Oktoberfest in Tulsa celebrates 45 years of German culture, food and beer

Tulsa's 45th Oktoberfest begins Thursday afternoon; The festival has a new name this year, but you can expect the same activities you've grown to love.

Zeeco Oktoberfest celebrates German culture with games, food and more than 100 types of beer.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Children up to 12 years have free entry.

As for security, Tulsa Police will be monitoring the event and all attendees will have their luggage checked and patted down before entering.

Festival director Tonja Carrigg says she can't wait for people to see what Tulsa has to offer this year.

“I'm excited to bring people to River Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to experience one of the largest and longest-running Oktoberfests in the country, named this year as the number one Oktoberfest in the nation by USA Today Readers' Choice “United States,” Carrigg said.

Since there is no parking available at the festival, organizers recommend using a rideshare service or using the free shuttle from one of several downtown parking lots.

For shuttle information, visit TulsaOktoberfest.org/parking-and-schnelle-fahrt.

The festival begins Thursday at River West Festival Park and runs from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m

It's Zeeco family-free day Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tickets are not required. However, tickets are required for entry from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m

Weekend opening times: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TulsaOktoberfest.org.