Every year, people flock to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest. During this fun German festival there is a lot of beer, tasty food, and traditional music. If you live in the US and can’t make it to Munich this fall, don’t worry! There are plenty of Oktoberfests right here. Don’t feel like dealing with crowds but still want to celebrate? Or the places below are still just a bit too far away? Check out my Date Night In post filled with Oktoberfest fun you can have at home.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest (now in Wenatchee)
In a new location this year but still bringing the Bavarian fun! This new location will have more space for local vendors, artists, & crafters who come to showcase their Bavarian themed wares. Highlights include the mouth watering brats, imported beer from Germany, oompah and polka music and there’s even a dedicated drop-in ‘Kinderplatz’ to keep your little ones entertained.
Location: Wenatchee, WA September 30-October 1, October 7-8, & October 14-15
Denver Oktoberfest
One of the largest fests held in the US, this multi day event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the streets of downtown Denver. You get to enjoy live music acts, vendors serving delicious German food and drink, and activities like keg bowling and stein hoisting.
Location: Denver, CO September 16-18 & September 23-25
Tulsa Oktoberfest
A celebration of Bavarian culture in the heart of Oklahoma! This Oktoberfest is chock full of German bands, Bavarian delights, arts and crafts, and family-friendly competitions. Enjoy bratwurst, over 200 taps of German and local beer, Bavarian cheesecake and strudel, wienerschnitzel, brats….SO much food! Markets selling all kinds of German items such as stained glass, steins, beads and other novelties make for great mementos and gifts.
Location: Tulsa, OK October 20-23
Zinzinnati Oktoberfest
Among the largest Oktoberfests in the country, Zinzinnati Oktoberfest attracts around half-a-million visitors every year.(yowzahs!) The festival full of specialty beers imported from Germany, local brews and quite a few limited release beers form Samuel Adams, who is a sponsor (Boston based beer company sponsoring a German festival in Ohio? Makes sense). There are also games like a beer barrel roll and a stein race. Plenty of delicious food will be served such as potato salad, strudel, pretzels and sausages.
Location: Cincinnati, OH September 16-18
Helen Oktoberfest
Beer, brats, bands and Lederhosen…this is the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States, so they know what they are doing. Indulge in some of the best German traditions from the ceremonial tapping of the keg in The Festhalle to the plates of brats, pretzels, and sauerkraut all in one breathtaking mountain location. Not to mention the cute alpine buildings that truly make you feel like you are in Europe.
Location Helen, GA September 8-11, 15-18, 23-25, & 29-October 1
Trapp Family Lodge Oktoberfest
This unique mountain resort is located on 2,500 acres and also happens to host one of America’s most scenic Oktoberfests. Andrew and I have stayed here during the autumn season and i’s gorgeous! The event invites visitors to stroll around the resort’s dedicated Bier hall and grounds with a stunning mountain backdrop. You’ll find oompah bands, authentic Bavarian foods, von Trapp Brewing lagers, lawn games, and fun for the whole family. Tickets must be bought ahead and admission includes 1 appetizer, 1 entrée and, one lager or root beer in commemorative mug.
Location: Stowe, VT September 17
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
This Oktoberfest boasts the distinction of being the first to receive the blessing of the original Oktoberfest in Munich. (well, well, well) The event was also the first to export beer from Munich’s Hofbrauhaus brewery for the occasion (obviously this fest is a favorite). Expect nothing but authentic entertainment at this Oktoberfest with traditional dancing, games and souvenirs. The menu boasts dishes like currywurst, brats, Landjaeger, apple and raisin salad, sweet and sour cabbage and of course, cheese nachos…haha, I wonder what Munich thinks of that?
Location: Frankenmuth, MI September 15-18
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
Fredericksburg has been dubbed as the ‘Polka Capital of Texas’ because of its rich German heritage. The Oktoberfest here is held over three days, serving up plenty of oompah music, beer, arts, crafts, and food. Favorites like Apple Strudel, Potato Pancakes, and Sausage on a stick can be found at the many food vendors.
Location: Fredericksburg, TX September 30-October 2
Mount Angel Oktoberfest
This Oktoberfest celebrates its Bavarian/Swiss heritage beginning with a traditional ‘webertanz’. There are cute food booths disguised as alpine chalets and five biergartens full of German beers, wines and local craft brews. Entertainment is nonstop and includes Weiner dog races, car shows, oompah music, Oktoberfest Olympics and the Glockenspiel that displays the town history every hour
Location: Angel, OR September 15-18
I will update this list as needed! I hope you’re able to enjoy a fun festival near you this season. Prost!
