Celina's Downtown Square will host the city's newest signature event Saturday, Oct. 3, when Celina Oktoberfest takes over the historic center for an afternoon of polka, bratwurst and dachshund racing.

The free festival runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Admission costs nothing, though a few competitions carry entry fees. The city announced the event in a press release Monday, Sept. 28, calling it a beloved tradition now folded into Celina's official signature event lineup.

This year marks the first time the city itself is the host, with Sinacola as title sponsor. The press release headline says Oktoberfest "returns" to downtown, suggesting prior editions, but the earlier history is not detailed in city records.

Music on two stages

Three acts will rotate on the Main Stage, sponsored by REX Real Estate. The Dogensteins open at 3 p.m. with polka interpretations of rock, country and classic hits. STV Almrausch follows with traditional Bavarian and Tirolean folk dancing, music and customs. The Royal Klobasneks close the afternoon from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with a mix of Czech, German, Austrian and American polkas and waltzes.

A separate Activity Stage runs five competitions back to back starting at 4 p.m.

Competitions and costs

The Dachshund Dash kicks off the Activity Stage at 4 p.m. with qualifying heats and a Championship Dash for the title of Grand Champion. Entry is $25 per dog.

Keg Rolling follows at 4:30 p.m. Three racers per heat roll kegs down and back through their lane. Free to enter.

The Brat Eating Contest at 5 p.m. gives up to 12 contestants 120 seconds to eat as many as six bratwursts. Also free.

Beer Stein Racing at 5:30 p.m. requires competitors to carry six water-filled steins, three in each hand, without spilling below a marked line. Free, with nine spots.

Stein Hoisting closes the competition slate at 6 p.m. Participants hold a one-liter stein of beer straight out with one arm. Last one standing wins. Entry is $25, with separate men's and women's brackets of 24 spots each.

Registration for all competitions takes place near the Activity Stage during the event. Spots are limited.

What else to expect

Local vendors, German-inspired food, salted pretzels and official Celina Oktoberfest merchandise will line the square. The event page at lifeincelinatx.com lists vendor applications for German-themed, handmade and homegrown artisans through the Eventeny platform. Questions can go to [email protected].

Downtown Celina's fall calendar

Oktoberfest opens a packed stretch on the Downtown Square. The Friday Night Market returns Oct. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., according to the city calendar. Beware of the Square, the city's annual Halloween festival, is set for Oct. 24 at the Downtown Center, The Celina Current reported.

Full event details are at lifeincelinatx.com/celinaoktoberfest.