Oktoberfest returns to Musselburgh with races, bands and military challenges
Musselburgh Racecourse will host its third annual Oktoberfest Raceday on Saturday 12 September, blending a seven‑race Flat card with Munich‑inspired entertainment across the East Lothian venue.
The meeting is headlined by the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup and features support from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, which will have a visible presence on the day. Racegoers are being invited to adopt traditional Bavarian dress and sample German street food while enjoying live oompah music and physical challenges in the dedicated Oktoberfest Marquee.
What to expect on the day
Organisers say the family of attractions will include live performances from the Jäger Maestros, stein‑holding and keg‑rolling contests, and sing‑alongs intended to recreate a Munich atmosphere at the Musselburgh course. Food vans will offer bratwurst, pretzels and German beer around the site.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland will maintain a military stand and present a series of physical tests for visitors. The racecourse’s marketing team highlighted a reciprocal link between soldiers and jockeys: Grand National‑winning jockey Ryan Mania recently undertook an assault course at Glencorse Barracks and, in turn, a serving soldier will attempt jockey‑style challenges during the meeting.
“Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German‑inspired event with competitive horse racing,” said Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse. “We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”
Logistics and ticketing
Gates will open at 2pm and the first provisional race is scheduled at 4:07pm. An After Racing Party is planned to follow the final race, due to conclude around 7:20pm. Advance tickets are available, with a stated discount of £5 for early purchase; children aged 17 and under will be admitted free.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 12 September |
| Gates open | 2pm |
| First race (provisional) | 4:07pm |
| After Racing Party | Following final race (approx. 7:20pm) |
| Ticket details | Advance tickets with £5 reduction; under‑18s free |
Transport and local access
To make access straightforward, Musselburgh Racecourse will run a complimentary shuttle bus service between the course and Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations throughout the afternoon and evening. The service aims to assist attendees travelling by public transport and lessen local traffic pressure on race day.
Organisers have promoted the event as offering something for a broad audience: competitive horseracing for regular racegoers and a festival atmosphere to attract families and visitors from further afield. The mixture of military participation, live bands and German cuisine is intended to broaden the appeal beyond the typical race day crowd.
- Seven Flat races on the card, headline event the SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup (£20,000).
- Oktoberfest Marquee with live oompah band and physical competitions.
- Transport support via free shuttle buses to nearby rail stations.
The third running of the Oktoberfest Raceday follows two previous editions that combined themed entertainment with the racecourse’s regular sporting fixtures. This year’s event again seeks to fuse local military connections and community engagement with the core Flat racing programme.
