Addison event staff presented a preview of Addison Oktoberfest to the City Council on Sept. 2, outlining dates, layout, ticketing and programming for the weekend of Sept. 18–20 at Addison Circle Park.

The event preview emphasized a mix of traditional German elements and Texas offerings. Abby Morales, director of Special Events and Theater, said the Addison event pairs “Bavaria meets Texas” programming and noted the festival will include polka and traditional folk bands, a Texas Pro stage with country and party music, live Texas craft brews and a signature Glock and Shield feature for the Texas craft area. “We are proud to say that we are the only Texas Oktoberfest that has a live Glock and Shield,” Morales said.

Organizers said Addison Oktoberfest will run Thursday through Sunday. General admission is $15 on Friday and Saturday; Thursday admission is free. Addison residents can buy half-price single-day tickets in person at the Addison Athletic Club, and hotel guests at participating hotels receive two single-day admission tickets plus a commemorative stein and lapel pin as part of a hotel packet. Morales said Saturday evening indoor tables are sold out for the party hall tent.

Morales described key festival features: an air-conditioned indoor activation inside the Addison Performing Arts Center for retro arcade games and a silent disco; the Glock and Shield block for Texas craft brews; a new open-air modern beer garden with a football-screen viewing area; a kids’ garden with a root-beer garden; vendor market plots for traditional German and festival arts; a party hall and a smaller “party’s belt” tent for competitions; and family amenities such as free hydration stations for water refills.

Council members asked about logistics and promotion. Staff said the indoor air-conditioned space is the performing-arts building and not a cooled tent, and that organizers will expand directional signage on Addison Road and add an entrance off Morris to reduce confusion. Morales said staff will emphasize the free hydration stations in marketing and will provide a digital flyer for council members and local chambers to distribute. The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the host/corporate night; Morales said Mayor Bruce Arson will tap the ceremonial keg to kick off the festival.

Questions from council also covered vendor mix, accessibility, and family-oriented programming. Morales said vendor food will be a mix of authentic German offerings and traditional festival fare to serve families, and that organizers expect higher ticket sales compared with the same point last year. She said Addison Oktoberfest also features family-friendly activities such as a carousel and yard games, and that dogs are allowed for the Sunday “dog day.”

Staff did not propose formal changes to festival permits or fees during the briefing. Council members requested follow-up materials, including a digital promotional flyer and clearer signage plans, and staff agreed to provide those items.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 18–20 at Addison Circle Park; additional logistics and promotional material will be posted by the town and provided to council members prior to the festival.