For its third year, Macon Octoberfest is expanding to three days, running Friday-Sunday in Tattnall Square Park.

Friday’s fun begins at 4 p.m. and includes music from country singer Craig Campbell on the main stage and the Atlanta German Polka Band in the bier garden. As an official Mercer University Homecoming event, Octoberfest also will be the site of a pep rally, and festivities are free for Mercer students, faculty and alumni, who should register in advance through the alumni association, said Lisa Harris, who co-founded Macon Octoberfest with her husband, Shannon Harris.

Last year’s popular wiener dog race and furry friends costume contest will return to Saturday’s lineup, and children’s activities such as face painting, corn hole and inflatables also have been added. Musical entertainment includes Empire Strikes Brass and Reptar.

Sunday’s music will mostly be acoustic, and a Brewer’s Brunch will be held in the VIP area, allowing guests to visit one on one with the craft brewers, all of whom are from Georgia.

Grow restaurant will be selling Bavarian cuisine, and American fare will be available as well, Harris said. All of the weekend’s proceeds are donated to three local charities: L.H. Harris Ecology Center, All About Animals Rescue and the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.

For a complete schedule, visit www.maconoctoberfest.com.

— Laura Shirley

Macon Octoberfest

When: 4-10 p.m. Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 24-25

Where: Tattnall Square Park, downtown Macon

Cost: Oct. 23 and 25 tickets: $10 in advance; $50 VIP; Oct. 24 tickets: $15 in advance, $55 VIP; entrance for all three days: $30

Information: www.maconoctoberfest.com