Oktoberfest Pinellas Returns to Pinellas Park for Three Weekends Starting Sept. 25
The German-American Society opens its hall on 66th Street North for six days of imported beer, schnitzel and polka bands, with $12 admission and free entry for kids and active-duty military.
The German-American Society of Pinellas County opens its hall doors this month for its annual Oktoberfest, six days spread across three weekends starting Sept. 25, with imported German beer, homemade schnitzel and live oompah music at 8098 66th St. N in Pinellas Park.
The festival runs Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. on Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3 and Oct. 9-10. Admission is $12 per person at the gate or online. Children 12 and under get in free, and so does active-duty military with valid ID.
Each night follows the same rhythm. Doors open with vendors and a Kinder Corner for kids. At 6 p.m. comes the Parade of Flags and national anthems, followed by sets from the Gulf Coast Enzianer Schuhplattler Verein folk dancers, who perform twice a night. Stein-holding contests for men and women go off around 7:45 and 8 p.m., testing who can hold a full liter stein out straight the longest. A raffle drawing follows around 9:15, and the night wraps with music until 10.
The food lineup includes bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut and potato pancakes, cooked fresh on site. Beer is imported and poured on tap. A different band plays each weekend: the Apple Strudel Oktoberfest Band opens the first Friday, Sept. 25, with PolkaPalooza featuring Eric Z and the Steve and Monika Oktoberfest Experience taking Saturday, Sept. 26. Autobahn Karl and the King Guys Oktoberfest Quartet play the second weekend, and Polka Werner, PolkaPalooza and Sunshine State Express close things out Oct. 9-10.
- Location: 8098 66th St. N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
- Dates: Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3, Oct. 9-10, 2026
- Hours: Fridays 5-10 p.m., Saturdays noon-10 p.m.
- Admission: $12; free for kids 12 and under and active-duty military
Parking is free and on-site, though the society warns it fills up quickly, especially on Saturdays. PSTA Route 66 stops nearby for anyone who would rather skip the lot altogether. Local event guides have called it the Tampa Bay area's most authentic Oktoberfest, and the society has hosted the celebration since 1951.
Tickets are available online in advance or at the gate each night. Anyone with questions can reach the hall directly at 727-350-6520.
Want more things to do around the county this fall? Browse our events coverage and community stories at Pinellas County Community Website. Join the conversation about local festivals and traditions in our Community Forum, and follow us on Facebook for updates throughout the season.
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