Oktoberfest comes to Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa celebrated German culture on Oct. 3 as Oktoberfest came to Government Plaza for a day of food, music and cultural activities.

Hosted by Visit Tuscaloosa, the free festival brought the community together from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, German-inspired food and drinks, contests and activities. 

For German exchange student Mike Mayers, a junior majoring in computer science, the event was an opportunity to see how Oktoberfest is celebrated outside of Germany.

“I was excited until I looked at the pictures,” Mayers said. “Although it is something entirely different from the festival in Germany, I appreciate that you guys celebrate it.”

Mayers said he would have worn his traditional German “Tracht” if he had brought it with him to Alabama.

“Having Oktoberfest celebrated all around the world makes me proud, although that’s not all there is to German culture,” Mayers said.

Students from outside of Germany also came to experience the festival. Isabella Matson, a senior majoring in creative media, said she was especially looking forward to the food.

“I come from the Midwest, and there is a huge German population there, especially in Wisconsin, so that’s what I was looking forward to the most,” Matson said.

Matson said she was also excited to listen to music, spend time outside and experience cultural events in Tuscaloosa.

“I love these cultural exchanges that happen here in Tuscaloosa,” Matson said. “I think they’re very beneficial to celebrate people’s cultures and identities while at school.”

The festival followed the Oktoberfest 5K, which began at 8 a.m. downtown and was a charity event for the American Cancer Society. While the festival was free to attend, steins of beer were given to runners as their medals after completing their race. 

Once the festival began, Government Plaza filled with people enjoying the Oktoberfest atmosphere. 

Most notable favorites being the beer stands, the dancing and of course the pretzels.