The 46th Annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show

Key Takeaways

• The 46th Annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show is Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Alexander City.
• The festival runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex, and admission is free.
• Expect local vendors, festival food, live entertainment, custom cars, and plenty of activities for kids.
• Vendors can register online through Alexander City Parks and Recreation at acpr.recdesk.com.

Oktoberfest is on its Way

Fall is one of the best seasons on the lake. The water’s still warm enough for a late cruise, and the evenings finally cool off. It’s also when some of the most beloved things to do at Lake Martin come back around. At the top of that list is the 46th Annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show in Alexander City.

This free, family-friendly festival returns on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Alexander City Parks and Recreation hosts it, and it’s been a local tradition for more than four decades. Expect shopping, food, music, gleaming custom cars, and a full lineup of kids’ activities. Mark your calendar now. Here’s what to know before you go.

Oktoberfest Event Details at a Glance

Festivities take place at the Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex. You’ll find it at 1685 Arena Road in Alexander City. Gates open at 8 a.m., and the fun runs until 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, so bring the whole crew. The Sportplex has plenty of open space for vendors, food, and the car show.

Oktoberfest is traditionally held on the second Saturday of October. That timing lands right in the sweet spot of fall at the lake. Mornings are crisp. Afternoons are mild, and the leaves are just starting to turn. Few weekends capture autumn around here quite so well.

Shop Local Vendors and Try the Festival Food

Vendors are a big part of what makes Oktoberfest special. Booths fill the grounds with handmade crafts, gifts, home décor, and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s a great chance to get a head start on holiday shopping. You’ll also be supporting small businesses and artisans from around the region.

Come hungry, too. Food vendors set up across the festival grounds with options for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between. Many visitors plan their whole morning around a stroll, a bite, and another stroll. We don’t blame them one bit.

Custom Cars Take Center Stage

The Custom Car Show is a highlight for car lovers of every age. Owners roll in with restored classics, hot rods, trucks, and custom builds. Some of these vehicles have been decades in the making. Others show off modern upgrades and bold paint jobs. Walking the rows costs nothing, and most owners are happy to talk shop. Ask about the engines, the paint, and the stories behind their builds.

Want to show off your own ride? Car show registration details, times, and fees are set by Alexander City Parks and Recreation. Reach out to Megan Blake at 256-596-1846 or [email protected] for the latest information. Registration has traditionally opened early on festival morning. Plan to arrive well ahead of the crowds.

A Full Day of Fun for Kids

Families will find plenty to love at Oktoberfest. There’s a whole lineup of activities designed just for children. Past years have featured inflatables, face painting, games, and arts and crafts. Kids burn off energy while parents browse and chat. Everyone heads home tired, happy, and probably a little sticky. That’s a win.

Live entertainment adds to the festive mood throughout the day. Grab a spot, enjoy the music, and let the kids explore. For young families considering a move to the area, events like this say a lot. They show just how close-knit and welcoming the Lake Martin community really is.

How Vendors Can Register for Oktoberfest

Interested in setting up a booth? Vendor registration is handled online through Alexander City Parks and Recreation at acpr.recdesk.com. Booth space is limited, so it’s best to apply early. Questions about fees, setup times, or requirements can go directly to Megan Blake. Call her at 256-596-1846 or email [email protected].

More Things to Do at Lake Martin That Weekend

Oktoberfest makes a perfect anchor for a fall getaway, especially if you’re coming in from Birmingham, Montgomery, or Atlanta. Spend Saturday morning at the festival, then head to the water for the afternoon. Wind Creek State Park is close by for hiking, camping, and lakeside views. Downtown Alexander City is worth a wander, too. It’s also a great weekend to try one of the many Lake Martin vacation rentals. Plenty of them come with docks, decks, and room for the whole family.

Some visitors fall hard for the area. By Sunday, they’re browsing Lake Martin homes for sale. We understand the feeling completely. Fall is a wonderful season to tour lake homes and picture life on the water. Seeing the community come together at events like Oktoberfest only adds to the appeal.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

A little planning goes a long way on festival day. Keep it simple. Arrive early for the best parking and the shortest lines. Wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll likely spend hours on your feet. Bring some cash for vendors who may not take cards. Sunscreen and a light jacket are both smart picks for a fall morning outdoors. Strollers and wagons help with little ones, and they’re handy for carrying home your vendor finds.

Ready to experience more of the lake lifestyle? The Vibe Realty Team knows the best things to do at Lake Martin in every season. We’d love to help you find a vacation rental, tour waterfront homes, or learn more about the area. Call us at 833-562-8423. You can also stop by Lake Martin Vibe Realty at 8221 Highway 50 S, Dadeville, AL 36853. We’ll see you around the lake!

Frequently Asked Questions