October 16–18 | Heritage Square | Downtown Waco, TX
Proudly pouringWaco’s own:
Experience Gemütlichkeit.
Gemütlichkeit is the Bavarian spirit of social warmth -
when long tables are full, steins clink, laughter rises, and strangers feel like friends.
Fuel founders.
grow waco.
All proceeds from sponsorships, VIP tables, and ticket sales directly fund Startup Waco’s nonprofit programs serving entrepreneurs across Central Texas.
Your participation powers mentorship, founder education, accelerator programs, and the infrastructure local businesses rely on to launch, grow, and stay rooted here.
Raise a Stein. Fuel a Founder.
A SpectacularMunich StyleTent
What Awaits Inside the Tent
Civic leader tapping the first keg
Brass echoing across the tent
Headline acts igniting the night
Steins lifted as “Ein Prosit” rings out
Dirndls and lederhosen everywhere
Steinholding - Barrel rolling - Brat eating
Sparklers lighting UP AT CLOSING TIME
ThreeNights. Three Headliners.
From traditional Bavarian brass to headline acts that bring the tent to its feet — each night builds to a high-energy close.
To be announced
Friday Night, Sep 25
Dust off the dirndl—this one’s going to be a show. A can’t-miss headliner that will bring the energy, the crowd, and a full-tent singalong.
to be announced
Saturday Night, Sep 26
This is the moment everyone will be waiting for. One headliner, one packed tent, and one unforgettable night that brings the entire crowd together.
to be announced
Sunday Night, Sep 27
Hold onto your lederhosen—this headliner is worth the wait. Big energy, big crowd, and a finale that’ll have the entire tent on its feet.
Proudly pouring Waco's own:
Raise a Stein.
Fuel a WACO Founder.
Your participation powers mentorship, founder education, accelerator programs, and the infrastructure local businesses rely on to launch, grow, and stay rooted here.
All proceeds from sponsorships, VIP tables, and ticket sales directly fund Startup Waco’s nonprofit programs serving entrepreneurs across Central Texas.
When local businesses win, Waco wins.
4-Person Scramble + Dedicated Caddie per Team
Every foursome is paired with a caddie to enhance the playing experience, provide on-course support, and help attest final scores for competitive integrity in a scramble format.
Field Cap: 36 Teams
18 Hole Sponsor Teams
18 Open Registration Teams
Shotgun Start + Announcing Hole Starter
Each team will be welcomed at their starting hole by an announcing starter for a championship-style introduction and send off.
At Oktoberfest Waco, you get:
Chef-Led Food Program
Under the direction of chef Corey McEntyre, the founder of Milo and Red Herring, the menu reflects Bavarian tradition with a level of quality you won’t find at a typical festival.
Exclusively Local Beer
Just as Munich pours only Munich breweries, we serve only Waco’s own.
Elevated Hospitality
Private Festzelt boxes and VIP tables designed for turnkey corporate hosting.
True Festzelt Experience
Long communal tables. A central band stand. Steins lifted together as “Ein Prosit” rings out each hour.
Designed for
turnkey hosting.
Presented by
Raise a Stein.
Fuel a Founder.
Benefitting
4-Person Scramble + Dedicated Caddie per Team
Every foursome is paired with a caddie to enhance the playing experience, provide on-course support, and help attest final scores for competitive integrity in a scramble format.
Field Cap: 36 Teams
18 Hole Sponsor Teams
18 Open Registration Teams
Shotgun Start + Announcing Hole Starter
Each team will be welcomed at their starting hole by an announcing starter for a championship-style introduction and send off.
Your participation powers mentorship, founder education, accelerator programs, and the infrastructure local businesses rely on to launch, grow, and stay rooted here.
All proceeds from sponsorships, VIP tables, and ticket sales directly fund Startup Waco’s nonprofit programs serving entrepreneurs across Central Texas.
When local businesses win, Waco wins.
Chef-Led BavarianFare
Hearty, traditional dishes served hot inside the tent.
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Bratwurst
Thursday Night
Classic Bavarian sausages, central to beer halls and Oktoberfest celebrations for centuries.
Bavarian Pretzels
Thursday Night
Giant twisted pretzels symbolize Bavarian baking tradition, shared communally alongside a beer.
Schnitzel
Thursday Night
Golden breaded pork schnitzel reflects Austrian-Bavarian roots, beloved festival comfort food across Bavaria.
Rotisserie Chicken
Thursday Night
Oktoberfest roast chicken tradition offers hearty, simple nourishment for long festival-filled days.
Kolaches
Thursday Night
Kolaches trace Central European baking heritage, embraced regionally alongside Bavarian festival fare.
Charcuterie
Thursday Night
Our charcuterie boards reinterpret Bavarian meats and cheeses for elevated VIP Oktoberfest gatherings.
3 Ways to Join Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Waco is designed for friends, business leaders and guests alike.
Limited Availability
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One team entry (4 players)
-
Dedicated hole sponsorship with full brand presence
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Premium wraparound hole signage
Become a Festzelt or Pilsner Sponsor
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One team entry (4 players)
-
Dedicated hole sponsorship with full brand presence
-
Premium wraparound hole signage
Featured placement tied to high-engagement competition moments
-
One team entry (4 players)
-
Dedicated hole sponsorship with full brand presence
-
Premium wraparound hole signage
Exclusive presenting partnership of the Bootstrap Classic
What's going on in the tent
We built Oktoberfest Waco as a fully immersive, Munich-style tent experience — with ceremonial openings, hourly rituals, headline performances, structured competitions, and intentional closing moments each night.
Local Oktoberfest beers from local breweries
German food: pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst
Stein holding, barrel rolling and brat eating contests
Authentic keg tapping opening ceremony
Live brass bands and headline performances
Hourly Bavarian bells + Ein Prosit
Tournament Overview
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Premier, Championship-Level Golf Course Conditions
Caddies in Sponsor-Branded Bibs
Silent/Live Auction Featuring Exclusive Items
Professional Starter at Every Team’s First Hole
Premium Swag Bags ($100+ Value per Player)
Premium Hole Sponsorship Setups & Activations
Live Leaderboard App
Elite Giveaways to Top Three Finishing Teams
Custom Championship Trophy, Welcome Mailers & Much More
Friday Oct, 16th - Gathering
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Official Keg Tap with Civic Leader
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Brat Eating Competition
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Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
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Headliner Performance
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10PM Kolache Hour
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Sparkler Closing Ceremony
Saturday Oct, 17th - Big Party
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Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
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Steinholding Competition
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Headliner Performance
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10PM Kolache Hour
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High-Energy Sparkler Close
Sunday Oct, 18th - Relax
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Barrel Rolling Competition
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Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
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NFL Games on TVs
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Headliner Performance
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Final Sparkler + “Until Next Year” Close
Friday, September 25th
The Kickoff Gathering
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Official Keg Tap with Civic Leader
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Brat Eating Competition
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Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
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Headliner Performance
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10PM Kolache Hour
-
Sparkler Closing Ceremony
Saturday, September 26th
The big party
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Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
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Steinholding Competition
-
Headliner Performance
-
10PM Kolache Hour
-
High-Energy Sparkler Close
Sunday, September 27th
The Relaxed hangout
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Barrel Rolling Competition
-
Hourly Bavarian Bells + Ein Prosit
-
NFL Games on TVs
-
Headliner Performance
-
Final Sparkler + “Until Next Year” Close
Schedule of events
09:00am
Oct. 12
Registration Opens
Bag drop, range access, pre-round lunch by Yaki
10:30am
Oct. 12
Shotgun Start
Announcing starter at each hole, dedicated caddie assigned per team
All day
Oct. 12
Live Leaderboard
Use this space to promote the business, its products or its services.
3:30pm
Oct. 12
Awards Ceremony & Auction
Final scores announced, top teams recognized, auction closes
4:00pm
Oct. 12
Helberg BBQ Dinner
Dinner by Helberg BBQ served on-site for players and sponsors
5:00pm
Oct. 12
Tournament Concludes
Structured finish, on time
How the Bootstrap Stands Apart
Category | Traditional Charity Events | The Bootstrap Way |
|---|---|---|
Impact | Supports a cause | Funds entrepreneurial infrastructure shaping Waco’s future |
Swag | Basic sponsor items | Curated premium gifts ($100+ value) |
Prizes | Standard gift baskets or gear | All-expenses-paid Pinehurst trip |
Competition | Casual | Built for serious competitive play |
Scoring | Self-reported | Verified scoring with assigned caddies |
Format | 4-person scramble | 4-person scramble + dedicated caddie per team |
Course Access | Public or frequently hosted charity courses | Ridgewood Country Club (limited outside events) |
Field Size | Large, open field | Capped at 36 teams |
At Oktoberfest Waco, you get:
Competitive integrity
Verified scoring with dedicated caddies and a format built for serious play. When you win, it’s earned.
A Curated Field
Just 36 teams for tighter competition and a focused audience of business leaders, founders, and serious golfers.
Ridgewood Country Club
Championship conditions on one of Texas’ most respected courses. A setting worthy of serious players.
Pinehurst Trip On the Line
An all-expenses-paid trip to one of America’s most iconic golf destinations awarded to the top finishing team.
Elevated Brand Presence
Premium wraparound hole signage, custom flags, and integrated activation opportunities designed for meaningful visibility.
Did you know?
In the 1800s, German immigrants in Central Texas developed a unique dialect known as Texas German, blending their heritage with Texas frontier life.
“Prost,” the word for cheers, has been part of Texas celebrations for generations.
Ridgewood Country Club
Ridgewood Country Club
Established in 1947
Architects: Ralph Plummer (1947, 1963)
Architects: Tripp Davis (2023)
Ranked #82 Golf Course in Texas
Par 70, 6659 Yards
Bermudagrass on Fairways/Tees
Frequently asked questions
The best beer, an unforgettable experience, and one of the premier Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the best of Waco while taking part in the world's largest beer festival!
David Stoneking
Co-Founder, Brotherwell Brewing
Destination Waco is thrilled to support this authentic Oktoberfest celebration, blending traditional charm with a true Waco twist. October in Waco just got even better—and this is only the beginning.
Lisa Blackmon
Chief Destination Officer, City of Waco
After experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich firsthand, our goal was simple—bring that authenticity, energy, and detail to Waco. Every element has been designed to create a memorable experience true to tradition.
Sarah Angell
Founder, Alice Allen Events
Ready to raise a stein with us?
Questions before you reserve your place under the tent? Submit the form below and our team will respond quickly.
Your information stays private. Always.
