Wiener Dogs, Oktoberfest & Sunday Hund-Day: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Addison Oktoberfest 2026
Lederhosen? Check.
German food and polka music? Check.
A pack of very determined dachshunds racing toward a finish line?
Now we're talking!
Addison Oktoberfest returns to Addison Circle Park September 17–20, 2026, and Sunday is the day Dallas-area dog lovers will want to circle on the calendar. The festival's Sunday Hund-Day brings dogs into the celebration with the popular Dachshund Dash, Pet Parade and plenty of four-legged Oktoberfest fun.
And yes, you can bring your own dog.
But before grabbing the leash and heading to Addison, there are a few things every dog owner should know.
Sunday Is Hund-Day at Addison Oktoberfest
Dogs aren't permitted at Addison Oktoberfest Thursday through Saturday, with the exception of trained service animals.
That changes on Sunday, September 20, when Oktoberfest goes to the dogs.
Sunday Hund-Day runs during the festival's Sunday hours of noon to 6 p.m., and both kids and dogs receive free admission. Dogs must remain on a leash or harness, can't be left unattended, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
For current festival information, visit the official Addison Oktoberfest website.
The Dachshund Dash
The star attraction for dog lovers is unquestionably the Dachshund Dash.
Addison describes it as one of the festival's fan favorites, with speedy dachshunds racing for the coveted title of Golden Dachshund. Registration is limited, so anyone hoping to enter their own little sausage-shaped athlete should register ahead of time.
The current Sunday schedule has the Dachshund Dash beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Championship Heat at 2:00 p.m. The festival notes that schedules can change, so it's worth checking before heading out.
Think your dachshund has what it takes? Registration information is available through
the official Addison Oktoberfest Dachshund Dash page.
There's a Pet Parade, Too
Your dog doesn't have to be a dachshund or an aspiring race champion to participate in Hund-Day.
The day's festivities also include a Pet Parade, giving other dogs a chance to join the celebration.
And if your dog's greatest athletic accomplishment is getting from the couch to the kitchen when a treat bag opens, that's perfectly acceptable.
Spectators are welcome, too.
Should You Bring Your Dog?
This is where we'd encourage dog owners to think about the individual dog rather than the event.
Some dogs absolutely love outings. They're comfortable around unfamiliar people, other dogs, music, activity and new surroundings.
For those dogs, Sunday Hund-Day could be a great adventure.
But a busy festival isn't every dog's idea of fun.
Before bringing your dog, ask yourself:
Is my dog comfortable in crowds?
How does my dog react to unfamiliar dogs?
Are loud music and sudden noises stressful?
Is my dog comfortable being away from home for several hours?
Can my dog settle down in a busy environment?
Will the weather be comfortable for my dog?
If you're already thinking, Absolutely not, that's okay.
Sometimes loving your dog means knowing when they'd rather stay home.
Remember, September in Dallas Can Still Be Hot
The calendar may say Oktoberfest, but North Texas doesn't always get the memo that fall has arrived.
Check the forecast before leaving and pay attention to the temperature throughout the day.
Bring water for your dog and offer it regularly. Look for opportunities to rest in cooler or shaded areas, and be mindful of pavement and other surfaces that may become hot.
Watch your dog as well.
Heavy panting, slowing down, repeatedly seeking shade, excessive drooling or simply looking uncomfortable are reasons to stop and reassess the outing.
Your dog doesn't know that you've planned to spend four hours at Oktoberfest.
If they've had enough, they've had enough.
Keep That Leash Secure
Addison requires dogs attending Hund-Day to remain on a leash or harness.
That's especially important in an environment filled with people, food, music and unfamiliar dogs.
Even a normally dependable dog can react unexpectedly when startled or excited.
Give other dogs some space, too. A festival isn't the place to insist that two unfamiliar dogs meet just because they're standing near one another.
It's Perfectly Fine to Leave Your Dog at Home
Here's something dog lovers occasionally need permission to hear:
You can go to a dog-friendly event without bringing your dog.
Really.
Some dogs would much rather spend Sunday afternoon snoozing on their favorite couch than navigating a crowded Oktoberfest.
If that's your dog, enjoy the Dachshund Dash without them.
A scheduled Dog Walking or Pet Sitting visit can give your dog some exercise, attention and a potty break while you're out enjoying the festival.
They get a good afternoon.
You get wiener-dog racing.
Everybody wins.
Prost, Y'all!
Addison Oktoberfest has been bringing its Texas take on Bavarian tradition to North Texas for more than 35 years, and Sunday Hund-Day has become a particularly fun tradition for local dog lovers.
Whether you're entering your dachshund in the big race, bringing your dog along to watch, or leaving your four-legged family member comfortably at home, it should be a fun weekend.
We'll be rooting for the dachshunds.
Preferably all of them.
Addison Oktoberfest 2026Addison Circle ParkSeptember 17–20, 2026Sunday Hund-Day: September 20, noon–6 p.m.
Check the official Addison Oktoberfest website for tickets, Dachshund Dash registration, schedules and the latest event information.