Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa Celebrates 45 Years of Authentic Bavarian Culture

Annual celebration brings authentic German bands, dance groups, Bavarian delicacies and beer, arts and crafters, games and kids activities to guests later this month

The No. 1 rated Oktoberfest in America returns to Tulsa’s River West Festival Park this Oct. 17-20, 2024. Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa, celebrating a milestone 45th year and brand new name in 2024, will bring thousands of visitors from throughout Oklahoma and around the world to experience one of the most authentic Bavarian cultural events in the U.S. Tickets are now on sale at tulsaoktoberfest.org.

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa features bands and entertainers from across the U.S. and Germany, classic German and European foods, carnival rides, adult and children’s entertainment and activities, an arts and crafters market, German-themed games, activities and contests, 11 stages of entertainment, and over 100 varieties of bier (beer).

“We are thrilled to mark our recent ranking as the No. 1 Oktoberfest in America at this year’s Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa,” said Mike Dodson, Oktoberfest Tulsa Board Chairman. “Now in its 45th year, this celebration has become a cornerstone of our community and a tradition for thousands of families and individuals every fall. We are looking forward to sharing all the exciting and authentic festivities that Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa delivers to patrons and visitors, just like in Munich, Germany!”

Some of the special features of this year’s Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa include:

• A restaurant in the sky, Der BierGarten Himmeldeck, overlooks the main stage of the largest tent at Oktoberfest. The upscale dining experience offers a delicious, three-course plated meal paired with signature German beers and a crisp German Riesling dessert wine, prepared by award-winning Chef Josh Vitt. Advance reservations are necessary for the Himmeldeck.
• Join the fun at the NEW American Solera Trinkplatz with their creative craft brews.
• Look for intimate outdoor places to gather, including authentic, wooden swings and authentic, covered bar tables placed throughout the festival grounds giving attendees multiple gathering spaces throughout the venue.

Tickets and Admission

All admission tickets and packages must be purchased online in advance of arriving at the gate. Gates open Thursday at 4 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. General admission tickets are $15, with children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are not needed during Zeeco Family Friday Free Day hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Admission ticket packages are available to meet every budget, including ROXTEC VIP Terrasse single evening passes, Autobahn Passes including admission, Maßkrug and a fill, and Schnelle Packs which include admission and a commemorative Maßkrug. All tickets can be purchased here.

Pre-Festival Events

Pre-Festival events and experiences immerse festival-goers further into one of the most truly authentic German Oktoberfests in the country. These private, ticketed events include:

Biermeister’s Ball - This private, ticketed event on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 6 - 10 p.m. features an exclusive opportunity to dine in the Paulaner Bier Stube with full table service in keeping with a true München Oktoberfest with the Biermeister and friends. Your ticket includes an authentic Wurstbrett (charcuterie board), delicious three-course dinner and live entertainment. Tables of eight or individual seats are available for purchase here.

Corporate Night “Gemütlichkeit!” - Nearly 500 Tulsa area businesses support this sell-out event each year as the primary fundraiser for Tulsa Oktoberfest Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission “to produce an authentic celebration of the German culture and support Tulsa’s River Parks”. Gemütlichkeit features an evening of networking, singing, dancing, signature biers, performances and delicious food. The event is held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 3 – 11 p.m. Table reservations (which includes 30 guests per table) are available here.

Special Festival Features by Day

From bier barrel racing to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something at Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa for everyone, from pros and first-timers. Tulsa’s Oktoberfest celebration will feature special, fan-favorite events, including:

Thursday, Oct. 17 - Friends and Family Night – Ein Abend mit Freunden und Familie – Guests can reserve tables of 10 seats for friends and family on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5 – 11 p.m. Activities that evening include the Parade of Brewers, the Tapping of the Ceremonial First Keg and spectacular fireworks at 9:15p.m. over the Arkansas River.

Thursday, Oct. 17 – Parade of Brewers and Opening Ceremonies – The Parade of Brewers will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremonies das Glockenspiel. A variety of family friendly entertainment and activities will be showcased throughout the opening ceremonies and opening night.

Thursday, Oct. 17 - Lederhosen Lauf 5K Race – The Lederhosen Lauf is scheduled for Thursday, October 17 at 7:15 p.m. The race begins and ends at River West Festival Park in the Oktoberfest Games Arena, taking participants along the scenic River Parks trails. All finishers will receive a commemorative 16 oz. KleinKrug and a voucher to fill it, admission into Oktoberfest on race day, and a finisher medal and t-shirt. Race registration and details can be found here.

Friday, Oct. 18 – “Zeeco Friday Family Free Day” offers free gate admission from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Stop by Zeeco’s fun activities booth near the Festival Maypole. Tickets are not needed for admission during this timeframe.

Saturday, Oct. 19 – Find nonstop Oktoberfest games and activities at the FC Tulsa Games Arena, including the Bavarian Cup (Bayerische Tasse) Team Challenge, bier barrel races, MassKrug relays and Stein Host Competition.

Sunday, Oct. 20 – Breakfast at the Frühstück Auf Dem Oktoberfest features an authentic German buffet and special beverages to share, alongside performances by Das ist Lustig and Mach Schnell. The German breakfast runs from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase here.

Sunday, Oct. 20 – An annual favorite, the Dachshund Dash presented by Woodland West Animal Hospital and Pet Resort is a wiener dog race that always draws an energetic crowd and dozens of four-legged competitors. The race starts at 2 p.m. Before the race, competitors participate in the Dachshund Costume Party at 1 p.m. Register your dog for the Dachshund Dash here and the Dachshund Costume Parade here.

Music and Entertainment

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa features upwards of 40 live acts, including two bands directly from Germany, AlpenFetzer and Dorfrocker. The four largest tents will feature traditional Bavarian style music and dancers, polka bands, local Oklahoma bands, yodelers and more!

The Bräts, traveling from New Orleans will be performing in Warsteiner EssZelt. Das ist Lustig returns for German Gemütlichkeit and Chardon Polka Band will, of course, Polka On!

Das Glockenspiel features dancers, musicians, and comedians who perform every hour on the hour with lively skits, prosting, Schuplattlering and songs at the life size Bavarian cuckoo clock. Giveaways and promotional items are tossed to spectators and specialty beverages will also be available at this iconic structure.

Jugendzelt auf dem Kinderplatz, is the home of children’s activities and entertainment at Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa. Daily entertainment, crafts, games and entertainment are featured at Das Jugendzelt, presented by Pedistat Pediatric Urgent Care. More information on Jugendzelt can be found here.

Carnival Ride Wristbands are available online for $30 for single day use for Friday or Sunday ONLY. Wristbands will also be available for credit purchase at Customer Service and at ticket booths in the carnival area. Carnival rides for all ages will be operating each day of the festival.

Food Offerings Feature Authentic German and Non-Traditional Flavors Beyond

When it comes to food, Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa has something for everyone. Get ready for some authentic German heritage, and mouthwatering dishes brought to you by our dedicated chefs, volunteers, restaurants and specialty shops. Bratwurst, Turkey Legs, Sausage, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, Warm Pretzels, Pizza, tons of delicious sweet treats, and much more.

Some of Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa’s food lineup includes:

• The Wurst signature local flavor brats will be served at two locations, topped with signature curry ketchup, spicy mustard and grilled onions and sauerkraut
• Ludger’s Black Forest Cafe, Inc. will be offering their signature wiener schnitzel sandwich and schnitzel plat, bratwurst burgers and regular smoked sausages, as well as a variety of signature German sweet treats
• Check out whimsical carnival favorite savory and sweet snacks from Kettle Masters Snack Foods and Kettle Masters Old Fashioned Soda Pop & Floats locations
• German Specialty Foods, Inc. will serve its wildly popular Buffalo Jalapeno Cheddar and German Fried Potatoes, as well as original brats including German Veal and Pork
• A complete list of food vendors and information can be found here.

Large Variety of Signature Bier

The original Oktoberfest in Munich celebrated the local bier breweries and their craft. In honor of their noble intentions, Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa features a variety of authentic German beers as well as local favorites.

More than 100 bier brands will be served in the festival’s popular collectible steins from over 300 taps. The German MassKrug is a one-liter (33.8 ounce) stein designed to closely resemble those found in Bavarian bier gardens and bier halls. It is a staple of the Munich Oktoberfest. A smaller 16-ounce stein, the Klein Krug, will also be available for purchase. Each tent will have a different array of biers to ensure guests will have a unique experience no matter where they choose to enjoy the festival.

Experience Bavarian Craftsmanship in Tulsa

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa will feature more than 100 arts and crafters booths in the longest Arts and Crafters Zelt in America in the Markthaus Arts and Crafters Zelt! Longer than a futbol pitch, this tent features a selection of handmade items and authentic German wares including authentic Trachten (traditional German clothing), Bavarian and chicken hats, authentic ceramic beer steins and official Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa merchandise.

A list of confirmed vendors for the Markthaus Arts and Crafters Zelt can be viewed here.

Important Transportation Must-Knows: Die Fahrt!

A free shuttle service, “Schnelle Fahrt” (Fast Ride), will drop off all festival-goers at the front gate of Oktoberfest. Das Fahrt starts one-half hour before festival opening times and stops after everyone has left the Wiesn.

• Parking areas are located along Boston Ave. from 8th Street to 13th Street and locations throughout Tulsa including Downtown hotels such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown along with the Blue Dome District, OSU Tulsa’s Greenwood Ave. Campus, WeStreet Ice Center at Promenade Mall and Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills.
• Bicycle to the Festival and valet check your ride at the Spoke House Bike Corral, located on the River Parks bike path, for free, supervised bike parking.
• A special ride drop-off and pick-up location will be available for those using ride share services like Uber, Lyft, cabs and patron drop off rides.
• Specially equipped buses will operate from marked lots on a regular schedule to accommodate handicapped parking.

For shuttle, parking and other transportation information, please check here.

Final Important Event Logistics

Credit cards will be accepted at all festival sales locations - NO cash will be accepted at Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa. Festival hours and ticketing information can be viewed here. For a complete list of FAQs, please visit here.

About Tulsa Oktoberfest, Inc.

Tulsa Oktoberfest, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to produce a celebration of German culture which will benefit Tulsa and its River Parks. Tulsa Oktoberfest is an authentic celebration of Bavarian culture, patterned after the original München Oktoberfest. The festival, which began in 1979, celebrates its recent ranking as the #1 Oktoberfest in America by USA Today, and is produced by River Parks Authority which manages miles of park land and trails along the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness.

Festival Sponsors 2024

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa is produced by the River Parks Authority and made possible thanks to the generous support of Title Sponsor Zeeco, Official Sponsors Lufthansa Technik, Oak View Group, Roxtec USA and University of Tulsa. Signature Beer Sponsors include Paulaner, Samuel Adams, Shock Top, Spaten and Stella Artois. Supporting Sponsors are American Solera, Cabin Boys Brewery, Crossland Companies, Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing, FC Tulsa, Jim Glover Chevrolet, Marshall Brewing Company, PepsiCo and Sunbelt Rentals - Scaffolding Services. Signature Hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa Downtown and Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills. Check out all our sponsors here.

About Zeeco

Founded in 1979, Zeeco has steadily become the world leader in designing and manufacturing advanced combustion and environmental solutions. Headquartered in Tulsa, USA, Zeeco is a privately- held business with more than 2,500 employees and 30+ global locations. The company executes 10,000+ projects each year for refining, production, petrochemical, LNG, power, pharmaceutical, biogas, and other industries. ZEECO® products and solutions include ultra-low-NOx burners, flare systems, thermal oxidizers, vapor control, rentals, aftermarket solutions, global field services, and combustion electronics. Zeeco’s comprehensive offering helps customers reduce emissions, optimize processes, and maximize operating efficiency while meeting global environmental compliance requirements. Zeeco also operates the world’s largest combustion research and test facility and a manufacturing facility on a 250-acre campus at its Global Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA.

About Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa, the No. 1 Oktoberfest Celebration in the U.S. according to USA Today, , will be held October 17-20 at River West Festival Park in Tulsa, OK, with pre-fest events beginning Tuesday, October 15. The festival features traditional German foods, drinks and entertainment, as well as special programs, friendly competitions and games, carnival rides, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and competitions including a 5K race, bier barrel race, Dachshund Dash and more. Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa is the signature event of Tulsa Oktoberfest, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation based in Tulsa, and is produced by River Parks Authority. The festival’s mission is to promote German culture and benefit Tulsa’s River Parks. More information is available at tulsaoktoberfest.org.