It is almost time once again for DeKalb’s annual showcase event as 2026 Oktoberfest comes to town on October 3.
The event is a day long variety of fun and entertainment for all ages with events that have become annual traditions, some treasures brought back from the archives, and some that are brand new for 2026.
As always, the fun and family entertainment starts bright and early with traditional pancake breakfast hosted by the firefighters of ESD #6.
The pancake breakfast has long been the best way to start your day full of fun in DeKalb and the place to sit down and talk to old friends and make new ones.
If you walk away from the pancakes still hungry (not likely) don’t worry, as a variety of food vendors will line the downtown streets starting at 10 a.m., and you won’t want to miss the delicious beans and cornbread that will be found at the Williams House Museum.
Also at 10 a.m., one of the big highlights of the day comes with the annual Oktoberfest parade making its way down Hwy. 82. The parade is always a sight to see with members of the Miss DeKalb court, the Noble Hearts and floats from area businesses welcoming friends and visitors to the annual festival.
After the parade winds down, the festival becomes a veritable smorgasbord of activities for all ages with the art and quilt show, the cake walk and two different areas for kid’s games for the younger visitors.
Don’t miss your chance to get a break from the sun and try your luck at winning some prizes with bingo fun at the storm shelter. There will be bingo sessions twice on Saturday at 12 noon and again at 2 p.m. While you are there, be sure and walk across the street for the free photo booth hosted by Jody’s Flowers and Larel’s Furniture.
And if you are a music lover you have come to the right place.
This year’s festival includes the Backyard Jam downtown Saturday morning followed by the ever-popular Oktoberfest Variety Show over at the DeKalb High gym at 5:30. But hold on, the music doesn’t stop there as the talented Drake Herron takes to the downtown stage at 7:30 for a threehour concert suitable for boot scootin of all kinds or a slow dance with your honey.
Back this year to entertain festival visitors once again are Mutton Bustin for the kiddo cowboys and cowgirls, and the ever-popular Mr. and Miss Oktoberfest Pageant. Mutton Bustin will be hosted by Ride Hard Entertainment and will see the dust fly over on Houston Street at 11:30, 1 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. and the pageant will be hosted in front of the historic State Theatre building on Runnels downtown at 1 p.m.
A new addition to the festivities this year is the Car and Truck show hosted by the DeKalb Education Foundation.
The cars and trucks will be on display at 200 North Centre Street with registration for entries starting at 8 a.m. and the show running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entrants will shine for one of 25 places with all hoping for the coveted top award, The Grizzly.
Regardless of what your favorite activity is, the 2026 Oktoberfest has something for everyone, with all of the proceeds from the event going right back into the community to help organizations like DeKalb Kares, Bowie County 4-H, a variety of activities at DeKalb ISD and many more. A total of $20,500 was given back to the community after last year’s festival.
For more information on the 2026 DeKalb Oktoberfest, see their Facebook page or check out their website found at www.dekalboktoberfest. org
