Oktoberfest Tampa 2026

Oktoberfest Tampa is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1, returning to its spot along the Hillsborough River. It's the city's largest waterfront biergarten, and it's one of those events that draws thousands of people downtown over a single weekend.

The festival is built around the German tradition of Gemütlichkeit—that feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. You'll find live music and dancing, people in traditional dirndls and lederhosen, and plenty of bratwurst and schnitzel. There's an authentic Bavarian food hall on site, and the beer comes from Green Bench and Coppertail, both serving Oktoberfest-style brews. The weekend kicks off Friday afternoon with the tapping of the inaugural keg, and a second tapping happens on Sunday, which is designated as Family Day.

Beyond the food and beer, there are a few regular fixtures. The Outrageous Bavarian Games are free to play, and the festival hosts the region's largest Beard & Mustache Competition. This year adds a new element: a Krampus dance performed by the Schuplattler group. It's a 21+ event, though children 12 and under can come along if they're with a parent.

Here's the schedule: Friday, October 30 from 4 PM to 11 PM; Saturday, October 31 from 11 AM to 11 PM; and Sunday, November 1 from 11 AM to 6 PM. It's a paid event, but entry is free for active or retired Armed Forces members and any first responders of the City of Tampa—TPD, TFR, and EMS—and their spouses, with ID. Kids 12 and under are also free when accompanied by a parent. You'll find it at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, downtown Tampa.