River West Festival Park, located on the banks of the Arkansas River with a beautiful view of Downtown Tulsa, is the home for Tulsa Oktoberfest, featuring authentic Bavarian music, food, exhibits, games, competitions and cultural entertainment in Munich-style tents.
Tulsa Oktoberfest consistently brings home prominent annual local awards and recognition for Favorite Festival. In 2023, this included TulsaPeople Readers’ Choice Best Festival, Tulsa World’s “Best in the World” Festival and the Tulsa Hall of Fame. In 2022 TulsaPeople readers named Oktoberfest best Party of the Year and Best Festival.
USA Today ranks Oktoberfest Tulsa as one of America’s Top-Five Oktoberfest Celebrations. Oktoberfest has also been chosen by Forbes TravelMag, Conde Naste and Orbitz as a Top Event in North America from thousands of events across the United States.
Approximately 60,000 people attend, and guests are mostly college graduates, 21 – 50 years of age with incomes of between $40,001 - $75,000.
Tuesday: 6-10 PM (Biermeister's Ball)
Wednesday: 3 - 11 PM (Corporate Night)
Thursday: 4-11 PM
Friday: 11 AM - 1 AM
Saturday: 11 AM - 1 AM
Sunday: 12 - 6 PM
Sunday: 11 - 1 PM (Brunch)
Official Sponsors: FC Tulsa, Lufthansa Technik, University of Tulsa
Signature Biers: Spaten, Warsteiner, Sam Adams, Paulaner
Media Sponsors: iHeart Media, Cox Media Group
Hotel Sponsors: Downtown DoubleTree Tulsa, Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills
2024 will usher in exciting new Zelts, programs and activities perfect for sponsor alignment.
HISTORY
The year was 1979 and Oktoberfest was born of humble beginnings on the East bank of the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
Tulsa’s first Oktoberfest was suggested by Vivian Steele, then public affairs administrator for the River Parks Authority. Original sponsors of the festival were KJRH, the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, The Tulsa Tribune, KBEZ Radio and the River Parks Authority. With the placement of a few small tents, Master of Ceremonies Josef Hardt (producer-director at KJRH) kicked things off with support from the German-American Club of Oklahoma City. Tulsa’s first celebration of the German Culture was well underway.
After that first festival, seed money was set aside for the second, which again was held on the east bank of the Arkansas River. During the second year of the festival, thousands more attended and set the stage for success. Oktoberfest patrons consumed 3,500 pounds of knackwurst, bratwurst and sauerkraut. With hamburgers, hotdogs and corn dogs also available, it was apparent the crowd craved German food.
Oktoberfest moved to the West Bank of the Arkansas River in 1981. The festival featured two weekends, and the Heilbronn Band from Germany performed, starting the tradition that continues today of bringing in some of the best bands from Germany. The original Chicken Dance was introduced, becoming the iconic signature dance of Oktoberfest celebrations everywhere.
Through the next several years, Oktoberfest moved locations slightly due to construction of both the Westport Apartment complex and the construction of the new River West Festival Park. Crowds grew, and new amenities were introduced. It has been said the crowd consumed over five miles of sausages in addition to mountains of kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), sauerkraut and pickles (annually).
In 2014, the Bavarian Maßkrug (pronounced “moss kroogh”), was introduced with huge success and a smaller “Klein krug,” was added in 2016, along with an expanded
array of large tents, games and authentic German entertainment. Additionally, River West Festival Park underwent a dramatic $7 million dollar renovation and opened up the vista to Downtown even more. The nowfamous Glockenspiel was added in 2015 and has become an iconic, centerpiece attraction.
Ranked as a Top Five Oktoberfest Celebration by USA Today, Oktoberfest celebrates an authentic Bavarian culture that closely aligns with Munich Oktoberfest. Nationally known German bands are flown to Tulsa from Bavaria, and European foods, arts and crafts and fun activities for the children are featured. Close to 10,000+ attend each day, including a sold-out Corporate Night celebration on Wednesday night.
Oktoberfest is produced by the River Parks Authority with the support of over 1,200 volunteers dedicated to keeping the spirit of Bavarian culture alive in the heart of Oklahoma.
WHY SPONSOR?
• Community engagement and volunteer support;
• Over $20m in local and regional economic impact;
• Prominent opportunities for engagement with your brand;
• Direct affiliation with one of Tulsa’s largest, most authentic cultural events;
• Tremendous opportunities for employee participation and customer interaction.
• Non-profit Festival proceeds benefit Tulsa's River Parks trails system.
The sponsorship program for Tulsa Oktoberfest is designed to deliver maximum impact for sponsors by providing numerous elements as mediums for sponsor branding.
SPONSOR LEVELS
The benefits delivered for sponsorship align with one of seven key Sponsor Levels depending on the dollar investment made.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
$125,000
Presenting Sponsor offers the next highest level of visibility to thousands of patrons who attend Oktoberfest annually, in addition to the more than 200,000 households reached through targeted advertising and public relations efforts, including traditional and earned media.
OFFICIAL SPONSOR:
$25,000+
As an Official Sponsor of Oktoberfest, your company’s name will be strongly associated with marketing and promotional efforts. Exclusive product association is granted at this level, with mentions in advertising as an “Official Product” of Tulsa Oktoberfest at a secondary level.
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR:
$25,000
Official Media Sponsor (in-kind) receives all of the benefits afforded sponsors at the Official Sponsor level.
SUPPORTING SPONSOR:
$15,000+
As a Supporting Sponsor of Oktoberfest, your company’s name will have a signature presence onsite and throughout marketing and promotional efforts at a tertiary level.
OKTOBERFEST SPONSOR: $7,500+
As an Oktoberfest Sponsor, this level provides affordability for smaller companies interested in supporting this Tulsa tradition to secure a spot among our many sponsorship naming initiatives, draw attention to this support and receive considerable recognition in return.
Oktoberfest Sponsorship status is awarded to any specific sponsorship with an investment at the above level.
FRIEND OF THE FEST:
$1,500+
The Friend of the Fest support level gives incredible flexibility and pricing value to a donor or sponsor willing to show their support. There are three levels of our Friends sponsorship level, each able to be provided in exchange for cash, goods or services.
EXHIBITOR: $1,500+
This specific category is for sampling space only, does not include any sponsor related benefits.
A broad range of signature sponsorships are available at many different levels. The course of action is up to you. We then connect these affluent visitors to the brands and sponsors who support our initiatives. It’s a win-win
individuals, couples and families celebrate the Bavarian culture in the heart of Oklahoma.
SPONSOR OPTIONS
Talk with us about festival elements available for specific underwriting or sponsorship.
DIE OKTOBERFEST ZELTE! (TENTS)
In response to demand through the years, new tents have opened for business. Each tent has its own personality, an amazing entertainment schedule and feature select brands of delicious German and Premium biers
OKTOBERFEST EXPERIENCES!
From Corporate Night Gemütlichkeit to Sunday Brunch, Oktoberfest brings six days of unique opportunities to connect with our audience and demonstrate your support. Work with us to create a Festival experience like no other!
DIE BÜHNEN! (STAGES)
Known for our top-name German entertainment flown in from Bavaria, Oktoberfest offers talent on many different stages that gets better year after year. Each Bühne, or stage, provides outstanding visibility.
ENTERTAINMENT (BANDS)
Over one hundred different bands perform throughout Oktoberfest, including Dorfrocker, Chardon, Alex Meixner and more. The now-famous Das Glockenspiel entertains over 2,000 people at each performance. Many local and regional performers round out our entertainment offerings., and the incredible sounds of our authentic German entertainers keeps our audience members on their feet!
DIE OKTOBERFEST SPIELE (GAMES)
The intense demeanor of the Stein Hoist competitors…the electric atmosphere of the Dachshund Dash (aka Wiener Dog Race)…the icy stare and determination as the first barrel is rolled out in the Bier Barrel Race. Welcome to Die Spiele (Games) von Oktoberfest!
COMMEMORATIVE MASSKRUGS (STEINS)
Over 40,000 produced and distributed each year!
$350K Estimated promotional support
$75K Print promotional support
1,000 Posters ditributed in Tulsa area
SPONSOR BENEFITS
BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE
NAME
Promotion Radio Promotion Print Promotion Recognition on Promotional Poster
Master of Ceremonies Recognition at Stages
Press Release
Announcing Involvement
Recognition on Information Kiosks
Logo Banner in Bier Garten (5 x 6)
Framed Signed Poster
Recognition at Opening Ceremony
VIP Terrasse Admissions
VIP Parking with Shuttle
Program Guide
Web Listing and Link
Listing on Video Screen
Gemütlichkeit Table(s)
Festival Admission Tickets
Poster Unveiling Invitations
Onsite booth space
Friend of the Fest
FESTIVAL ADVERTISING
Significant Promotional Benefits bring relevance and impact to your brand!
RADIO
• Broad cross-section of paid and promotional radio support with local stations.
• Estimated over $350,000 in publicity value.
TELEVISION/CABLE TELEVISION
• Close to $60,000 in support from local broadcast and cable stations.
PRINT
• Print presence throughout Tulsa in various print media including Tulsa World and Tulsa People
• Over $75,000 in print support
WEB SITES
• Listing on Tulsa Oktoberfest website, with links at certain levels of sponsorship.
PRESS RELEASES
• Sponsor mention in press releases relating to your involvement.
PRINTED MATERIAL
Promotional Poster
•1,000 posters distributed throughout Tulsa area.
Official Event Program
• Ads in the Official Program, a full color publication listing all activities, artists, cultural happenings, bier selections, and entertainers for Oktoberfest.
Volunteer T-shirts
• 1,200 count worn by volunteers working during the event with name or logo. Take home collectable!
ON SITE RECOGNITION
Banners (depending upon level)
• At event entrances
• At sponsored location
• On sponsor recognition kiosks
• From the rafters of der Biergarten
• On stage(s)
• At company booth
• On 9’ x 12’ digital video board in der Biergarten
Booth Space/Product Sales
• On-site booth space for your product or service.
• Product sales throughout event hours through approved concessionaire.
Master of Ceremonies Announcements
• Recognition from stage(s) MCs between acts and during introductions.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Exclusivity
• Your company will have exclusivity among competitors at certain levels of sponsorship.
VIP Terrasse
• A chance for business-to-business networking in the exclusive and popular “Terrasse,” with prime viewing location in the Biergarten, food and drinks.
Corporate Night Gemütlichkeit Table(s):
• Reserved table with up to 30 admission passes per table.
• Food and Beverage Vouchers
Naming Rights
• Name associated with element being sponsored, i.e., “Volunteer Program presented by Your Company.”
Customer and Employee Outreach
• Daily admission tickets
• Vouchers for food and beverage
• Sponsor and employee appreciation
• Poster unveiling invitations
• VIP Hospitality
24,195,666 $349,771
PUBLICITY VALUE
A 53% increase over 2019. Coverage began in mid-July and continued through the week following the festival.
POTENTIAL REACH
Total number of times people could see our story. It speaks to the frequency of our message and the impact of our audience reach.
1,708,758
UNIQUE VISITORS
The broad reach through all platforms shows the strength of message deliverables.
1,390
Dachshunds Dashed (since 2009)
1,200+
Amazing Volunteers annually
67,074
Number of Kegs Zapfted (tapped)
10,000
Meinsteins on Steins annually
288,000
MassKrugs Hoisted (since 2014)
8,000 Brats served by German-American Society annually
1,215 Chicken Dances annually
3,000+
Strudels Served annually
MeinStein MeinStein
CORPORATE TABLE SUPPORTERS 2023:
2 Fellas Moving
A & W
A1 Mechanical Services
AAON
AAON Sales
Ace Alloys
AERON GROUP LLC
AGC of Oklahoma
Air Hygiene
Airetech Corporation
Allan Edwards, Inc.
Alteryx
AMC Mortgage
American Bank and Trust Co.
AMETEK MRO
AMTRA Capital Partners
Animus Digital
Apex Valet Trash
Applied Controls
Arborstone Storage
Argonaut Private Equity
Arista Networks
Atento Capital
Audubon
Banker Heating and Air
Bell & McCoy & Crossville
Bell & McCoy Lighting and Controls
Beyond Physical Therapy
Blue Sky Bank
BOK Financial Corp. Marketing
Boleski Dorsey Energy
Bollinger - White
Bought Low Sold High
Brad, Doug, and Friends
Brookdale Senior Living
Cameron Jones - Otis Elevator Co.
Candor Building Solutions
Casino Cash Trac
CD&H, Inc.
CEC ENERGY
CENTURY 21 First Choice Realty
Champagne Metals
CHAPEL STEEL
CHUBB
Ciena and Lumen
Cintas Corporation
Cisco Pioneer Select Customer Table
Clifford Power Systems, Inc.
Coffey, Senger & Woodard, PLLC
Coffman & Seidenberger, PLLC
Community Health Connection
Cunningham Construction
Cust-O-Fab
E&I Sales Co.
EAG
East River Roustabout
Eide Bailly LLP
Embark Consulting/Emerge
Empire Petroleum Corporation
Energy Transfer
EnLink Midstream
EnviroCal Pipeline Solutions
Epcon
ESDC
Esos Locos
Exponent Energy
Extract Companies
EyeCare Associates of South Tulsa
First National Bank & Trust Okmulgee
First Oklahoma Bank
Flat Branch Home Loans
FND
Franden Farris et al.
Frank Boni
KABINE SUPPORTERS
AAON & Texas Air Systems
Arctic Wolf
CDW + VEEAM + Quantum
Cohesity + Pure Data Storage
Cyntergy
Explorer Pipeline
GH2 Architecture
Future U Financial
Gateway First Bank
Gateway Mortgage
Johnston Companies Lufthansa Technik
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Precision Heat Treating
Qumulo & Rubrik
Roxtec, Inc.
Superior Pipeline
Gibraltar/Jay & Associates
Gibson Integrity Solutions
Gorfam Marketing
Grand Bank
Green Acorn
Complete Automotive Repair and Service
Computacenter
Contender eSports/Diamond S
Crooked Roots
Crowe & Dunlevy
Green Country Emergency Physicians
Green Country Precast
Greenheck Connect
Greenheck Connect
Guardian Life Insurance Company
Hobbs Salon + Med Spa
HoganTaylor LLP
Holberton School Tulsa
HPE
Hydraquip, Inc.
HyperFlower
Industrial Piping Specialists / Tenaris
Information Technology Staffing
INTER-CHEM
J. D. Hair & Associates, Inc.
jamstat.com
Jason Michael Walter
JCJ Architecture
Jim Cassody
D&L Oil Tools
Darby Equipment Company
Deloitte
Dental Depot
Downie Productions, Inc.
Dynamic Compliance & Strategies, LLC
Key Construction
KGM
Kim Cruzen
KLJ Engineering
LD Kerns Contractors
Lee Supply
Legacy Bank and Trust
LEGACY BUILDINGS- MUSKOGEE
Levinson, Smith & Huffman, P.C.
Lichtenstein & Associates
Lisa Maxwell
Lowry
LW Survey
LynCo Properties
McAfee & Taft
Merit Advisors
Midwestern Manufacturing
Mill Creek Flooring
Miller-Tippens Construction
Mo-B, LLC/Mo-B Logistics, LLC
MP Innovations
Nalco Water
Newton Design
NOKIA
Nokia - Lumen
Noodle Arm
Nothing’s Left Brewing Company
NUTANIX
Oklahoma Secured Title
ONEOK - Commercial Apps
Opportune
Orca Operating
Oxford Lehr, PLLC
Paul Logistics, Inc & Paul Transportation, Inc
Phillips + Gomez Consulting Engineers
Phillips 66
PINNACLE & Fortinet
Polymershapes
Precision Equity
Precisions Screen MFG
Protiviti & The Williams Companies
Pure/Presidio
Quanta - HBK Engineering
R.W. Holland
RAE Corporation
Rosenstein Fist & Ringold
Ruhrpumpen
Russell Keene
Sage Natural Resources LLC
Sanguine Gas Exploration
Schneider Electric
SCM & The Trident Company
Semperis
Shannon Bowman
Shawn Peters & Maggie Fox
SHIPMONEY
Solenis
Steel Shire Design
Stellar Plant Services LLC.
Sterling - A Kuehne+Nagel Company
Strategy Execution Consulting, LLC
SUBCON
Summit ESP A Halliburton Service
SUMMIT HPS A HALLIBURTON SERVICE
Summit Spine
Sunland Construction
Synergy Management Group
Targa Resources
Teocalli Exploration, LLC
Texoma Tractor, LLC
Texon
TGI Promo
The Joint Chiropractic
The Little Gym
The Mayo Hotel
The TnT Group
The Unlaub Company
Thompson Construction
TMS DELIVERY/LANDSTAR
TokenEx
Trailbalzer
Troy Russell
Tulsa County Bar Association
Tulsa Nailing Company
Tulsa Osteopathic Medical Society
Tulsa Ports
Tulsa Regional Tourism
Tulsa Tough Diva Friends!
TWX
USI Insurance
Utica Park Clinic
Vacuworx
Value Creed LLC
Valve Sales Inc.
Ventaire LLC
Vetsource Tulsa
Victoria Hayes
Vitruvian Masonic Lodge
Von Snedden
Wallace Design Collective
Wealth Managers of Oklahoma
Webco Industries
WeldFit
WeStreet Credit Union
Whitney & Andrew Ryan
Williams
X-Hale Consulting LLC
Zert
DANKE SCHÖN TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
EssZelt
Brewer’s Hall Spaten Haus die BierStube
Samuel Adams Rathskeller
Family Free Day Sponsor (Friday until 4:00 PM)
VIP Terrasse Sponsor
Lufthansa Technik BierGarten
MassKrug Sponsor
Stella HofGarten O cial Soft Drink
Marshall Brewing Stammtisch
Das Lokal Zelt
Das Jugendzelt
Hofbräuhaus
Dachshund Dash
17West | Courtyard by Marriott Tulsa Central La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Downtown/Route 66
DANKE
If you would like to learn more about Tulsa Oktoberfest , please contact:
Tonja Carrigg, Festival Director
www.tulsaoktoberfest.org tcarrigg@riverparks.org
Mission: Produce an annual celebration of the German Culture which will benefit Tulsa and its River Parks system.
Program: Internationally renowned bands are flown to Tulsa; including Dorfrocker (Village Rocker), which regularly performs concerts in all regions of Germany, Switzerland and Austria; Eight entertainment tents featuring authentic German bier; Audience participation German-themed games; Carnival rides for all ages; JugendZelt (Kids Tent) dedicated to family activities; Arts & Crafters offering hand-made items; a 5K run, opening ceremony parade, Dachshund Dash, and live Glockenspiel performances.
