The German-Texan Heritage Society hosts an annual Oktoberfest at the German Free School in the Red River District. Located on E 10th St. next to the landmark Mohawk music venue, the 19th century limestone house and courtyard was full of Austinites drinking lager, eating bratwurst and sauerkraut and posing for pictures with their families.

Oktoberfest is a fundraising event for the society’s German language program. The festival hosted live music, food and drink, a gift shop full of German Christmas decorations and toys, and a children’s area with pumpkin painting and a bouncy house.

Chris, a German-Texan Heritage Society member of 15 years, said people come to their Oktoberfest celebration for the gemütlichkeit, the sense of friendliness and well-being as well as entertainment and beer.

I attended Oktoberfest with my sister who was visiting me for the weekend. Our $15 ticket got us into the beautiful historic terraced garden, and we moved slowly through the packed crowd full of lederhosen and dirndl looking for refreshments. We settled in with a couple pints and bratwurst as The Walburg Boys led the happy crowd in drunk renditions of Sweet Caroline and German songs I couldn’t identify. Looking back, I totally regret not purchasing a souvenir beer stein.

My sister and I had a great, casual afternoon together at Oktoberfest; maybe next year we will return for a little more gemütlichkeit.