Oktoberfest Tampa Returns to Curtis Hixon Park October 9–11

Oktoberfest Tampa returns to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for its 17th annual celebration from Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11, 2026. The downtown festival brings German-inspired food, live music, dancing, games, and waterfront views together beside the Hillsborough River. Organizers describe the event as open to a wide public audience, with activities for adults, families, children, and visitors bringing dogs.

Festival hours run from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. The opening celebration includes the inaugural keg tapping on Friday. Guests can expect traditional festival music, group dancing, German food, social activities, and the energetic public atmosphere associated with Tampa’s largest Oktoberfest gathering.

General admission costs $10 for a one-day ticket or $25 for a weekend pass, with VIP options sold separately. Children age 12 and younger receive free general admission when attending with a parent. Anyone under age 21 must enter with a parent. Active-duty and retired military personnel and first responders receive free general admission with proper identification.

The event includes a children’s zone with games until 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Strollers are permitted. The festival also welcomes dogs and provides free bicycle valet service near the Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum. Paid parking is available in several downtown garages, including Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage.

Visitors should review the official event rules before arriving. Outside food, alcohol, glass containers, coolers, folding chairs, and several other items are prohibited. Same-day reentry is permitted with the day’s wristband. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is located in downtown Tampa along North Ashley Drive.