Nashville Oktoberfest Schedule

Thursday is complimentary all day and Friday until 4 PM, but you must request a ticket online. Tickets are complimentary, but all entries require a ticket. Paid tickets are required Friday after 4 PM, Saturday, and Sunday. Live music, contests, and special events run across all four days. Kraken's Release and Fly2K play the festival, and strolling accordion and tuba players provide Oompah music throughout the park. Karaoke is at the Game Stage on Friday and Saturday. Contest rounds run Friday–Sunday.

Official qualifier: the Stein Holding Competition is an official qualifying competition for the Tennessee State Steinholding Championship Tournament. The longest men's and women's holds across all rounds advance to the state finals (Saturday, October 24, 2026, Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, Knoxville, Tennessee). Details →

Thursday Oct 1

Community Day: complimentary all day — request a ticket online

5:00 PM

– 10:00 PM

Community Day: Complimentary Tickets

Complimentary all day — request a ticket online. All entries require a ticket.

5:00 PM

Gates Open

Complimentary Community Day all day. Request a free ticket online; all entries require a ticket. Festival grounds open, Bier Tent begins pouring

5:30 PM

Opening Ceremonies

Prost Pavilion: traditional keg tapping to open the festival

5:00 PM

– 10:00 PM

Strolling Oompah

Strolling accordion and tuba players providing Oompah music throughout the park.

5:30 PM

– 10:00 PM

Kraken's Release

High-energy party polka pop with a German twist from Atlanta. Polkas, drinking songs, folk-punk, and sea shanties.

10:00 PM

Closing

Festival grounds close for the evening

Compete or Come Watch

Contest entries include a General Admission festival ticket. Sign up online before each round's deadline.