Next in a series: North Texas cities, towns, and neighborhoods celebrate fall with all the gusto of people who have suffered through a Texas summer, and we are here to let you know about the best area fall festivals, Oktoberfests, pumpkin patches, and Halloween fun over the next several weeks. Today, we’re covering Dallas Oktoberfest, a tried and true annual event in the heart of East Dallas. If you know of a great fall activity that needs to be showcased, let us know! Here’s the series so far.
Neighborhood/Area: Lake Highlands
Where: Flagpole Hill near White Rock Lake, 8100 Doran Circle, Dallas, Texas 75238
Parking: There is street parking on Goforth Rd. at Flagpole Hill with shuttles running all day long, or you can take a shuttle from lots at Lake Highlands High School, the KayCee Club, or Norbuck Park.
What makes it special: It’s all about the people — the people who created the event, the people who attend the event, and the people the event serves. I spoke with Eric Holmes, Realtor with Compass, and one of the event’s organizers about what makes Oktoberfest Dallas a “Can’t Miss” event.
The festival was started by two gentlemen in the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands (ECLH), Adam Meirhoffer and Tate Gorman, as Lake Highlands Oktoberfest. At that time, the festival was located at what is now the Town Center development in Lake Highlands, near Skillman and Walnut Hill. As the event grew, ECLH worked with the city of Dallas to move it to Flag Pole Hill.
“At the time (circa 2016-2017) we were looking for an opportunity to expand our sponsorship base and customer base. Since then, the attendance has soared, especially post-COVID. We’ll get close to 10,000 in attendance, and we hope to eclipse $200,000 in proceeds. We’re on pace to break some records this year,” Holmes said.
Tate Gorman, one of the founders, passed away last May, and the team has dedicated the main stage in his honor. This year, the club donated a park bench in his name overlooking the event. His family will be at the event for the dedication.
Attendees can anticipate a true family-friendly event. And when the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands says “family-friendly,” they don’t just mean “kid-friendly.” There are great activities for everyone at this event including craft beer tasting, amazing food, local live music, and a huge fun zone for kids.
“Families will usually show up early and run their kids ragged until it starts to heat up. Mom and Dad take the kids home, get the babysitter set up, and they come back for the concerts that night. You can come and go as you please as long as you have a wristband,” said Holmes, like a man who’s done this himself a time or two.
The event is produced 100 percent by the volunteers of the ECLH. ECLH consists of 200 men and women in the East Dallas community. All proceeds generated at this event go right back into the East Dallas community in the form of educational scholarships and supporting other local charities, first responders, and nonprofits.
Among the many notable sponsors of Oktoberfest Dallas are several familiar names in real estate, including Dave Perry Miller, Ebby Halliday, and The BAR Group, as well as affiliates Willow Bend Mortgage, Cross Country Mortgage, Max & Lou Home Interior Styling, Talley Riggins Construction Group, TexCap Insurance, and A Well Dressed Home.
When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: There is a presale on tickets until Friday afternoon, or tickets are sold at the entrances on Saturday.
Read more here: Event Website | Facebook
