Skip to main content

Durham Oktoberfest @ Durham Central Park

Date: Sat, Sep 26, 2026

Time: 3 PM - 10 PM

Venue: Durham Central Park, Durham

Price: Free

Category: Community

Glass Jug will be serving up German style beers like thier Festbier, Hourglass Hefeweizen, Silent Vice Helles, Lagerithmic Schwarzbier, Celestial Kolsch and more in a collectible 12th-Anniversary stein for $15 (including your first fill of any of the beers above). Enjoy $10 refills all day!This is a Bull City Beer Challenge check-in! When you arrive, look for the event A-frame sign to check in. Pro tip: you can get double credit for checking in at the event and the business – just look for the second QR code by the bar! 3-7 PM: Craft Market (Applications for vendors here.) 3-7 PM: German music with DJ Krieger 3:30 PM: Costume Contest begins (Sign up here.) 4-6 PM: Beer Puppeteer: Challenge your friends, no advance sign up needed. 4:30 PM: Stein Hosting Competition (Men’s and Women’s heats. No advance sign up needed.) 6:00 PM: Costume contest winners announced. Must be present to win. 6:30 PM: Keg rolling relay race. Grab a partner and sign up to compete. Space is limited, and advance signups are required. (Sign up here.) 7-10 PM: After-party at The Glass Jug Downtown with DJ Gummy Cheers to a most excellent Durham Oktoberfest! See you at Durham Central Park on September 26th!

Community · Durham

Durham Oktoberfest @ Durham Central Park

Arrive by 3 PM to grab a spot on the lawn before the crowds build.

When
Next Saturday
Sat, Sep 26, 2026
3 PM - 10 PM
Where
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
durhamfree

Durham Oktoberfest is a community autumn festival featuring German-style beers, local craft vendors, and traditional lawn competitions at Durham Central Park. The Glass Jug hosts this annual gathering, bringing together local food trucks, live music, and friendly neighborhood rivalries in the park. If you are heading out with kids, the best time to visit is between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM when the craft market is open and the park is liveliest. Admission to the park is free, but you will want to bring card or cash for food trucks and the vendor market. Commemorative beer steins are available for purchase, and you can sign up on-site for the costume contest or the stein holding competition. Street parking is available around the park, or you can use the nearby Chapel Hill Street parking garage. This event makes a great weekend outing because it offers a relaxed, open-air environment where parents can socialise and enjoy a local draft while children run around the grassy lawn of the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Durham Oktoberfest free to attend?
Yes, entry to the festival at Durham Central Park is completely free, though food, drinks, and market goods are sold separately.
Can I bring my children to this event?
Yes, the park is open to all ages, and the afternoon hours feature lively music and races that children can watch.
Where should I park for the festival?
You can look for street parking along Foster Street or use the public parking decks located a few blocks away in downtown Durham.

Last updated

FREE

Next Saturday

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Durham Oktoberfest @ Durham Central Park runs Sat, Sep 26, 2026, 3 PM - 10 PM.

Getting There

Durham Central Park is at 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Durham Central Park

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot

Community Guides

All guides →