfest celebrations features great food, colorful costumes and live oompa music - plus plenty of beer. Set for Oct. 5, 6, and 7 this year, you can't afford to miss this gala celebration of German culture in Texas.

A ten day salute to sausage, Wurstfest is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the Americas. Get ready for lots of live music, food to satisfy the largest appetites and lots and lots of beer.

The Beethoven Halle & Garten in San Antonio is set to celebrate the ultimate German festival! Music, food, and dancing are just part of the festive offerings. Past performers include the Beethoven Concert Band, Raffin Organ Grinders, Bohemian Dutchmen, the Markman Polkateers, the Cadence Cloggers and more! German foods, including Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Potato Pancakes are readily available.

Held in Santa Fe, Texas, at the Haak Winery, this festival is as much about Texas wine as it is Texas beer.  You'll find plentty of food, great wine tasting opportunities and a fun filled event at Haaktoberfest in Santa Fe.

Staged in late September, Addison celebrates Oktoberfest with food, art and entertainment. Located near the Dallas Metroplex, Addison offers a touch of texas combined with a touch of Germany.

Traditional beer and wines will beavailable plus food, music and fun when this Oktoberfest gets underway this month. A carnival atmosphere rules with plenty of fun things for the kids as well. Don't miss Lancaster's annual Oktoberfest celebration.

Home Page