Volkswagens, dachshunds and polka made a return to the Pilot Point Square on Saturday.
The annual Pilot Point Oktoberfest, organized by the Pilot Point Neighborhood Events, enticed area residents to brave the heat for Brave Combo and German-themed fun.
'Welcome, everyone, to Oktoberfest 2026,' PPNE President Monica David said. 'Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of German and Bavarian traditions, mouthwatering food, lively music, and, of course, plenty of delicious beer.'
David then welcomed Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major to the stage for an invocation.
'We thank you for the rich heritage and traditions that bring us together and for the opportunity to share in joy and laughter with our families, neighbors and visitors,' he said. '... May this festival be a time of renewal and connection.'
With dachshund Ivan in his arms, Denton County Judge Andy Eads shared his personal connection to the German roots within the area.
'On my way up here from Flower Mound today, I was thinking about my great, great grandfather ... who came all the way from Germany to Galveston, Texas, and settled in Denton County well over 100 years ago,' he said. '... As we have good fun today, ... I want us to think about and celebrate our German heritage that's alive and well. Germans are such a part of the fabric of Texas, are such a part of the fabric of Denton County.'
Eads, Major, City Manager Britt Lusk and County Commissioner Ryan Williams kicked off the festivities officially with a keg tapping, complete with steins.
Eads and his dog also took part in the fun throughout the day, with Ivan running in the wiener dog race.
Janet McGee took home the cash prize for the pretzel contest.
Volunteers from the Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550 served the official brews for the event at the corner of Washington and Liberty streets.
At Washington and Main sat the Hess Meat Market food truck, dishing up German sausage, potato salad and sauerkraut.
Emcee Justine Scott helped share details about each of the vendors, encouraging the festivalgoers to check out their wares.
Several additional vendors lined Main Street and Washington, with a collection of Volkswagens, including several classics such as VW Buses and VW Beetles, for people to peer into.
Aaron Johnson, who brought his orange and white 1970 VW Westfalia Campmobile, enjoyed having the chance to show off his beloved vehicle alongside his best friend and their fellow Das Klub members.
'We travel about 15,000 miles a year in it—go out to West Texas, go up to Oklahoma, Arkansas,' he said. 'The home is on your back.'
He said he loves seeing people check out the vehicles.
'All of us that own them, they've brought us so much joy, and there's nothing that makes us happier than other people looking at them and smiling,' Johnson said.
Elizabeth Bielicki and Marco Hernandez, who recently moved to Little Elm from Kentucky, brought their family out to enjoy the festival.
'It's a really cool experience,' she said. 'We're happy to be here.'
Hernandez said they're excited that Pilot Point is 'a historic town.'
'There's just a lot of history here that we can explore,' he said.
The free kids activities— a mini train, bounce houses and carnival swings, and next to the Kidz Zone was the dunk tank, where well-known members of the community took a dip in the drink for Lovepacs, the nonprofit supported by this year's event.
'It fills my heart with love to see people come out and enjoy,' David said. 'It's all worth all the work we put into it.'
