ANNUAL EVENT · SATURDAY
Brat Eating Contest
Think you can out-eat Nashville? Prove it. The Brat Eating Contest is the messiest, most competitive — and most entertaining — five minutes of the entire festival.
5
Minutes
Eating window
Free
To Enter
With festival admission
3
Age Divisions
Junior, Adult, Senior
1980
Festival Est.
44 years of tradition
ABOUT THE CONTEST
Nashville's Messiest Competition
Contestants face off in timed heats, racing to consume as many authentic German bratwursts as possible in five minutes. No utensils. No mercy. Just brats, mustard, and pure competitive spirit.
Held on the main stage on Saturday afternoon, the contest draws a massive crowd — and the audience participation makes it one of the most photographed moments of the entire festival. Past winners have put away an impressive number of brats in the allotted time.
All bratwursts are sourced from the festival's official food vendors — authentic German-style brats grilled fresh on-site. Water is provided. Sauerkraut is optional.
THE FORMAT
- Contestants compete in timed 5-minute heats
- Judged by number of full bratwursts consumed
- Water and condiments provided at the table
- Heats are separated by age division
- Top finishers from each heat advance to the final round
- Final round winner crowned on the main stage
GOOD TO KNOW
This is a family-friendly event — spectators of all ages are welcome to cheer on contestants. The contest is held rain or shine on the main stage.
CONTEST DAY SCHEDULE
Day-of Timeline
Saturday · 2026 exact time TBA
11:00 AM
Registration Opens
Sign up at the main stage registration table — first come, first served. Spots are limited.
12:30 PM
Contestant Briefing
All registered contestants gather at the main stage for rules review and heat assignments.
1:00 PM
Qualifying Heats Begin
Heats run back-to-back by age division. Each heat is exactly 5 minutes.
2:00 PM
Championship Final
Top finishers from each heat face off in the championship round in front of the full crowd.
2:15 PM
Winners Crowned
Division winners receive their prizes and trophies on the main stage.
WINNERS RECEIVE
Prizes
Awarded per division — Junior, Adult, and Senior
1st Place
Champion Trophy
Official Nashville Oktoberfest Brat Eating Champion trophy + VIP upgrade for next year's festival + bragging rights for life.
2nd Place
Runner-Up Prize
Nashville Oktoberfest merchandise bundle + complimentary GA tickets for next year's festival.
3rd Place
Third Place Prize
Nashville Oktoberfest merchandise + recognition on the main stage.
PARTICIPATION RULES
Rules & Requirements
Must be 8 years or older to participate
Festival admission (GA or VIP) required
Registration is first-come, first-served — limited spots
No pre-eating or warming up before the heat begins
Contestants must remain seated for the duration of their heat
Water and condiments are the only permitted additions
Brats must be fully consumed — no storing in cheeks
Judge's decision on counts is final
Contestants must sign a waiver before competing
Unsportsmanlike conduct results in immediate disqualification
READY TO COMPETE?
Think You Have What It Takes?
Registration opens day-of at the main stage. Get your festival ticket and show up ready to eat.