Oktoberfest Tampa is held the second weekend in October at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park along the Hillsborough River. You’ll find traditional fare like Jägerschnitzel with mushroom gravy and homemade German Spätzle, which pair well with apple strudel and steins of Hefeweizen, Märzen, Dunkel, and Pilsner. There’s plenty of fun to be had with a stein-hoisting competition, a beard and mustache competition, barrel rolling, bratwurst tossing, and even a Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest event.

Pre-judging Qualification – Saturday, October 11th @ 6:00 PM

Official Mustache Competition – Saturday, October 11th @ 8:00 PM

The categories for the Oktoberfest 2025 Mustache Competition are:

Natural Mustache – Mustache may be styled but without aids. The hairs are allowed to start growing from up to a maximum of 1.5 cm beyond the end of the upper lip.
No aids are allowed.

Freestyle Mustache – Mustache may be styled with aids and character.  The hairs are allowed to start growing from up to a maximum of 1.5 cm beyond the end of the upper lip.
Aids are allowed.

Natural Goatee – Facial hair grown only on chin, upper and lower lip.  Beard and moustache may be styled but without aids.  Aids are not allowed. Moustache not required.

Freestyle Goatee – Whether it’s a Fu Manchu, Musketeer, or your own styled creation this category is for you.  Facial hair grown only on chin, upper and lower lip.  Beard and moustache may be styled with aids.  Aids are allowed.

Natural Full Beard –  As grown, moustache integrated.  No aids allowed.  Length is important, but isn’t everything. Mass, density, shape, color, and overall impression all count. This category is sure to draw heated competition.

Freestyle Full Beard – This category is for the gentlemen with the full facial fur who like to add some style.  Touch up the mustache and create a look to impress the judges.  Aids are allowed.

Winners will be awarded in each of the six categories.  Prizes to be announced.

To view full competition rules, please visit our rules & regulations page here.