FAQ

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a FREE, three-day outdoor festival held at Tempe Town Lake.  The event is scheduled for the first weekend in October each year.  Since 1973, the Tempe festival has grown to become the largest all volunteer-produced event in the state of Arizona.  The original Oktoberfest began in 1810 in Bavaria, Germany as a royal wedding and horse race.   

Who runs the show?

Tempe Sister City Corporation, (TSC), founded in 1971.  The non-profit organization hosts Oktoberfest to raise money for its cause.  More than 2,000 volunteers dedicate their weekend to the organization and provide a unique and culturally rich festival for thousands of attendees.  

What does Tempe Sister City Corporation do?

Tempe Sister City Corporation, (TSC), is in the business of making friends – globally. The 501(c)(3) non-profit provides student and educator exchange programs for City of Tempe residents.  Oktoberfest is the monetary lifeline that provides vital programs for Tempe residents, students and educators.  Some of the things TSC does include:

• Sending high school students to Tempe sister cities
• Hosting foreign students from other sister cities in Tempe
• Sending Tempe teachers to Tempe sister cities 
• Provides international education for more than 1,000 6th graders
• Provides multi-cultural programs and free field trips for children
• Provides professional exchanges 
• Provides humanitarian aid efforts and fundraising for global and local aid 
• Participates in cultural and historical preservation for the City of Tempe

Can I bring a debit/credit card?

ATM machines will be available on-site, but you will need cash to purchase tickets to buy food and beverages.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets, reptiles and creatures must stay at home, except for service animals.

How do I get involved?

Oktoberfest is always looking for more volunteers.  Find the volunteer tab on our home page and email us! We encourage offices or social organizations to participate as teams as well, Thank you for your interest.  Oktoberfest is only made possible by the participation of the Tempe community.  See our [Volunteer Page] for more infomartion

Is there parking available?

There are 10,000 parking spaces in downtown Tempe.  The best place to park is on Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive. This is the most convenient Oktoberfest parking and is available for $10.00 with access to a FREE shuttle. See  our [Parking Page] for more information.

Where can I park my bike?

Tempe Bicycle Action Group will provide a secure and monitored bicycle parking area just inside the Tempe Beach Park main entrance. See  our [Bike Parking Page] for more information.

Is there a safe ride home program?

Yes, we have teamed up with local cab companies to provide services for you to get home safely.  They will be on-site.  We encourage our guests to drink responsibly.