Knoxville’s Oktoberfest Celebration Unveils a Decade of Festivities

Knoxville TN, September 24, 2025

News Summary

The 10th annual Oktoberfest at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company kicked off in Knoxville with a barrel-tapping ceremony and authentic German celebrations. Running until October 12, the festival features live music, competitions, and traditional cuisine, attracting both beer enthusiasts and cultural adventurers alike. Special events include contests and a chance to win a trip to Oktoberfest in Munich. This vibrant celebration showcases the rich German heritage of East Tennessee, offering a day full of festivities for everyone to enjoy.

Knoxville kicked off its 10th annual Oktoberfest celebration at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company on September 20, marking a decade since the brewery opened its doors in the city. The festival began at 5 a.m. with a barrel-tapping ceremony that captured the essence of German culture, which has a significant presence in East Tennessee.

Schulz Bräu transforms into a castle-like venue and biergarten, reminiscent of traditional Bavarian settings. The opening day included a ticketed barrel-tapping ceremony that was sold out, with festivities beginning early to coincide with Munich’s noon celebration of Oktoberfest. Attendees of this exclusive event were treated to a full liter of Oktoberfest beer, a Bavarian breakfast, live polka music by the Knoxville Polka Kings, and a keepsake to remember the day.

For those who missed the early access, gates opened to the general public at 9 a.m., and the festival runs through October 12, providing a continuous array of activities that showcase the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beloved tradition. The weekend schedule features Tennessee Volunteers watch parties on Saturdays, and Sunday mornings host Frühschoppen, a traditional brunch featuring authentic German food available all day long.

Live music is a highlight of Oktoberfest, with performances from bands such as Concord Brass, Knoxville Polka Kings, and guest artist Alex Meixner scheduled throughout the event. Oktoberfest has its roots dating back to 1810, originally held to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese, and has grown into a modern 16-day celebration extending into September to maximize favorable weather conditions.

Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is set to host special events, including the Running of the Wieners on October 12, where dachshunds compete in various categories. Other competitions include a Dirndl vs. Lederhosen contest and Masskrugstemmen, or a stein-holding contest for both adults and children. The festival features a total of 12 rounds of competition, including an official U.S. Stein-Holding Association qualifying round leading to the finale on October 11.

The energy at Schulz Bräu builds throughout the weekends, offering visitors a full day of live music and festivities. Notable performers scheduled to appear include the Nashville Polka Guys. Additionally, a special drawing on the evening of October 5 will offer attendees a chance to win a trip to Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich.

The Oktoberfest celebration at Schulz Bräu is presented as more than just a beer festival; it is a vibrant cultural event welcoming all attendees, even those who do not drink beer. Looking ahead, the brewery will hold the Christkindle Market in December, continuing to promote German traditions year-round in Knoxville.

Key Features of Knoxville’s Oktoberfest 2023

• Event Duration: September 20 to October 12
• Location: Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, Knoxville
• Opening Day: 5 a.m. barrel-tapping ceremony
• Activities: Live music, competitions, traditional cuisine
• Featured Bands: Concord Brass, Knoxville Polka Kings, Alex Meixner
• Special Competitions: Running of the Wieners, Dirndl vs. Lederhosen, Masskrugstemmen
• Future Events: Christkindle Market in December

Frequently Asked Questions

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville Celebrating 10 Years of Oktoberfest
• WBIR: Knoxville’s Annual Oktoberfest is Back
• Kidding Around Greenville: Fall Events in Knoxville
• Knox News: New Knoxville Brewery
• MSN: Alcohol-Free Beer at Oktoberfest
• Wikipedia: Oktoberfest
• Google Search: Knoxville Oktoberfest
• Google Scholar: Oktoberfest Knoxville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Oktoberfest
• Google News: Knoxville Events

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.