Oktoberfest kicked off last Friday in La Villita. Maverick Plaza hosted the opening ceremony, with live music and the traditional tapping of the keg. This year’s celebration serves as the second Oktoberfest to grace old San Antonio. Chef and founder of Oktoberfest in La Villita, Johnny Hernandez, started the evening by shouting out the fellow participating chefs and expressing gratitude to San Antonio’s rich cultural history.
Food stalls lined the plaza, selling common Czech and German fare — like kolaches, brats and schnitzel. Award-winning chefs from across San Antonio and France served fest-goers delicious handmade treats. Limited edition beer steins in 16-ounce and 32-ounce variants were available for purchase, selling out before the night was over.
A special delegation of more than 60 folks from the Czech Republic made their way to San Antonio for this special event. Mayor Blažena Galiová of Šardice of the Czech Republic, gave a small speech before Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen 2025-2026, and the Czech Jury Petru Band performed at the festival.
Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones also appeared for the crowd, being honored to tap the keg and begin the Oktoberfest celebrations.
“It’s Friday. It’s Oktoberfest. If you’re not having a good time, it’s your own damn fault,” Ortiz-Jones said. “With everything that’s happening and [how] it has come to right now, it is so important that we celebrate our heritage, we very proudly wear our traditional garb, and we explain to people the meanings behind those things.”
The mayor also made sure to highlight San Antonio’s rich history and status as one of only two cities recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
Oktoberfest in La Villita may have only been for one weekend, but ‘Runners should keep an eye out for other Oktoberfest activities in the area. Nearby, Fredericksburg Oktoberfest kicks off on Oct. 3, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also set to host Oktoberfest events until the end of October.
