Historic downtown Wylie will take on a Bavarian flavor in early October, with Oktoberfest celebrations offering everything from German music and steinholding contests to a village stroll and racing dachshunds.

The festivities will center around downtown Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2-4, with Glen Echo Brewing hosting a three-day Oktoberfest at 106 N. Birmingham St. and local merchants joining the celebration Saturday with an Oktoberfest Village Stroll.

The Village Stroll will run from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, throughout Historic Downtown Wylie, giving visitors an opportunity to make their way among participating businesses at their own pace.

Merchants will create their own Bavarian-inspired stops, offering food and beverage samples, games and activities, shopping specials and photo opportunities. Some food, beverages, crafts and activities will be available for purchase.

Admission to the stroll is free.

Visitors can pick up a free Oktoberfest Village Passport at participating businesses and collect stops as they explore downtown. Those who complete their passports can enter to win prizes provided by downtown merchants.

Lederhosen and dirndls aren’t required, but organizers are encouraging visitors to dress for the occasion.

Just down Birmingham Street, Glen Echo Brewing will stretch its Oktoberfest celebration across the entire weekend.

Activities begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, with a ceremonial first keg tapping by Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter and the release of Glen Echo Brewing’s Oktoberfest beer. The first of three steinholding competitions begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s brewery activities start at 1 p.m. with a costume contest and parade of participants. A second steinholding competition is scheduled for 3 p.m., followed by beer-carrying obstacle races at 5 p.m.

German music and dancing will take over the patio from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, with DJ Ronnie L of SC9 Entertainment. The third steinholding competition begins at 9 p.m., followed by the announcement of winners.

Perhaps the weekend’s smallest competitors take center stage Sunday.

Dachshund races begin at 1 p.m., followed by a singalong with the Beer Choir North Texas Chapter from 3 to 4 p.m. Glen Echo’s Oktoberfest concludes at 6 p.m.

Registration for the brewery’s contests will be available on site the day of each event. Contestants must be 21 or older except for participants in the dachshund races. Medals will be awarded to event winners.

Together, the events offer visitors a chance to celebrate Oktoberfest while spending the weekend exploring downtown Wylie.

For information about the Oktoberfest Village Stroll, visit Wylie Stroll Companion.

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