Four Peaks Brewing Co. & Tempe Sister Cities invite you to the 2025 Oktoberfest! Oktober 10-11-12, 2025, bringing the Valley’s most beloved Bavarian celebration back to Tempe Town Lake for its 52nd consecutive year. This extraordinary festival represents the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the Phoenix metropolitan area, starting as the Way Out West Oktoberfest and was hosted at the old Veterans of Foreign Wars building on Apache Boulevard before evolving into the massive community event that now requires nearly 2,000 volunteers to operate successfully.
Festival Growth and Community Partnership
The festival boasts a full weekend of live music from rock, to pop, to German polka, contests, the Runnin’ for the Brats 10k, 5k and 1k race, and a carnival! The event’s extraordinary growth from a modest 200-person gathering to a major regional attraction demonstrates the power of community partnership and authentic cultural celebration. Four Peaks Brewing Company’s collaboration with Tempe Sister Cities creates a fundraising powerhouse that supports international cultural exchange programs while delivering world-class entertainment.
Signature Attractions
The festival’s signature attractions include traditional wiener dog races that have become legendary throughout the Southwest, featuring both traditional dachshunds and a new “Low Center of Gravity” category for other qualifying breeds. The ‘4th Annual Stein Holding Competition’ with qualifying rounds starting September 12 at Four Peaks 8th Street Pub adds authentic German competition to the festivities. Multiple beer gardens showcase Four Peaks’ specialty Oktoberfest brews alongside imported German selections, creating authentic flavor experiences that transport visitors to traditional Bavarian celebrations.
Event Details
🗓️ Event Dates: October 10-12, 2025
⏰ Hours: Friday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
💰 Admission: Early bird tickets $16 through August 1st, ages 20 and under free
📞 Contact: Event information available through Four Peaks Brewing Company
🌐 Website: fourpeaksoktoberfest.com
📱 Social Media: Check Four Peaks Brewing social channels for updates
Entertainment Highlights
Music Lineup: Dirty Rhodes, OC & National Anthem, The Instant Classics, The Chad Bailey Experience across multiple stages, ensuring continuous entertainment throughout the weekend. Traditional polka performances provide authentic German cultural experiences, while contemporary acts deliver high-energy shows that appeal to diverse audiences.
Food and Beverage
Authentic German cuisine prepared by local chefs who specialize in traditional Bavarian cooking methods. From bratwurst and sauerkraut to elaborate German pastries, the food offerings represent genuine cultural experiences rather than typical festival fare. What would Oktoberfest be without delicious German food and beer!
Family Activities
Find some Oktoberfest fun for the kids! with dedicated children’s areas featuring age-appropriate entertainment, educational activities about German culture, and supervised craft stations. The carnival rides and games provide traditional fair experiences within the authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere.
Cultural Celebration and Community Spirit
This festival succeeds because it honors authentic German traditions while embracing Arizona’s diverse community spirit. The combination of serious cultural celebration and family-friendly entertainment creates an experience that satisfies both those seeking authentic international culture and families looking for engaging weekend activities. The event’s continued success demonstrates Tempe’s commitment to maintaining traditions that strengthen community bonds and celebrate cultural diversity.
