Tulsa's 45th Oktoberfest will kick off Thursday afternoon; the festival features a new name this year, but you can expect all the same activities you've grown to love.

The Zeeco Oktoberfest celebrates German culture with games, food, and more than 100 types of beer.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Children 12 and under get in for free.

When it comes to security, Tulsa Police will be monitoring the event and everyone who attends will have their bags checked and get a pat-down before entering.

Festival Director Tonja Carrigg says she can't wait for people to see what Tulsa has to offer this year.

"I'm excited about bringing people to River Park to Tulsa, Oklahoma to experience one of the largest and the longest-running Oktoberfest festivals in the nation, which this year received recognition through USA Today Readers' Choice as the number one Oktoberfest in the United States," Carrigg said.

There is no parking at the festival, so the organizers recommend using a ride-sharing service or taking the free shuttle from one of several downtown parking lots.

Information for shuttles can be found at TulsaOktoberfest.org/parking-and-schnelle-fahrt.

The festival starts Thursday at River West Festival Park and runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Zeeco Family Free Day is Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are not needed. However, tickets will be required for entry from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Weekend hours: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TulsaOktoberfest.org.