Austin's most dachshund-centric Halloween party is back. The 4th Annual Texas Wienerfest (Halloween Edition), billed as the world's largest dachshund festival, runs on Saturday, October 31, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Sherwood Forest Faire, just east of Austin in McDade. Parking opens at 8 am and gates at 10, so there's plenty of time to get settled before things kick off. If the weather turns, the whole thing shifts to Sunday, November 1, with all tickets rolling over.
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One of the best things about it is that you don't need a dachshund to enjoy it. Spectators are fully welcome, and friendly, leashed dogs of any breed under 45 pounds can join in, provided they're up to date on vaccinations, in good health, and socialized. Intact males have to stay on a leash at all times, and extendable leashes aren't allowed — keep yours to six feet or less, except in the designated off-leash zone. General admission starts at $16.92, and since re-entry isn't permitted, you'll want to settle in for the day. VIP passes and race entries are available online, and advance purchase is strongly recommended.
If you're bringing a dog, the Bark Credits system is what keeps the day moving. Each dog gets eight credits at check-in, which you can spend on activities like the Tomlinson's Feed Amateur Weenie Races, the Pup Cup Eating Contest, the Stay Challenge, the Dog Toy Run, the Solid Gold Pet Wiener Wellness Spa, Karbach Low Rider Limbo, the Wiener Sprint, the agility course, and the off-leash zone. Some of the more popular activities may cost extra credits when demand is high. The free stuff — no credits needed — includes the Weenie World Records, the Official Wiener Counter, the Chewy Fetch Quest, and the Ally Medical Weenie Parade.
The racing is the center stage. The Tomlinson's Wiener Cup splits into two: the Amateur Races run from 10 am to 1 pm and are open to dachshunds and mixes, with registration on the day using your Bark Credits; the Professional Championship takes over from 2 pm to 5 pm, is for purebred dachshunds only, and costs $45 to enter, with the first 64 dogs to sign up and pay securing a spot. The track is about 75 feet long and 15 feet wide, and first place walks away with $2,500 in cash, a trophy, and sponsor merch.
Beyond the races, there's a costume parade, pup-cup contests, local vendor shopping, food trucks, craft drinks, shaded VIP lounges, and dog cooling stations. For food, expect around six to ten stalls and cash bars pouring beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, with a lineup that's read like a local food truck rally: Pueblo Viejo, Steamies Dumplings, The Corndog Company, Olive & Fire, Amy's Ice Creams, Brick City Foods, Dante's x Heidrun's Haven, Hazel & Co., Limón y Sol ATX, Midway Dogs, and Vintage Vibes Dirty Sodas.
It's also a fundraiser. Proceeds go to regional Texas dachshund rescue and foster networks, specifically ATDR and CTDR. To give you an idea of the scale, attendance jumped from 530 dogs in 2024 to 1,713 in 2025, and CTDR donations climbed from $4,500 to over $20,000 in that same span. So whether you're there to race, watch, or just see a lot of dachshunds in costume, it's a good cause to be a part of.
Published Date
25 October 2026
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