Annual Bavarian celebration with German food and drink, music and dancing, open car shows, wiener dog races, a Kids Fun Zone and crafters' booths.
Upper Tampa Bay Oktoberfest returns to Tampa Bay Downs from Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, 2026. It's the annual Bavarian celebration put on by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, which they describe as bringing the best of Old Bavaria and New Florida together for three days of authentic German food, drink, music, and dancing.
The program leans into family-friendly, Bavarian-themed activities. There are open car shows, challenge games, and wiener dog races, along with a Kids Fun Zone for the younger crowd. For those who want to get in on the action, there's a stein holding contest and a log sawing contest, plus games, rides, food, and beer for everyone. If you're an artist, crafter, or maker, you can take a three-day exhibitor booth. The Chamber also puts out a call for volunteers to help with setup, the event days, and the post-event breakdown, with a UTBC shirt for every volunteer.
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It runs across three days with different hours each one: Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Admission is $5 per person, and kids 12 and under get in free. If you have a military ID, you get in free plus a $25 beer tasting. You'll find it at Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626.
