Prost, Knoxville! Celebrating 10 Years of Oktoberfest at Schulz Bräu

Knoxville’s Oktoberfest has been kribbeln (buzzing with excitement) since it opened at 5 a.m. on Sept. 20 at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company. This year marks the brewery’s 10th annual Oktoberfest since opening in Knoxville, a milestone that underscores how deeply it has rooted German culture into East Tennessee.

The festival transforms their castle-like brewery and biergarten into a slice of Bavaria. Opening day began before dawn with a ticketed barrel-tapping ceremony and live stream from Munich at 6 a.m., which quickly sold out. Why tap kegs so early? Because noon in Munich means 6 a.m. in Knoxville. Ticket holders enjoyed a full liter of Oktoberfest beer, a Bavarian breakfast, live polka music from the Knoxville Polka Kings, and a keepsake to take home.

The gates opened to the public at 9. My husband, Matt, arrived just after, stepping straight into the morning energy of live music, the smell of sizzling sausages, and the first steins of Märzen being raised. (And yes, he did have a beer and a brat for breakfast!) From the start, music, food, contests, and cheer filled every corner of the biergarten. And the celebration is only getting started. You can join in the fun through October 12 with all the sights, sounds, and flavors of Oktoberfest.

Even though beer isn’t my thing, the festival’s cultural pull is undeniable. The schedule through Oct. 12 is packed with daily events, even weaving in beloved Tennessee Vols watch parties on Saturdays. Sunday mornings feature Frühschoppen, a traditional Oktoberfest brunch, followed by authentic German fare served all day (and all day every other day). The afternoons bring music to the stage from bands like Concord Brass, the Knoxville Polka Kings, and Alex Meixner, whose performances keep the atmosphere festive and tied to the traditions of Munich’s original Oktoberfest. You can find the full event schedule HERE.

That original celebration dates back to 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese. The first Oktoberfest featured horse races, food, and public gatherings that were so popular they became an annual tradition. Over time, the event stretched into 16 days and shifted into September for better chances at good weather. Two centuries later, its spirit endures worldwide, and in Knoxville, it has taken on its own playful spin. While Schulz Bräu doesn’t host horse races, it does offer the adorable Running of the Wieners on October 12, where dachshunds (and even mixed breeds) compete in categories like Baby Brats, Little Links, and Feisty Franks.

Other traditions at Schulz Bräu highlight German culture in fun and interactive ways. The Dirndl vs. Lederhosen contest lets costumed guests compete for bragging rights, while Masskrugstemmen, the stein-holding contest, tests strength and endurance. Even children get a chance to participate with lighter mugs and plenty of cheering from the crowd. With 12 rounds in total, including an official U.S. Stein-Holding Association qualifying round leading to the finale on Oct. 11, it’s an event that keeps both competitors and spectators engaged.

As October begins, the energy only builds. Weekends will feature full days of music, with performances by bands like the Nashville Polka Guys and Alex Meixner, who will headline an evening. Sundays start with brunch and music, then roll into a fun-hoisting contest, kids’ activities, and another set from bands like Meixner or Lynn Marie and the Nashville Polka Band. The evening of Oct. 5 will also feature something extraordinary: a drawing for a trip to Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich. For someone who loves culture and history, the idea of standing in the biergarten surrounded by music and tradition that trace back more than two centuries feels like the perfect reason to go. See a sample of the menu: Okt-Menu-BAR-Biergarten

Schulz Bräu’s Oktoberfest is more than a beer festival. It’s a cultural celebration that brings Bavaria to Knoxville. Between the music, contests, food, and atmosphere, there’s something for everyone, even those of us who don’t drink beer. With the Christkindle Market still to come in December, Schulz Bräu continues to anchor German traditions year-round, offering Knoxville a way to experience both fall festivity and holiday magic without ever leaving East Tennessee.