Oktoberfest Hays Returns Sept. 26-27 With New Bierock Competition
The two-day festival in Municipal Park will feature traditional German contests, live music, and the inaugural "Battle of the Bierock" vendor competition.
HAYS — The Volga German Centennial Association will host the 2025 Oktoberfest Hays on Sept. 26-27 at Municipal Park, featuring a new "Battle of the Bierock" competition where vendors compete for the title of best bierock at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The free festival begins Friday at 9 a.m. with traditional German contests including stein-holding and relay races, followed by Saturday's activities including the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., family games, bounce houses, and live entertainment from the Ron Werth Band, German Tuba, Rice County Line, and Steel Skarecrow. Event coordinator Emily Knowles said the bierock competition, sponsored by Lewis Automotive of Hays, celebrates the beloved local food while adding friendly competition to the heritage celebration that honors the region's Volga German roots.
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