The Second Annual Wiener Dog Derby

Overview

Forget steins, pretzels and lederhosen — Oktoberfest has spun-off several other brilliant trends over the years and not all entirely on the same wave as the age-old German folk festival. Teckelrennen, or dachshund racing, is one of them and you can understand the logic by following this simple formula: dachshund = sausage dog, sausages = German, Germany = Oktoberfest.

First held in Australia in the 1970s, the racing of tiny dogs became particularly popular across North America in the 1990s — they even made a dogumentary. For the second year running, The Flying Moa will hold a wiener race as part of its Oktoberfest festivities on Saturday 23 September.

There will be two high stakes races: the headlining wiener sprint, and another for pooches that don't quite tick the 'dachshund' box. An awards presentation will take place directly afterwards with several prizes up for grabs. Registrations are still open but your pups will have to be quick to beat reigning champions Ian and Hendricks.

For those not on the sausage dog buzz, the bar will offer Oktoberfest hoopla including live music, a Bavarian-style menu and beer.