Celebrate Community at the 2025 Sahuarita Oktoberfest – Free, Live, and Local

Sahuarita, AZ – The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Town of Sahuarita invite the community to celebrate the flavors, sounds, and traditions of Oktoberfest at the Sahuarita Oktoberfest on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Sahuarita Lake Park. Admission is free.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Sahuarita Lake, the festival blends authentic German flair with Southern Arizona spirit, featuring live music, traditional dance, hands-on cultural workshops, and mouthwatering food from local vendors. Guests can enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, gingerbread, vegan delights, sweet treats, and ice-cold beverages while experiencing immersive art and performance inspired by Germany’s vibrant regions.

Festival fun includes Pumpkin Bowling, Pretzel Toss, Gingerbread Cookie Decorating, and a free Family Oktoberfest Photo Booth. In the Beer Garden, guests can sample German and local craft beers from over six brewing regions, including Paulaner Munich Lager, Warsteiner Oktoberfest, Radeberger Pils, and Pueblo Vida’s Festbier Hef, Eiskalt.

The mainstage comes alive with the sounds of Retro Polka 7, serving up classic German hits and high-kicking folk dance performances by Lajkonik Folk Ensemble . Audience-favorite competitions return with a local twist — the Sahuarita Sausage Toss Contest at 6:15 PM and the 1st Annual Stein Holding Challenge at 7:15 PM. Around the festival, community exhibitors will host free youth arts and crafts rooted in German traditions, and local artisans will showcase unique works in woodworking, weaving, glass beading, and more.

Whether you come for the music, the food, or the friendly competition, Sahuarita Oktoberfest is your ticket to a night of culture, community, and autumn fun by the lake.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.saaca.org/sahuarita-oktoberfest.html

FEATURED PERFORMERS
Retro Polka 7 – Classic Polka and Swing with a German Twist. Performing three sets of music from 5 PM – 8:10 PM
.
Peter Kron – Accordion virtuoso performing polkas, waltzes, and crowd favorites. Performing 5:45 PM
Lajkonik Tucson – Polish and German Heritage Folk Dance Ensemble. Performing at 7 PM and 8:10 PM and offering a free dance workshop at 7:30 PM.

Festival Contests – Sahuarita Sausage Toss Contest at 6:15 PM and the Stein Holding Contest at 7:15 PM.

FEATURED FOOD VENDORS
Haus of Brats – Bratwurst and German Specialties including Currywurst, Frankfurter, and more
Col. Mustard’s Hot Dogs / Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice – German style Brats and Iced Desserts
The Desert Rose Mobile – Oktoberfest-Inspired Custom Drinks like Black Forest Float, Oktober-Fizz, Apple Strudel Fizz and more

Papa’s Pretzels and Popcorn – Soft Pretzels and Cheese
Uniquely Made Cookies – Oktoberfest Gingerbread Hearts
Lovin Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant – Vegan and Vegetarian Oktoberfest Schnitzel, Strudel, and Currywurst

EVENT EXHIBITORS
Free Arts AZ – Nonprofit, Kids Arts & Crafts
Los Niños Del Valle Preschool – Nonprofit, Kids Arts & Crafts
Green Valley Artisans’ Shop – Local Artwork
Southern Arizona Genealogy Society – History and Education
TAG Custom Laser Engraving – Custom Wood Crafts

Parking is available onsite, with overflow at Anza Trail Park and along Camino Lago Azul. The park is fully ADA accessible. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy amphitheater seating by the lake.

Why It Matters
Sahuarita Oktoberfest is more than a celebration of Bavarian traditions. It is a showcase of Southern Arizona’s creative spirit. Every performance, vendor booth, and art display features the work of local artists, musicians, and small businesses, giving them a platform to reach new audiences and grow. Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) in partnership with the Town of Sahuarita, the event brings the arts directly into the community, transforming Sahuarita Lake Park into a hub of cultural exchange, live music, and family-friendly fun. Your participation helps sustain year-round arts programs, invest in local talent, and keep creativity accessible to everyone in our region.

About SAACA
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through arts, culture, and creativity. Through innovative collaborations, SAACA creates dynamic programs and events that promote cultural engagement, economic development, and artistic excellence.

For media inquiries, interviews, or press credentials, please contact Da’Lice Shepard at dalice@saaca.org.

For more information on the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and upcoming events, visit www.saaca.org.

About Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation 
The Town of Sahuarita is the 6th youngest incorporated town in the State of Arizona and celebrated its 25th birthday on September 20, 2019. Sahuarita is a regional partner with other municipalities, educational institutions, non-profits, and business leaders in Southern Arizona, and recognizes the importance of arts and culture in creating and sustaining well-rounded communities. For more information on the public art partnership between the Town of Sahuarita and