Nashville – September 16, 2026 -- The Nashville Oktoberfest returns to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park from October 1 to 4, 2026, marking the 47th year of the city's longest-running neighborhood festival. Organizers expect more than 100,000 visitors over the four days, drawn by German beer, traditional food, live music and a full slate of competitions.

General admission starts at $10 when purchased online in advance

Gate prices rise to $12 per day, while children three and under get in free throughout the event. Guests wanting an elevated experience can buy single-day VIP access for $197, which includes a private VIP tent, unlimited beer pours and catered food. A three-day VIP Weekend Pass covering Friday through Sunday costs $347.

Community Day on Thursday offers free admission with a reserved ticket

Gates open at 5 p.m. on October 1, followed by Opening Ceremonies and the traditional keg tapping at 5:30 p.m. Friday admission also remains complimentary until 4 p.m. with an advance online reservation; paid admission applies afterward and throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The 5K Bier Run headlines a lineup of signature competitions

Saturday, October 3 features the run through historic Germantown alongside a Pup Parade and Stein Holding Competitions, which serve as official qualifiers for the Tennessee State Steinholding Championship. Brat Eating Contests run throughout the weekend, and the Dachshund Derby closes out the festival on Sunday, October 4.

Live performances include Kraken's Release, Fly2K, and traditional polka and German bands. Jägermeister returns as the festival's Official Shot for another year.

"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,