Oktoberfest this weekend: What to know before you go The free festival in the city’s historic downtown runs Friday through Sunday! McKinney is welcoming fall this weekend at the city’s 17th annual Oktoberfest festival. The event will feature Hofbrau and local beers, activities for children, live music, German food and contests — from wiener dog races to a brat-eating contest. Oktoberfest runs rain or shine from Friday through Sunday over 14 blocks in the historic downtown square. The festival runs from 2 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and food, beer and activities can be purchased from vendors. From 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, beers will be discounted during the event’s happy hour special. The event’s opening ceremony, parade and keg tapping will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday.