10 Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest in America
This year in Germany, Oktoberfest runs from September 16 to October 3. Here in America, the schedule for celebration is different in every city and state. Whether you’re looking forward to feasting on loads of bratwurst, weisswurst or knackwurst or dancing with the Bavarian Oompah band, the best thing to do during Oktoberfest celebration is to have fun, drink your favorite beer or try new ones.
Looking for places to celebrate in America? Look no further. We have 10 of the largest and fanciest Oktoberfest celebrations in America:
1. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati
America’s largest Oktoberfest is now in its 41st year.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati kicks off on Friday, September 15th and ends on Sunday, September 17th. Over the weekend, attendees can experience The Running of the Wieners (a Dachshunds’ race, so bring your Dachshund), Chicken dance and live German-style music in five different beer gardens.
In the previous year, vendors sold over 16,000 strudels, 3,600 lbs. sauerkraut, 80,500 bratwursts, 56,250 sausages, 1,875 lbs. of German potato salad and 23,004 soft pretzels. Will it be more next year?
2. Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg
In
Fredericksburg, it’s a three-day celebration on October 6, 7 and 8 in downtown
Fredericksburg, TX on Marktplatz. According to the organizer, it’s going to be the place for the best Oompah. Besides traditional German food, the special menu includes German Taco and a fusion of crawfish and pork sausages.
If you haven’t tried the great beers of the Great State of Texas, you must get to Fredericksburg and enjoy seventy types of craft beers, domestic and imported beers.
3. Helen 47th Annual Oktoberfest, Helen
This year marks the
47th Annual Oktoberfest in
Helen GA. It is going to be the biggest celebration ever with German music, dancing, food, and drinks. Join in the Polkas, waltzes and Chicken Dance.
Helen’s Oktoberfest runs from September 7 to 10, September 14 to 17 and September 28 through October 29 – the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in America.
4. 57th Annual Oktoberfest La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse was the first town in America to celebrate Oktoberfest in 1961. This year is the 57th annual Oktoberfest celebration. Join the yearly parade with floats, Festmaster Ball, Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Pageant and Lederhosen Luncheon.
This
four-day event from September 28 to October 1 will have over 50 breweries, German foods and live music in two locations – Southside Grounds and Northside Grounds.
5. Newport Oktoberfest
If you like to experience authentic German entertainment, you ought to go and celebrate in
Newport KY. Some say
Newport offers the most authentic Oktoberfest in America. There will be a large Fest Tent sponsored by German Beer Breweries and continuous live German entertainment. The continuous live music makes this a perfect place for anyone who loves entertainment, eating and drinking - all at the same time.
This year the event is from September 22 to 24.
A newcomer, the
Milwaukee Oktoberfest is celebrating its 8th year with two weekends – September 29 to October 1 and October 6 to 8. The event is free to the public (no admission fee), and there are plenty of activities and live polka music throughout the event.
Ever been on a bar crawl? You may want to follow the Das Boot Bar Crawl on October 7 at noon. Participants can buy the tickets in advance ($15 early bird ticket). You’ll get a t-shirt, 32-oz Das Boot, lanyard with bar passport, drink and food specials at every bar. Pick up the t-shirt on Friday, October 6th from 5 to 7 pm at Pere Marquette Park.
7. Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest
Rain or shine, it’s happening from September 27 to October 1 in
Reading, PA. The
Liederkranz Oktoberfest was rated the #1 Oktoberfest in America by USA Today.
The Reading Liederkranz is a club started in 1885 by a group of friends, and they are the host of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania.
8. Oktoberfest by the Bay, San Francisco
If you like non-stop music, singing, and dancing while enjoying beer and German food, you will enjoy the Oktoberfest in
San Francisco. Oktoberfest by the Bay is hosting the world-renowned 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band this year.
The grand opening is at 5 pm on September 22 and ends on September 24 at 6 pm. This
three-day event is at Pier 48.
9. Mt Angel Oktoberfest, OR
Mount Ange has an early start this year. The 52nd Oktoberfest is from September 14 to 17, and they are bringing in three new bands:
- Oberkreiner Juhej from Slovenia providing Biergarten style music
- Dopplebockers, a local Oregon band playing traditional polka
- Chardon Polka Band from Ohio entertaining polka meets punk music
10. Galena Oktoberfest
For a small town Oktoberfest celebration, go to Galena, IL. The 11th annual
Galena Oktoberfest features non-stop live music, wiener dog races, polka lessons and dance, bean bag tournament, beer stein endurance contest and lots of beer and food.
The event is on September 30 from noon to 10 pm at Depot Park,
Galena.
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Article by Claudia Looi
Munchen beer photo from
Pixabay
