Sahuarita Oktoberfest
Friday, September 26, 2025
The Sahuarita Oktoberfest is more than just a festival—it’s a full-sensory journey into tradition, culture, and community spirit. Imagine the lakeside air filled with the sounds of lively polkas, the smell of sizzling bratwurst and warm pretzels, and the laughter of families gathered for games and contests. Authentic Bavarian traditions meet Southern Arizona flair, offering guests a truly immersive experience that feels both global and local.
From the rich heritage of folklórico and Polish folk dancing to the joy of raising a stein in the Beer Garden, every element of the festival is designed to connect people to one another through art, music, food, and play. By joining us, you’ll not only taste and hear Oktoberfest—you’ll live it, as part of a community celebration that brings the world to Sahuarita’s own backyard.
Dates & Times
Friday, September 26, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Free Admission
Location & Parking
Sahuarita Lake Park
Sahuarita Lake Park
15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
Nestled in the heart of the community, Sahuarita Lake Park is a 15-acre oasis featuring a scenic, man-made lake encircled by a one-mile walking path. The park offers shaded ramadas, playgrounds for kids, open green spaces, and fishing piers—all serving as the backdrop for the festival. With sweeping desert mountain views and tranquil waters, the park is a natural fit for a cultural gathering that blends art and nature in harmony.
Sponsors
Live Music
Music & Live Entertainment
The mainstage comes alive with the sounds and movement of classic Oktoberfest entertainment:
Retro Polka 7 |
Lajkonik Tucson
Polish Dance
Performing 7 PM and 8:10 PM
The Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble has been sharing the rich traditions of Poland since its creation in 1998. Through song and dance the group promotes Polish culture as it performs at festivals, school events, retirement homes, and many other venues, including the University of Arizona. Lajkonik enjoys a large and growing following in Tucson, and it has performed in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Poland.
https://lajkoniktucson.com/
Peter Kron
Polka & Pop Accordion
Performing 5:45 PM
Peter Kron is a dynamic live music entertainer based in Southern Arizona, known for his vibrant solo performances as an accordionist and vocalist. Blending live vocals and acoustic accordion with electronic accompaniment, Peter creates the rich sound of a full band—perfect for dancing yet balanced enough for easy conversation.
His extensive repertoire includes traditional German and Austrian folk tunes, yodeling polkas, and waltzes to world ballroom styles, American standards, country hits, and classic rock & roll. Tailoring each show to the audience, Peter encourages joyful participation in the spirit of Gemütlichkeit—a celebration of coziness and good cheer. Ideal for small to mid-size venues, Peter delivers lively, crowd-pleasing entertainment!
https://peterkronmusik.com/
Artisan & Maker Village
Arts, Crafts & Community
Stroll the festival grounds and explore a vibrant showcase of local creativity and community. From handcrafted goods to cultural experiences and family-friendly info booths, our artisan market is the perfect place to connect, shop, and discover something new.
- The German Cottage – German Bakery
- TAG Custom Laser Engraving – Personalized signs, mugs, and gifts engraved with precision.
- Daisy Mae’s Goat Milk Soap – Small-batch soaps and lotions inspired by old-world apothecary care.
- Aligned Healing – Herbal salves and wellness tools rooted in holistic healing traditions.
- Rincon Valley Artisans – Fused glass, woodworking, and fine crafts
- Cultura Life Design – Handmade jewelry and bold designs inspired by storytelling.
- Thistle & Thyme – Botanical lotions, scrubs, and handmade herbal skincare.
- Los Niños Del Valle Preschool – Family-friendly activities and early education resources.
- Free Arts AZ – Empowering youth through the healing power of art.
- Green Valley Artisans’ Shop – Jewelry, fiber art, pottery, and handcrafted home goods.
- Pima Association of Governments – Regional resources, giveaways, and sustainability tips.
- Renewal by Andersen (Event Sponsor) – Eco-friendly window solutions and home improvement info.
Food, Drink & Culinary Delights
Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without a feast. Visitors can indulge in a wide spread of authentic and locally inspired fare:
Haus of Brats serving bratwurst, currywurst, and frankfurters.
Papa’s Pretzels with fresh-baked soft pretzels and cheese.
Uniquely Made Cookies offering hand-decorated Oktoberfest gingerbread hearts.
Tucson Chefs Catering with schnitzels, strudels, and currywurst.
The Desert Rose Mobile pouring Oktoberfest-themed custom drinks like Black Forest Floats and Apple Strudel Fizz.
In the Beer Garden, guests 21+ can raise a stein with selections from six brewing regions, including German imports like Paulaner and Warsteiner alongside local craft favorites like Pueblo Vida’s Festbier.
Games, Activities & Contests
Sahuarita Oktoberfest is a full evening of interactive fun for all ages! From charming cultural experiences to goofy games and goodhearted competition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Pumpkin Bowling & Pretzel Toss
Perfect for kids and families, these playful games are easy to learn and hard to walk away from. Score big and win bragging rights — no prior pumpkin bowling experience required.
Sahuarita Sausage Toss Contest
6:15 PM at the Sahuarita Lake Park Amphitheater
How far can you fling a sausage? Find out in this wildly popular event that blends Oktoberfest energy with hometown silliness. Space is limited — sign up early to compete!
Sahuarita Steinholding Challenge
7:15 PM at the Sahuarita Lake Park Amphitheater
Test your strength and stamina as you hold a full stein at arm’s length for as long as you can. It’s harder than it looks — and way more fun when the crowd gets involved. Contestants must sign up in advance!
Family Oktoberfest Photo Booth
Grab a friend, don a hat and lederhosen, and capture the night in a free souvenir snapshot. Because every great Oktoberfest deserves a photo finish.
Kinder Art Haus
Let creativity take center stage in the KidsZone with hands-on art activities designed just for young festivalgoers! Kids can paint their own regional crest flag, decorate a gingerbread heart, enjoy facepainting, or get festive with pumpkin painting — all for free. These drop-in stations encourage imagination, cultural connection, and messy fun the whole family will love.
Polka Dance Workshop
7:30 PM – 8 PM in the KidsZone
Families and their little ones can experience the joy of movement and tradition during this interactive workshop led by members of Lajkonik Tucson. Costumes optional, fun guaranteed!
Volunteer
Volunteer with us and be part of the excitement at the Festival! From welcoming guests and supporting artists to helping the event run smoothly behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone. Opportunities include artist relief, artist hospitality, information booth and festival ambassador roles, and event setup and breakdown.
Volunteer shifts will be posted and available for sign-up beginning 30 days prior to the event—join us in creating an unforgettable celebration of art, flavor, and community.
Sponsor the Event
The Festival is more than an event—it’s an investment in culture, community, and creativity. Sponsorship directly fuels a platform where artists, families, and neighbors come together to celebrate the transformative power of the arts in daily life.
As a sponsor, your brand will:
Strengthen the Local Creative Economy: Support 25 local and regional artists, artisans, and makers who rely on this event to showcase their work and sustain their livelihoods.
Amplify Community Identity: Align with a signature event that enhances Sahuarita’s reputation as a hub for culture, innovation, and family-friendly engagement.
Showcase Corporate Social Responsibility: Position your business as a champion of arts, education, and cultural vitality in Southern Arizona.
Engage Thousands of Attendees: Connect directly with festival-goers through on-site visibility, meaningful brand integration, and authentic community interaction.
Build Long-Term Goodwill: Create lasting impressions by supporting programs that foster creativity, inspire cultural understanding, and enrich the quality of life in our region.
Tips for Attending the Festival
Tips for Attending the Festival
Free Parking: Parking is available in surrounding lots along Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., with overflow parking in nearby community areas. Volunteers and signage will direct you.
Dress Comfortably: The festival is fully outdoors—wear walking shoes, sun protection, and bring layers for cooler breezes.
Family-Friendly: Interactive murals and art zones are open to children and families—perfect for hands-on creativity.
Food & Beverage: A variety of food trucks will be on-site, offering snacks, meals, and refreshments throughout the evening.
Cash & Card: Many vendors accept cards, but cash is recommended for quicker transactions.
Pets: Leashed pets are welcome, but please keep them comfortable and hydrated.
