Nashville’s longest-running festival welcomes over 100,000 attendees annually to enjoy authentic German traditions, live musical acts, and its distinctive 5K Bier Run, with early general admission tickets available from $10.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Nashville Oktoberfest is set to make its comeback at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park from October 1st to 4th, 2026. This four-day celebration will deliver German cultural customs, various live performances, culinary delights, brews, and exclusive happenings to downtown Nashville. To benefit from reduced prices, purchase your tickets in advance at https://www.thenashvilleoktoberfest.com/tickets.

Now in its 47th year, The Nashville Oktoberfest is Nashville’s longest-running neighborhood celebration and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. The 2026 festival will feature German and local beers, traditional German food, live music and a full lineup of competitions and activities.

“The Nashville Oktoberfest is one of the city’s most anticipated fall traditions, bringing generations of Nashvillians and visitors together for an experience that feels both authentically German and uniquely Music City,” said Michael King, Festival Executive Director. “From our traditional keg tapping on Complimentary Community Day, to live music, competitions and the 5K Bier Run, this year’s festival gives everyone a reason to raise a stein and celebrate.”

Jägermeister is also returning as the Official Shot of The Nashville Oktoberfest, renewing its role as a featured partner of the four-day celebration.

The festival begins Thursday, October 1, with Community Day. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by the official Opening Ceremonies and traditional keg tapping at 5:30 p.m. Thursday admission is complimentary, but all guests must reserve their free ticket online.

Admission is also complimentary on Friday until 4 p.m. with an advance online reservation. Paid admission is required Friday after 4 p.m. and throughout Saturday and Sunday. Buy tickets at TheNashvilleOktoberfest.com

General Admission tickets are $10 per day when purchased online in advance and $12 at the gate. Children ages three and younger receive complimentary admission throughout the festival.

Guests seeking an elevated festival experience may purchase single-day VIP access for $197. VIP admission includes priority entry, access to a private VIP tent, unlimited beer pours at the open access VIP bar and a catered food spread. A three-day VIP Weekend Pass, valid Friday through Sunday, is available for $347. Get VIP tickets at: https://www.thenashvilleoktoberfest.com/vip

Among the festival’s signature events are:

• The 5K Bier Run through historic Germantown on Saturday, October 3
• The Pup Parade on Saturday afternoon
• Brat Eating Contests held throughout the weekend
• Stein Holding Competitions serving as official qualifiers for the Tennessee State Steinholding Championship
• The crowd-favorite Dachshund Derby on Sunday, October 4
• Live performances from Kraken’s Release, Fly2K and traditional polka and German bands

The Nashville Oktoberfest is an all-ages, rain-or-shine celebration. Guests must present valid photo identification to receive a 21-and-older wristband to consume alcohol.

2026 FESTIVAL HOURS

Thursday, October 1: 5–10 p.m.

Friday, October 2: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Saturday, October 3: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Sunday, October 4: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The festival takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, located at 600 James Robertson Parkway in Nashville.

Tickets, VIP passes, Bier Run registration, schedules and additional festival information are available at TheNashvilleOktoberfest.com.

ABOUT THE NASHVILLE OKTOBERFEST

Founded in 1980, The Nashville Oktoberfest is Nashville’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration. Held annually in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville, the four-day festival brings together German and local beer, authentic food, live entertainment, signature competitions and family-friendly activities in the heart of Music City.

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SOURCE The Nashville Oktoberfest