Today is an important day on the march toward Fall. Oktoberfest in Munich starts on Saturday, September 21st this year. By my count, there’s only 100 days until the ceremonial keg tapping that kicks off the party. Fall officially starts with the autumnal equinox the next day, September 22nd. Of course, if you believe that Fall starts with Labor Day weekend, the count until Fall is already in the single digits.
If you make the trip to Munich this year, you’ll be paying slightly more for your beer in the Weisn tents. Prices for a Mass of beer are up 3-5% this year, but still holding under 10 euros. Our quick conversion indicates that’s about $13.12 for a liter of Oktoberfest beer.
In the United States, you don’t have to wait until September to get the party started. Last year, we received reports around the Fourth of July that Oktoberfest beers were spotted at beer stores. There are reports that they are going to hit the shelf at your local beer distributor even earlier this year. Paulaner just issued a press release that its Oktoberfest Weisn will be in stores by the end of June. For those that want the party to go along with their beer, Paulaner’s traveling beer garden is also going strong already. You’ll soon be able to find Oktoberfest in July celebrations as well. Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby, Ohio will start the festivities with a three day Oktoberfest on July 19th – 21st. The Isanti County Fair, held July 24th – 30th in Cambridge, Minnesota, is a celebration of German heritage and considers itself an Oktoberfest in July as well. And the Poconos’ Wurst Festival will celebrate the best of Germany on July 20th and 21st. It may not be called Oktoberfest, but we think you’ll enjoy it all the same.
While I’m talking about Oktoberfest here, I thought I would also draw your attention to the map of Oktoberfest locations in the United States that I released in May.
You can check out the live version on our US Oktoberfest page with individual maps on each state page. We’ll be updating the map and our list of dates of Oktoberfests in the US regularly, as we receive important announcements about 2013 festivals. The La Crosse Oktoberfest, for example, has announced that its 2014 Oktoberfest will be four days long instead of nine. It is keeping the nine day schedule for this year, however.
If you would like to contribute to our Oktoberfest section, we’d love to have your help making it even better. If you have been to one of the Oktoberfests, feel free to leave more information about it in the comments on the appropriate state page. If you notice that we’ve got something wrong or they have posted dates to their celebration, that’s helpful too! Thank you in advance for your help.
Preparations here at Funtober for Fall are proceeding nicely in other areas as well. We’ve come a long way since last November. Over Memorial Day weekend, I tracked down and updated a number of fall festivals for 2013. Our list of haunted houses is looking better than ever. It isn’t quite ready for September, but it is looking great for the middle of June. We have now turned our focus to Halloween costumes for the next few weeks. This week, I took some time to make the costume pages load faster. As we work on costumes over the next few months, we’ll be writing better product descriptions, adding additional costume photos, designing a better layout and offering more costumes for sale.
I continue to learn about running a business as well. It isn’t easy. It’s a constant struggle between building sections of Funtober which have long term value and getting caught up in the day to day operation of a website. I spent some time this week jumping through hoops to get a new SSL certificate. It should be a relatively simple process and it didn’t go smoothly. Apparently, if you aren’t listed in Dun & Bradstreet and the Yellow Pages, you aren’t a business. I practically fell out of my chair. So we have a shiny new temporary SSL certificate up while they verify that Funtober exists.
Our short term goal is only 80 days away: Labor Day weekend starts August 31st. We’re counting down the days and are very excited about another year of helping people have more fun in Fall!
Mount Angel Oktoberfest – Mount Angel, Oregon – September 11-14, 2014
This Oregon Oktoberfest has a traditional biergarten, weingarten and alpinegarten as well as over 50 Alpine food chalets. Live music on four stages with over 30 musical groups performing. Large arts & crafts show as well as the Cruz-n Car Show. Kindergarten with free rides and shows. Glockenspiel plays 4 times a day and there’s dancing in the streets on Friday and Saturday night. There’s also a golf tournament, volleyball tournament, 10K run and 5K run/walk. Location: 5 Garfield St, Mount Angel, OR
Sandy Oktoberfest – Sandy, OR – September 5-7, 2014
Biergarten, fine arts show, car show and live music at this three day Oktoberfest. A kindergarten for kids. There’s cooking, canning, farming and arts contests as well. Location: 18090 SE Langensand Road, Sandy, Oregon
Oktoberfest at Oaks Park – Portland, Oregon – September 19-21, 2014
This Portland Oktoberfest has authentic food, live oompah music, Paulaner beer, wiener dog races, Kinderplatz for children, Oktoberfest fun run and the chicken dance. Event gets underway on Friday at 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.
Location: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, Oregon 97202
Pacific Northwest Brew Cup – Astoria, OR – September 26-28, 2014
An Oktoberfest-style beer festival the last full weekend in September. Admission is free but you’ll need to buy a souvenir mug and tokens to try the beer. Local beer, live music, food and kids activities. More than 15 breweries from the Pacific Northwest. Location: 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon 97103
Newburg Oktoberfest - Newburg, OR – September 19-20, 2014
The Newberg Early Birds Rotary Club hosts this Oktoberfest with local beer, brats, dancing, Lederhosen contest and live music. There’s also Bike to the Brews, polka lessons, bocce ball competition and kids activities. $8 for entry and first beer. Event kicks off with a parade on Friday at 5:30 pm.
Location: Memorial Park, Newburg, OR
Browse our extensive 2014 directory of Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States. Festivals and dates are sorted by each state for your convenience. This is the best list of Oktoberfest dates and locations in the United States. Check your state below for a list of the largest festivals. Also check our Top 10 Oktoberfest Celebrations in the USA.
Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio, hosts the largest Oktoberfest in the United States with over 500,000 visitors a year. Six blocks of Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati are closed for the weekend. Highlights include the Running of the Wieners and the World’s Largest Chicken Dance.
Denver – Latimer Street in Denver’s Historic Ballpark Neighborhood is transformed for two weekends in September for this celebration of German culture. Over 250,000 people attend Oktoberfest Denver annually.
Leavenworth, Washington – Leavenworth, located two hours east of Seattle, celebrates Oktoberfest for three weekends in October. Started in 1998, it is now attended by more than 10,000 people annually. The Leavenworth Marathon is held on one of the Oktoberfest weekends.
Addison, Texas – Addison, located just north of Dallas, hosts Oktoberfest from September 19-22, 2013. The Addison Conference Centre is transformed into an authentic Munich beer hall with a Texas twist. It is considered one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States.
Alpine Village, Torrance, Los Angeles, California – Southern California has been celebrating Oktoberfest at Alpine Village for 44 years. USA Today named it one of the best Oktoberfests in the world. It is held on seven weekends in September and Oktober in a 32,000 square foot tent. Located in Torrance, it is the most popular Oktoberfest celebration in Los Angeles.
Tulsa – Tulsa has celebrated Oktoberfest along the Arkansas River for 34 years. This four day festival at the end of Oktober has received recognition from multiple national media sources.
Oktoberfest Chicago – This affair, held outside the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in the West Lakeview neighborhood, will celebrate its thirteenth year in 2013. It is normally held during a weekend at the end of September.
Germany’s Best & Oktoberfest – Chicago – In 2011, the folks behind Christkindlmarket Chicago brought an Oktoberfest celebration to Navy Pier for the two weeks of Oktoberfest.
Tempe – This outdoor festival at Tempe Town Lake is held the first weekend in October each year. Started in 1973, money raised benefits Tempe Sister City, which sends students and educators on exchange programs.
Fremont Oktoberfest – Enjoy Oktoberfest in Seattle, Washington. The festivities will be held in 2013 on September 20-22. USA Today and Orbitz called it one of the best Oktoberfests in the country.
La Mesa – This San Diego area Oktoberfest celebration hosts over 200,000 people a year.
La Crosse, WI – The first Oktoberfest in La Crosse was held in 1961. Over fifty years later, it is still going strong.
Helen, GA - Helen, located in Northeast Georgia, recreates the look of an Alpine Village. Oktoberfest has been celebrated there for more than forty years. The celebration extends from the end of September until the end of October.
Huntington Beach, California – Enjoy Oktoberfest at Old World Village in September and October. Old World is a European themed shopping center that goes all out during Oktoberfest.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest – The largest Oktoberfest in the Rocky Mountains will close Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado, to host its 19th annual event on September 13-15, 2013.
Bear Mountain, NY – The celebration runs on weekends from mid-September until the end of October. Bear Mountain is located near the Hudson River between Newburgh and New York City.
Columbus Oktoberfest – Columbus Oktoberfest celebrates its 48th year in 2013. The last five years, it has been hosted under the historic pavilions of the Ohio Expo Center. It will be held September 27-29, 2013.
Frankenmuth – Michigan’s Little Bavaria hosts the first oktoberfest to be sanctioned by Germany outside of Munich. Located thirty minutes north of Flint, the celebration will be held at Heritage Park in Frankenmuth.
Los Angeles – This Oktoberfest fundraiser for charity was held on five days in October. Before you purchase tickets, though, we recommend that you check out the reviews on yelp.
Fredericksburg, Texas – Fredericksburg, located 90 minutes east of Austin, will celebrate its 33rd annual Oktoberfest.
San Francisco – Oktoberfest by the Bay! In 2011, it was held at Pier 48 from September 30th to October 2nd. It used to be held at the Fort Mason Center.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – This San Diego area Oktoberfest held at Ocean Beach Pier offers two days of fun in early October.
Hickory NC – A three day outdoor festival held the second weekend in October.
Cape Coral, Florida – The last two weekends of October mark the 27th annual Oktoberfest put on by the German American Social Club of Cape Coral Florida.
El Cajon – The German American Societies of San Diego put on the Oktoberfest in El Cajon during the first two weekends in October.
Tucson – A four day festival in Arizona that celebrates its twelfth year in 2013.
St Louis – A three day festival in the Soulard neighborhood just south of downtown St. Louis.
Richmond VA – The 45th annual Richmond Oktoberfest will be held October 25-26, 2013 at the Dominion Building at Richmond International Raceway. It hosts nearly 5,000 people over the two day celebration, the largest in Virginia.
New Ulm, Minnesota – The 31st annual celebration of Oktoberfest in New Ulm will happen on the first two weekends in October at the Holiday Inn New Ulm.
Snowbird, Utah – Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Utah will host over 80,000 visitors during its 17 day Oktoberfest. This German beer festival will happen for the 39th time in 2013.
Frederick, MD – The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and the Rotary Club of Fredericktowne put on this annual celebration of German heritage that benefits local charities.
Savannah – Oktoberfest on the River will celebrate its 30th annual event in 2013 on River Street in Savannah.
Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Art Institute hosts this Oktoberfest celebration that has been going on in Dayton for over 40 years.
Carlsbad - The Carlsbad Rotary will sponsor its 30th Annual Oktoberfest celebration in California in 2012.
Germantown, MD – 2013 marks the 31st annual celebration for this Oktoberfest. 10,000 people join in the festivities for this event which benefits local charities.
Mount Angel, Oregon – Settled by German pioneers in the 1800s, Mount Angel has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1966.
Lake Worth Oktoberfest – The American German Club of the Palm Beaches has been hosting this Oktoberfest since 1974. Nearly 30,000 celebrated Oktoberfest here over two weekends in 2011.
Hotoberfest Atlanta – We’re not sure whether this is truly a celebration of German culture or just a good excuse to drink beer. Good enough for us!
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest – Celebrating Oktoberfest in the San Bernadino Mountains of Southern California for 41 years.
Vail, Colorado – Who needs snow to have fun in Vail? Enjoy two weekends of Oktoberfest in September in this ski paradise.
The best Oktoberfest in Massachusetts 2014 list of events. You would expect that a city with two of America’s most popular Octoberfest beer breweries would put on a pretty good party to celebrate the beers German origins. And you would be right. Enjoy the sixteen Massachusetts Oktoberfest festivals that Boston and the rest of the state offer.
2014 Events
Harpoon Oktoberfest – Boston, MA – October 3-4, 2014
Oktoberfest has been going strong in fall at Harpoon in Boston for more than two decades. 2014 is Harpoon’s 24th annual Boston Oktoberfest of beer, music, and Fall in New England. The event includes Harpoon beer, German food, Oompah bands, chicken dancing, keg bowling game, and German chocolate cake-eating contest. Location: 306 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210
Samuel Adams Octoberfest & Boston Calling Music Festival - City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA – September 5-7, 2014
Taste the Samuel Adams Octoberfest with the merger this year at the annual Boston Calling Music Festival. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Sam Adams Boston Beer Company will join with Boston Calling to put on a huge downtown Boston event. Wear you lederhosen and dirndl costume at their release party or participate in the National Stein Hoisting Competition. They have all the games, beer tents, dancing and fun that you would expect from an Oktoberfest plus the national entertainment one finds at this huge music festival event. Boston Calling will feature Lorde, The National, and Nas x The Roots plus 20 other bands at this years event. Be sure to get your tickets early as some of the music will sell out. Location: City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA
Hopedale Oktoberfest – Milford, MA – October 4, 2014
Beer and wine garden with multiple bands. German, Italian and American foods as well as a Chowdah-Fest. Arts & Crafts, car show and more! Location: 12 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, Massachusetts 01747
Douglas Octoberfest – Douglas, MA – October 4, 2014
Douglas’ most popular local event is its Octoberfest street fair. There’s lots of entertainment, rides and games. Proceeds from many food booths, games, and childrens’ activities go to support local community groups. Location: Main St, Douglas, Massachusetts
Cambridge 5k Oktoberfest – Cambridge, MA – Sunday, October 5, 2014
A German themed road race followed by an Oktoberfest sponsored by Cambridge Brewing. Location:1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA
BSV Oktoberfest – Walpole, MA – September 6-7, 2014
Several thousand attend this two day Oktoberfest with German food, beer, games and even a full-contact medieval fighting exhibition. Location: 8 County St, Walpole, MA 02081
Plymouth Masonic Lodge – October 4, 2014
Outdoor oktoberfest on Saturday from 1 to 6 PM to benefit the family of Chet Flattery. It will have German food, live entertainment, refreshments and activities. Advance tickets are $20.
Marion Oktoberfest – Marion – September 13, 2014
Organized by Marion’s Pythagorean Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. German food including bratwurst, kanckwurst, sauerkraut and pastries served from noon to 8 PM. German music by Alpenblumen Musikanten from 11:30-3:30 pm. German dancers from 2 to 6 PM. The Bavarian Brothers play from 6 to 10 PM. Cost is $10. Kids under 12 are free.
Location: 465 Mill Street, Marion MA 02738
Oktoberfest in Harvard Square - Cambridge, MA – October 12, 2014
The 36th annual Oktoberfest attended by 200,000 includes legendary HONK parade, Sam Adams Beer Garden, 50+ international food vendors, multiple stages of live entertainment and sidewalk vendors along with family friendly activities.
Location: Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Chatham Oktoberfest - Chatham, MA – October 25, 2014
Held at Kate Gould Park is this Oktoberfest with great beers, bratwurst, cupcake contests, kid’s games, and Pumpkin People in the Park. Event takes place October 25th between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The huge pumpkin people will remain on display through Halloween.
Location: Kate Gould Park, Main Street, Chatham, MA
Newburyport Oktoberfest – Newburyport, MA – September 27, 2014
A fun, family friendly event at Bartlett Mall with traditional German food, music and craft beers in a beer tent. There will also be activities and rides for kids of all ages! Live music by the Oberlaendler Hofbrau Band
Location: Bartlett Mall, Newburyport, MA
Nashoba Valley Oktoberfest - Westford, MA – September 5-7, 2014
Littleton and Westford celebrate Oktoberfest at the Nashoba Valley Ski Resort. This inaugural event features an authentic “Munich-style” Oktoberfest complete with Bavarian beers, food, German music, games, contests, and lots of fun. It starts Friday at 4:00 pm, Saturday at 12:00 pm, and Sunday at 12:00 pm. Highlight the day by visiting both the domestic and international beer gardens. Littleton resident get in free on Friday. Tickets are $5. Foods include bratwurst, baked pretzels, baklava, and pancakes. Oompah bands, polka bands, folk dancers and more include the Mad Bavarian Brass Band, Double Eagle Otoberfest Band, Jolly Kopperschmidt, Its “Daddio’s”, and the Bavarian Hofbrau Band.
Location: 79 Powers Road, Westford, MA 01886.
Oktoberfest Marshfield – Marshfield, MA – October 24-26 and 31-November 2, 2014
Event features New England’s largest and most thrilling midway. This is an authentic styled Oktoberfest featuring great beers and both domestic and international beer gardens. Lots of good German styled foods, games, tastings, fiesta shows, and demonstrations. Even contest of skill such as the Beer Mug obstacle course.
Location: 140 Main St., Marshfield, MA 02050.
NB Oktoberfest – New Bedford, MA – October 4, 2014
It’s a local fundraiser sponsored by the South Coast Business Alliance held at Custom House Square. It features local, seasonal craft brews and live music at the 9th annual event. In 2013, they also had bull riding. It runs from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. More than 20 breweries and 4 live bands will be there.
Location: State Pier Ferry Terminal of New Bedford
South Shore Oktoberfest – Quincy, MA – October 3, 2014
An annual event that has been going on for six years. It is a benefit for South Shore charities with Oktoberfest beer, German food and (after 9 PM) bar games with live DJ and karaoke. Advance tickets are $20. Must be 21+.
Location: Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry St., Quincy, MA.
Cape Cod Beer – October 4, 2014
German food, Cape Cod Beer and Oktoberfest Challenges at this family friendly event. Competitions include the CornHole Toss, Growler holding, hop counting and others. Free admission.
Location: 1336 Phinneys Lane Hyannis
Clinton Turners Oktoberfest – Clinton, MA – September 20, 2014
German food and beer under the big top at Turner Hall Pavilion. German music provided by “The Mad Bavarian Brass Band”. Activities include the horseshoe tournament, face painting, games, races and moonwalk. Free admission. Hours are from noon to 5 PM.
Location: 60 Branch St., Clinton, MA.
Mashpee Oktoberfest – Mashpee, MA – October 11, 2014
27th annual Oktoberfest held at Mashpee Commons and hosted by the city’s recreation department.
Past Events
Oktoberfest Der Beehive
Boston, MA – No date yet
There has been an annual Boston Oktoberfest at The Beehive, a Bohemian eatery and bar in Boston’s South End, the past few years. We don’t see it on their September 2013 schedule of events.
Location: 541 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Oktoberfest at Jacob Wirth – Boston, MA
You’ll find various breweries with Oktoberfest beers take over the taps during September and October at Jacob Wirth, a classic European restaurant that offers a menu of German specialties throughout the year. They haven’t posted a calendar of events for 2013 yet.
Location: 31 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116
Cape Cod Oktoberfest – Sandwich, MA – October 13, 2013 – SEE NOTE
The website for the host of this event is down, so we’re unsure whether it is still happening. The Aqua Grille on the Cape Cod Canal normally hosts this celebration with German food, live band and yodeling contest.
Location: 14 Gallo Road, Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563
Tri-Town Octoberfest – Mansfield, MA – October 8, 2013
The 8th annual evening food tasting with delicacies from local restaurants and live music to benefit Foxboro, Mansfield & Norton Food Pantries.
Location: 280 School Street, Mansfield, MA
Salem Oktoberfest – Salem, Mass – September 14, 2013
Live music, costume contest, beer and bratwurst hosted by Pamplemousse & Social Palates to benefit the Salem YMCA.
Location: Old Town Hall
We have just added these maps with the locations of each Oktoberfest. We may not have had the exact location for each Oktoberfest so in some instances we have placed the marker in the general vicinity of the Oktoberfest. Be sure to get specific directions from another source and do not solely rely on our map at the moment. We have also noticed that the markers may not show up on some mobile browsers. We will work to sort out this bug in the future.
Please confirm dates, locations and activities available at the Oktoberfest before going. That’s one reason that we provide a website address when we find one. We attempt to ensure that the information for each Oktoberfest is accurate but there are bound to be a few errors. If you let us know when you find one, we will fix it. In some cases, we may link to the 2012 event when information for 2013 is not available. Do not be fooled.
The festivals listed range in size. Some events may have hundreds of thousands of attendees. Others may have only a handful. We’re sorry that we don’t have more information about attendance numbers at the moment. We will do our best to add this information as time goes on.
Professionalism varies as well. Some Oktoberfests are professional operations with large budgets. Others are local operations run by volunteers. Do your due diligence before making plans to attend so that you know what to expect. We will happily publish information about your experience with any Oktoberfest so that our visitors will be better informed in the future.
Some Oktoberfests are more family friendly than others. If you have small children, look for an Oktoberfest that has activities for kids. Other events start out with family friendly activities and become more adult oriented as it becomes later in the evening.
Not all Oktoberfest celebrations will be authentic German festival experiences. Some may simply be an excuse to drink rather than celebrate German heritage. Some may call themselves Oktoberfest but provide local or seasonal beer rather than authentic German Oktoberfest beer. Be sure to consider the type of celebration that you are looking to attend when you pick your Oktoberfest.
Activities offered at each Oktoberfest varies. Some activities that you may find are parades, keg tapping ceremony, beer gardens, Miss Oktoberfest or costume contests, stein holding contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dance, wiener races, keg toss, live German bands and local entertainment, polka dancing and fairground games. Some Oktoberfest events will just have beer and brats.
Please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone to get home safe. Use a designated driver or take public transportation.
Do you run one of the Oktoberfests listed? Feel free to send us additional information and we will add it. We apologize for any errors: send us corrections when you find them!
Celebrate at a local 2014 Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania. Come on Pennsylvania residents, with 3.5 million German descendants, I would expect massive parties on the scale of Ohio, Wisconsin, California or Texas. Am I missing them or just underestimating the party here? Here are the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania Oktoberfest parties that I found:
2014 Events
Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein – August 30 & Sept 1, 2014
The popular Labor Day Oktoberfest in Philadelphia that kicks off the German celebrations here.
Lancaster Liderkranz – September 12-14, 2014
Open to the public. General admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6-15.
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Oktoberfest – Wilkes-Barre, PA – September 12-14, 2014
Over 30,000 are expected to attend the PA Oktoberfest with authentic German-American food, beer, live music, strong arm contest and wiener dog race. They will also hold a home brew competition for the first time this year on Sunday. Advance tickets are $5 for a one day pass and $10 for the weekend pass. Location: 1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
Boyertown Oktoberfest – Boyertown, PA – September 19-20, 2014
Highlights include German music, dancers, beer, food, crafts and artwork on Friday from 5 to 9 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. This seventh annual event will raise money for Building a Better Boyertown.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest – Canonsburg, PA – September 19-21, 2014
This 16th annual Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest in Downtown Canonsburg will have German food, beer, live music, Name the Brew contest and Carnival with games and amusement rides.
Marienville Oktoberfest – Marienville, PA – September 25-28, 2014
This annual fall festival has live music, crafts and food vendors. Home decorating and costume contests on Friday. Parade, bike race and pumpkin raising contest on Saturday. Pet parade on Sunday. Location: Town Square Rt 66 Marienville, PA 16239
Cassville Oktoberfest – Cassville, PA – September 26-28, 2014
Oktoberfest and 5K Run/Walk in Cassville. Friday events include horse & carriage rides and basket bingo. Saturday events include talent show, sky diving, teen dance and musical entertainment by Chris Woodward Band, Sharp Tones and Cannon Express D.J.. On Sunday, there will be the custom & classic car and motorcycle show as well as the performance by The Fabulous Flashbacks. Location: Cherry Street, Cassville, Pennsylvania 16623
Xfinity Live Xtoberfest – Philadelphia, PA – September 27, 2014
3rd Annual event with beer garden tent and music from multiple DJs in seven different event areas. Sample 150+ beers from participating breweries in your custom beer stein and enjoy Oktoberfest-style foods. Purchase the X-treme VIP to get in one hour early and taste special vip-only German beers all day long. Contests will include the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. X-Toberfest, eating contests (hot dogs, pretzels, etc), stein holding contest. They are going to have a selection of pumpkin beers as well as exclusive beer launches from Victory Brewing Company. Dance on the tables in Victory Beer Hall, ride the mechanical bull or take part in the complimentary body painting. Silent auction of sports memorabilia with proceeds going to charity. They sold out in advance last year, so don’t rely on being able to purchase tickets at the door. Early Bird tickets are $15 for designated driver, $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP. Tickets include Free Parking in Lots S & T. For those not familiar with the venue, XFINITY Live! is the sports entertainment venue located next to the Wells Fargo Center and across the street from Citizens Bank Park. Location: 1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148
Heidelberg Oktoberfest – September 27, 2014
Festival runs on Saturday from 1 PM to 8 PM. Live music, raffles, craft vendors, German & American food and Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier. Fireworks at 8 PM. For kids, there will be games, clowns, balloon artists, magic act, bounce house, slide, petting zoo, pumpkin painting and hay rides. Location: Heidelberg Park
Stoudts Oktoberfest – Adamstown, PA – September 27-28, 2014 and the First Four Sundays in October
Opening weekend at the Stoudts Brewery Restaurant & Pub will have live music, food, German dancers, children’s aplen horn blowing contest and the Parade of the Pig. Location: 2800 N Reading Rd Adamstown, PA 19501
Mifflinburg Oktoberfest – Mifflinburg, PA – October 3-4, 2014
This annual Oktoberfest will be held at the VFW Fair Grounds just west of Mifflinburg on Route 45. German and American seasonal beer, German food, German bands and dancers, polka band, hayride. After the 11 AM Volksmarch, the ceremonial keg tapping will happen at 1 PM on Friday. There’s a keg toss contest on Saturday at 1 PM. Beer selection includes Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker Pshorr, Beck’s and Sam Adams. German style wines form Shade Mountain Winery. Free parking and admission. Location: 10770 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg, PA 17844
Ambler Oktoberfest – Ambler, PA – October 4, 2014
The 23rd annual Oktoberfest north of Philadelphia in Montgomery County will have a beer garden, food vendors, arts and crafts, live music and kids rides.
Carbon County Oktoberfest – Lehighton, PA – October 4-5, 2014
Music (DJ during the day and live music both evenings), authentic food, and beer provided by local Red Castle Brewery. Rides and games of children of all ages. Location: Franklin TWP Fire Dept (near Beltzville State Park) in Lehighton.
Carlisle Barracks Oktoberfest - October 9-12, 2014
Carnival, food and arts & crafts fair. Carnival tickets are $1 or 40 tickets for $35. There is also an unlimited rides band that lets you go till you drop. An assortment of festival food is available for purchase including the HCBBQ Pulled Pork Sundae, a layered treat of mac ‘n cheese, smoky sweet bbq sauce pulled pork and cole slaw. Appalachian Brewing Company also provides a menu of food and craft sodas. Beer selection includes the War College Wheat, War College Ale, Appalachian Brewing’s Kiponia Fest and the Appalachian Brewing Hinterland Hefe Weizen. Admission is free and open to the public. The event is organized by Army, Morale, Welfare & Recreation, which has been hosting the festival at Carlisle Barracks since 2008. Location: 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Collier Township Oktoberfest – Oakdale, PA – September 27, 2014
Fun for the whole family on Saturday from 2:00 – 10:00pm. They will live entertainment featuring National Recording Artists – The Swonn Brothers. FROGGY Radio will be broadcasting live on-site. And of course there will be German food, beer, and crafts.
Location: Collier Park – 5 Lobaugh St., Oakdale, PA 15071
Sewickley Oktoberfest – Sewickley, PA – October 3-4, 2014
The 3rd annual Sewickley Oktoberfest with German food, Spaten beer and live music. Sewickley is just west of Pittsburgh. Cost is $10. Held under a tent in the Division Street parking lot.
Location: 510 Beaver Street Sewickley, PA 15143
Oktoberfest Bethlehem – Bethlehem, PA – October 3-5 and 10-12, 2014
This Bethlehem Oktoberfest on the first two weekends in October is a traditional German Oktoberfest with Pennsylvania influence. There will be a giant festhalle tent with German food, beer and bands playing polka, rock and party music. More than 2,000 participate in the 5K. Dancers, dachshund races, bar skills challenge, decorative beer barrel competition, Miss Oktoberfest contest, rides and games too! Admission is free this year!
Location: SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Pennies from Heaven Oktoberfest – Wexford – September 20, 2014
Nearly 300 are expected from 6 to 10 PM for open beer vodka & wine bars, food, silent & live auctions and the hEARd Matthews Band. Tickets are $105. All proceeds go to families in need.
Location: Elias Fry Barn, 465 Knob Road, Wexford PA 15090
Strasburg Rail Road – Strasburg, PA – October 4, 11, 18
First three Saturday evenings in October, board the train for local craft beers and German food, including a menu of bratwurst, pork, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, German chocolate cake or apple dumplings.
Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh Oktoberfest – Pittsburgh, PA – September 19-20 & 26-27, 2014
Two weekends of German fun at the Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh at the Southside Works. Imported Munich Oktoberfest bier, entertainment and prizes.
Location: 2705 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Green Tree Oktoberfest – Pittsburgh, PA – September 13-14, 2014
This annual Pittsburgh Oktoberfest will have a chili cookoff, car cruise and dog parade in addition to the opening ceremony, live music and Sunday night fireworks.
Location: Green Tree Park, Green Tree, PA
Bloktoberfest – Philadelphia, PA – October 11, 2014
Four blocks of South Street from Broad to 18th Street in Philly will be closed to traffic for this non profit event with live music, craft beer and food. I have been to this event. Now celebrating its 6th year it runs from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Admission to enter is free. This is a big city festivals with well over 100,000 attendees.
Location: South Street and Broad, Philadelphia, PA
Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest – Philadelphia, PA – September 20, 2014
This German bierhall and restaurant will throw celebrates Oktoberfest all week. On Saturday it sponsors the 6th annual Philadelphia Oktoberfest Block Party on Saturday, September 20th from noon to 8 PM. A 200 foot long tent will be erected on the 700 block of South Street. Live oompah music, ceremonial keg tapping and liter lift competition will accompany the German beer and sausage.
Location: 718 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Sisters of the Holy Redeemer Oktoberfest – Huntingdon Valley, Pa – September 27-28, 2014
Their 8th Annual Oktoberfest held 12 noon – 8 p.m. on Saturday and 12 noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday with no admission charge. Fun for the whole family includes German music, beer, food, activities & games, raffles, craft tables, hayrides & pony rides. Bands featured are Cheers German Ompah Band, G.T.V. Almrausch Dancers, Emil Schanta Band, and Philadelphia German Brass Band.
Location: Provincialate, 521 Moredon Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa
Oktoberfest at Elmwood Park Zoo – Norristown, PA – September 14, 2014
The Elmwood Park Zoo will close to regular admission on Sunday and throw its annual beer tasting festival. $40 general admission ticket gets you souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer tasting and live animal encounters. Designated driver tickets are available for $15 per person. Food Trucks and breweries include Brooklyn Brewery, Clown Shoes, Flying Fish, Lancaster Brewing, Naked Brewing, Round Guys Brewery, and Straub Beer.
Location: 1661 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA 19401
Oktoberfest at Frankford Hall – Philadelphia, PA – September 20, 2014
This Northern Liberties Beer Garden will shut down Frankford Avenue with a block party of beer tents, live music and family friendly carnival for its Philadelphia Oktoberfest. Note: I haven’t seen the date posted online as of 9/6 but I can’t imagine it isn’t happening.
Location: 1210 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19125
Lansdale Oktoberfest – Lansdale, PA – October 4, 2014
Children’s apple bobbing, potato sack races, the pie eating contest, and the Masskrrugstemmen (for adults) in addition to live music and German dancers. The 2014 date is posted on the local government community calendar.
Location: Whites Road Park, Lansdale, PA
Oktoberfest at Grumblethorpe – Philadelphia, PA – October 4th, 2014
The Revolutionary Germantown Festival celebrates October 4, 1777 when the Continental attempted to kick the British out of Germantown. The day includes battle re-enactment, beer garden and traditional Oktoberfest at Grumblethorpe from 4:30-7:30 PM after the festival concludes.
Location: 5267 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA
Penn Brewery Oktoberfest – Pittsburgh, PA – September 19-21 & 26-28, 2014
This Pittsburgh Oktoberfest will happen the last two weekends in September at the Penn Brewery. German food, alpine entertainment and seven Penn Brewery beers on tap.
Location: 800 Vinial Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Past Events
GTV Almrausch Oktoberfest - Philadelphia, PA – November 2, 2013
Authentic German dance club music and dancing beginning at 7 pm. The bar and wonderful food open at 6 pm. Have a beer and have a bratwurst while having some fun. Another chance for lederhosen, laughter, and libations. Everyone wears smiles. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Tables of ten are available. Free parking.
Location: Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., Philadelphia, PA
German Society of Pennsylvania Oktoberfest – Philadelphia, PA – September 21, 2013
The German Society of Pennsylvania welcomes the public to join them for German music, food and the GTV Almrausch Schuhplattler Group. Advance tickets are $25 for non-members. Children 12 and under are $10.
Location: 611 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA 19123
Enjoy a day at one of the celebrations of Oktoberfest 2014 in California. The state has the largest population claiming German heritage with over 5 million people. That’s more than 2 million more than Pennsylvania or Ohio, which rank numbers two and three on the list. So it should come as no surprise that there are a large number of places where you can celebrate Oktoberfest in California. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego, you are not far from a fabulous California Oktoberfest. Here’s the list:
2014
Monterey Bay Oktoberfest – Carmel, CA – September 13-14, 2014
Noon – 6 PM. Tickets are $20 on Saturday or $15 on Sunday and $30 for the combined weekend ticket. Children under 12 are free. Day of admission tickets $5-10 more.
Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd Monterey, CA 93940
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest – Big Bear, CA – Weekends from September 13th through October 26th, 2014. There will be three expanded bier gartens, live music, vendor booths and kids games. American Heroes Weekend is Sept 13-14, local’s night is October 3rd and the costume contest for adults and kids is October 25th. Other contests include the beer stein-carrying contest, stein holding, beer drinking contest and log sawing competition. Expanded bier gartens with the Warsteiner Garten, New Spaten Bier Garten and Shock Top Sports Garten. Weekends 2, 3 and 4 are expected to have a band from Germany. Tickets are available on their website. Food and beer are purchased with Burgermeister Bucks. Complimentary Shuttle will give you a ride home anywhere in the Big Bear Valley.
Location: Convention Center at Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake CA, 92315
Tyrolean Inn Oktoberfest – Ben Lomond, CA – September 19-21, 2014
German food, beer and live music by Alpenband.
Location: 9600 Highway 9, Ben Lomond CA
Oktoberfest by the Bay! – San Francisco, CA – September 19-21, 2014
Named one of the ten best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the USA in 2010 by AOL. This San Francisco Oktoberfest has live music headlined by the 21 piece Chico Bavarian Band. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP per session. VIP includes German buffet, commemorative mug, first beer, private bathrooms and guaranteed seating in private area.
Location: Pier 48, San Francisco, CA.
Jackson Oktoberfest – Sutter Creek, CA – September 20, 2014
Authentic German food, beer, Bavarian dancers and Oktoberfest music. Contests include keg rolling, yodeling, mug holding, bratwurst throwing and a Bavarian costume contest. They also have Weiner Dog Races thanks to the Amador County Daschunds. Hosted at the Italian Picnic Grounds. Presale tickets available prior to September 15th for $25 (adults) and $12 (Youth 6-20). Soda and entertainment for kids, adults get collector beer mug or wine glass with one drink. VIP package available with dinner and reserved seating. Food options includes bratwurst, pork chop, sauerkraut, apple strudel and soft pretzels.
Location: 581 California 49, Sutter Creek, CA
Encinitas Oktoberfest – Encinitas, CA – September 21, 2014
19th annual German festival hosted by Encinitas Chamber of Commerce from 10 AM to 5 PM on Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real. Street craft fair with 200 vendors, German-American band The Bluebirds and Gemutlichkeit Apine Dancers. Ceremonial parade kicks it off at noon. Craft Corner is 21+ only and will highlight craft breweries. There will also be a family fun zone for kids. Free parking is available at Flora Vista Elementary School with free shuttle service.
Vacaville Oktoberfest – Vacaville, CA – September 27, 2014
8th annual Oktoberfest with German food and live music from 11 AM to 7 PM. Runs from 11 AM to 7 PM. Food options include brats, sauerkraut, pretzels, potato salad and more. Free admission.
Location: Town Square Plaza, Vacaville, CA 95688
Oktoberfest Brews & Brats – Tehachapi, CA – September 27 and October 4, 2014
11th annual Oktoberfest hosted by Kohnen’s Country Bakery. German food, music, polka dancing, European beer and wine.
Location: 125 W Tehachapi Blvd Tehachapi, CA 93561
La Mesa Oktoberfest – La Mesa, CA – October 3-5, 2014
It now attracts 200,000 to the 3 day festival. German food, beer, entertainment and children’s activities. Hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association.
Location: 7830 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Ramona Oktoberfest – Ramona, CA – October 4, 2014
Join the 10th annual Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. A family event featuring a brat eating contest, most authentic costume contest, pumpkin patch, and kid’s zone. Enjoy the beer garden, stein holding contest, Lots of vendors and I almost forgot to mention the classic car show. Located at the Ramona Senior Center 434 Aqua Lane
Ramona, CA 92065.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest – Chico, CA – October 3-4, 2014
Fifth annual Oktoberfest with live music, cold beer and hot glass blowing demonstrations. Musical lineup of three bands. Oktoberfest feast for dinner included with ticket price. Over two nights they generally have attendance around 6,000. Don’t forget to practice up on your chicken dance before attending.
Location: 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, California
Oktoberfest Lakeport – Lakeport, CA – October 4, 2014
Fifth annual German festival from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Craft beer, German and American music, authentic German food and vendors. Dachsund derby, costume contests for adults, kids and dogs, beer pong and a beer stein contest. live music from two bands. it is held the same day as the Knocti Challenge, a 20, 40, 65 or 100 mile bicycle ride starting and ending at the Lakeport Yacht Club.
Location: 875 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, CA 95453
Montrose Oktoberfest – Montrose, CA – October 4, 2014
30,000 are expected at the 35th annual Oktoberfest by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. It is the largest outdoor event of the City of Glendale and the Foothills. Contests include stein holding, sausage eating, Master & Little Miss OKtoberfest, best dressed dog and a coloring contest. Games, rides and bingo as well. German bands and dancing, too.
Location: 2300 and 2400 Blocks of Honolulu Avenue, Montrose CA
Oktoberfest VI by Educate! – San Diego, CA – October 4, 2014
6th annual Oktoberfest from 2 to 6 PM to raise money for five U.C. public schools. Bratwurst, beer garden, live music from three bands, home brew contest and kids games.
Location: Standley Park and Rec Center
Clayton Oktoberfest – Clayton, CA – October 4-5, 2014
Two days of fun with parade, keg tapping, live music, biergarten, German food, California wines, arts and crafts show and carnival. The band will be The Internationals.
Location: Main St, Clayton, CA 94517
Twain Harte Oktoberfest – Twain Harte, CA – October 4-5, 2014
Beer, music concert, car show and vendors on Saturday. More beer, another concert and vendors on Sunday! Cost for beer garden is $20 for ages 21+ and includes mug for the noon to 3 PM tasting event. Bounce house for kids. Other than the beer garden, event is free and open to all.
Sacramento Turn Verein Oktoberfest – Sacramento, CA – October 10-11, 2014
Eat, drink and dance like a German. Outdoor biergarten. Kid friendly activities.
Location: 3349 J Street, Sacramento CA 95816
Sactoberfest – October 10-12, 2014
Second annual event on the West Sacramento Riverfront. They have extended it to three days this year and will bring in a giant, Munich-style beer hall tent. Craft beer, local food, carnival rides, stein-holding and other German festivities.
St. Elizabeth’s Annual Oktoberfest – Julian, CA – October 10-11, 2014
Bratwurst, beer, dancers and German music. Takes place surrounded by postcard splendor in the historic mountain village of Julian. Only one hour from San Diego.
Location: Rabobank Parking Lot
Cotati Oktoberfest – Cotati, CA – October 11, 2014
8th annual event. Authentic German meal of bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut for $15 with Oktoberfest microbrews from Lagunitas Brewing Company available. Lots of contests including wiener dog races, tankard hold and beer stein race. Admission is free. Polka the night away on the dance floor.
Location: La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA
Nipomo’s Best Oktoberfest – Nipomo, CA – October 11-12, 2014
31st annual Oktoberfest with Miss Nipomo Pageant, Battle of the Bands, live entertainment, bbq tasting and competition, beer and wine garden and kids activities. Event is outdoors and open to the general public. 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturday hours with live music from Steppin Out, Mean Gene Band and The Spaces Between. 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday with the second annual Battle of the Bands and a BBQ competition with tasting. Kids area on Saturday and Sunday has pony rides, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo and mechanical rides. There’s also arts and crafts booths and the Dave Dana Memorial car show.
Location: Nipomo Community Park, Tefft and Pomeroy St., Nipomo, CA 93444
St Leo the Great Church Oktoberfest – San Jose, CA – October 4, 2014 (4-9 PM)
Live entertainment, multiple food options including authentic German Faire, German Beer Garden and Blacktop Inflatable playground, raffle, silent auction and more.
Location: 88 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126
Vegan Oktoberfest – Santa Monica, CA – October 4, 2014
LA’s newest, most festive and authentic Oktoberfest celebration. Our beer hall by the beach will feature traditional Bavarian food, live Oompah bands, beer maidens, and of course, refreshing and delicious beer poured to perfection by dozens of great breweries. Come enjoy a taste of Germany while you make new friends and indulge to your heart’s desire. Since all the food and beer is vegan, you can experience a traditional Oktoberfest celebration with a clear conscience. Did we mention there’s a view of the Pacific Ocean while you drink? Prost!
Madona Inn Oktoberfest – San Luis Obispo – October 11, 2014
Madonna Inn Expo Center hosts a German meal and Firestone Walker brews in two sessions of German fun. Get two 16 oz beers, meal plus dessert, commemorative stein and live entertainment by Trio Internationale and What Just Happened. General admission is $60 per person. VIP tables are available. Session one is from 1 to 4 pm and session two is from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Oktoberfest at Nature Friends – Sierra Madre – October 4, 2014
A German themed potluck (bring your favorite dish!), dance demonstrations and other fun. $5 suggested donation.
Location: Nature Friends LA, 423 Yucca Tr., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Balboa Bay Resort – Newport Beach – October 2014
Month long celebreation with lunch and dinner specials at their oceanfront restaurants. The menu includes Wienerschnitzel, Sauerbraten, bratwurst, apple strudel and a variety of German beers.
Location: 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach CA 92663
Old Town Newhall – Newhall – October 11, 2014
An outdoor street festival with German music, authentic beer, Bavarian food and chicken dancing. Costume contests for adults, kids, dachshunds and a Wiener Wanna-Be Contest. Music by the German Zeitgeist Band. Adult admission is $10 online or $15 at the door. Free beer flight (choice of 3) with paid ticket. Under 21 free with paid adult admission and adult supervision.
Location: Main St and Lyons Ave
Old World Village Oktoberfest – Huntington Beach, California – September 14 - October 26, 2014
Enjoy Oktoberfest at Old World Village in September and October. Old World is a European themed shopping center that goes all out during Oktoberfest. They have parades, beautiful girls, dachshund races, a Herbmeister, and Kidsfest. It is self described as the best Oktoberfest in Orange County. 4 German Beer Samplers for $5 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Parade on September 28th. Kinderfest for kids every Sunday. There are dachshund races as well.
Location: 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Alpine Village Oktoberfest – Los Angeles, CA – September 12 – October 26, 2014
Southern California has been celebrating Oktoberfest at Alpine Village for 47 years. USA Today named it one of the best Oktoberfests in the world. It is held on seven weekends in September and October in a 32,000 square foot tent. Located in Torrance, it is the most popular Los Angeles Oktoberfest. Tables are on a first come first served basis – there are no reservations. In 2014, it will be open Fridays and Saturdays from September 12th to October 26th and Sundays from September 22nd. It’s 21+ on Friday and Saturday but all ages are welcome on Sunday. Tickets are between $5 and $20 depending on day. Kids 12 and under as well as those dressed in dirndls or lederhosen get in free on Sundays.
Location: 833 West Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502
Dana Point Oktoberfest – Dana Point, CA – October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014
Over 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor Oktoberfest space at Lantern Bay parks has music, bands, games, and lots of fun. Sponsored by the huge German beer company Spaten it promises more German and craft brews on tap than any other Southern California Oktoberfest event. Also expects Becks, Stella Artois, Shock Top, and Kona. Admission is free and the fun starts at 12:00 pm.
Location: Lantern Bay Park, 33501 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA
Oktoberfest in Campbell – Campbell, California – October 18-19, 2014
German foods, a variety of beers and ales, over 100 artisans and live entertainment.
Location: On Campbell street from Third Street to Railway Avenue in downtown Campbell, California.
Oktoberfest in El Cajon – El Cajon, CA – September 26-28 & October 3-5, 2014
Hosted by The German American Societies of San Diego, the Oktoberfest runs the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. Authentic German food, beers, folk dancing, kids zone, craft booths and live music by the Guggenbach-Baum band from Germany.
Location: 1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – San Diego, CA – October 10-11, 2014
This San Diego Oktoberfest held at Ocean Beach Pier offers two days of fun in early October. There’s a brat trot, sausage toss, stein holding contest and bratwurst eating competition.
Location: 5091 Niagara Ave, San Diego, CA
LA Oktoberfest – Los Angeles, California – October 4-5, 2014
German food, beer and live music at this Los Angeles Oktoberfest. Tickets are $35 for regular admission and $100 for VIP admission. They feature Bavarian Dancers, a Silent Auction, a Stein Holding Contest, and a Magician show. They have an extensive list of some 35 beers and lagers to choose from.
Location: 6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Oktoberfest at Fairplex – Pomona, CA – October 9-12, 16-19 & 23-26, 2014
The home of the L.A. County Fair brings you their Los Angeles Oktoberfest starting October 9th with beer, German food, Bavarian music, Games and the chicken dance. Admission for adults is $5. It’s 21+ only on Thursday-Saturday. Kids are allowed on Sunday.
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest – Lake Arrowhead, CA – Saturday and Sunday, September 27 – October 26, 2014
Celebrate Oktoberfest on weekends in their genuine Alpine village with authentic food and free entertainment.
Location: Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 Hwy 189, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
Beaumont Oktoberfest – Beaumont, CA – September 26-28, 2014
25th annual Oktoberfest with live entertainment, authentic food, contests, arts & crafts vendors, weiner dog races, horse show and kids zone.
Location: Noble Creek Community Park, 650 W. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont
Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest – Carlsbad, CA – October 4, 2014
Family event with German dinner, beer, dancing, live music, pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating contest for kids. Dinner tickets are $10 (advance) or $12 (gate). Net proceeds are donated to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and the Carlsbad Police and Fire Explorer Post.
Location: Holiday Park, Carlsbad, California
Oktoberfest at the Phoenix Club – Friday-Sunday starting September 19 – October 26, 2014
The Phoenix Club will host seven weekends of Oktoberfest fun starting Friday, September 19th and concluding Sunday, October 26th. They will have the Musikmeister DJ and live German Oom Pah music from Fred Mlakar and the Oberkrainer Band, The Express band, and Die Guggenbach-Buam. Imported German beer on tap, beer drinking and sausage eating contests, costume contest, polka lessons and kids activities including a bounce house. Admission for adults is $5. 18 and under are free.
Location: 1340 S. Sanderson Avenue, Anaheim, California 92806
Jack Rose Libations Oktoberfest - Los Gatos, CA – September 27, 2014
The Jack Rose Libations House is having an Oktoberfest on September 27th from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. German music, beer, wine, food and fun! There will be a massive beer garden, traditional German games, 2 live German bands. On Fridays until the Oktoberfest, they are doing a food truck festival.
Location: Jack Rose 18840 Saratoga, Los Gatos Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Yucca Valley Oktoberfest – Yucca Valley – October 25, 2014
This annual event will have music by the Kalifornia Krauts, games and contests for all ages. Food and beer of course. Runs from 3:00 to 9:00 PM Presale tickets available online as the event approaches or contact Wanda at the chamber office (760)365-6323.
Location: Brehm Sports Park at the corner of Palm Dr and Little League Dr.
Stocktoberfest – Stockton, CA – October 4, 2014
Beers and brats on the waterfront from 2-9 PM (1 PM for VIPs). 21+ only. Craft beers, home brews, sausage, chicken dance-off, keg lifting and beer stein holding competitions. Live classic rock and accordion music. General admission ticket prices are $15 on their website. Save $2 off beer when dressed in costume! Food vendor Delroy Grill is back with their featured hit grilled oysters. They have 10 featured beers including Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest.
Located: Outdoor Amphitheatre, 445 West Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA.
Los Osos Oktoberfest - Los Osos, CA – October 26, 2014
36th annual Oktoberfest and 9th Annual Car Show by the Bay. Starts with a 4-Mile run and pancake breakfast. There’s a beer garden, arts & crafts, children’s activities, music and live entertainment. Music includes Natural Incense, Soul Sauce, Stereo Steve, and Tony Harmon. Admission is free to this event.
Location: Baywood Park, 2nd Street, Los Osos, CA, United States, 93402
Placerville Oktoberfest – Placerville, CA – September 20, 2014
4th annual Oktoberfest features German music including polkas and the chicken dance.. Keg is tapped at 3 PM. Weiner dog races and other Oktoberfest contests. Food choices include sausages, sauerkraut, strudel, and of course lots of beer choices.
Location: Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667.
Newark OktoberFest – Sept 27, 2014
Their 2nd annual event is on the way to becoming one of the area’s favorite annual events. It will be held at Swiss Park in Newark from noon – 6:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27th. Be “German for a Day!” Live music, dancing, games, vendors, excellent German beers, and authentic fare including bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and more; and because “chocolate” goes so wonderfully with “beer,” plan on encountering some unique chocolate delights! Put on those dirndls and lederhosen and get into the swing…and practice your chicken dance and polka before you come. Are you a yodeler? This is your chance for fame! Buy tickets locally or online with a huge pre-sale discount.
Location: Swiss Park, 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA 94560
Hotel del Coronado – San Diego, CA - September 26-28, 2014
This fabulous resort located on the beach in Southern California hosts their annual Oktoberfest up on the sun deck just steps from the ocean. The three day event features great foods, bratwurst, sauerkraut, Paulaner and Karl Strauss beers. Enjoy the sun or enter the huge beer tent. Come as you are for this fun beach party. A different twist on Oktoberfest.
Location: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California.
Schroeder’s Oktoberfest – San Francisco, CA – Friday Nights, September 19 – October 5, 2014
Food and polka dancing at this San Francisco German restaurant. Bands include the Joe Smiell Jr. Band, the Blowmusk, and the Schwabenland German Band on select night at their Front Street Biergarten.
Location: 240 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Mammoth Village Oktoberfest – Mammoth Village, CA – October 11, 2014
An annual event with plenty of music, dancing, kids activities, beer tastings, and authentic German cuisine.
Central Valley Craft Brewers Oktoberfest – Fresno, CA – October 5, 2014
Celebrate with more than 80 craft beers, music, Tower food, craft vendors, and wine tasting. Tickets are $30 which includes the meal and 4 oz. samples.
Stallion Springs Oktoberfest -Tehachapi, CA – October 4, 2014
Fun for the whole family with food, beer and kids activities from noon until 6 PM. Location: Stallion Springs Community Center, 27800 Stallion Springs Dr, Tehachapi.
San Pedro Square Market Oktoberfest - San Jose, CA – October 11, 2014
Outdoor beer gardens with German beer and food, German Inspired Cocktails, San Jose’s largest chicken dance, Oktoberfest games, wiener dog races, and Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest contest. Kids are free!
Location: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
Past Events
Oaktoberfest - Oakland, California – NOT HAPPENING IN 2013!!
The leaders recommend you attend the 805 Beach Festival on September 21st at Avila Beach Golf Resort this year to celebrate the last day of summer.
Location: Street festivals at the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, California.
Camp Richardson Oktoberfest – Lake Tahoe, CA – October 5-6, 2013
Lake Tahoe Oktoberfest with German food, beer and wine garden, pumpkin patch, costume contest for people and dogs, music and family activities.
Location: 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
Cambria Oktoberfest – Cambria, CA – No Oktoberfest in 2014.
Regular Oktoberfest starts at the Wirsthaus on September 21st.
Location: 345 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Palm Springs Oktoberfest – Palm Springs, CA – October 19, 2013
Bavarian festival with 50 booths of German beer, wine tasting and food. 2 stages of live music. General admission tickets are $20. VIP admission is $50. 21+ only.
Location: Spa Resort Casino, 502 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs CA
NorCal Oktoberfest – Modesto, CA
This event was not held in 2013.
Location: 4342 Dale Rd, Modesto CA
You’ll notice that there are plenty of authentic, popular Oktoberfest parties in California so you don’t have to leave the state for Oktoberfest. But here are three nearby states where you might also find an Oktoberfest worth attending: Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.
I’ve spent the past two days updating information about upcoming United States Oktoberfests. The website for every German festival describes in detail the wonderful authentic Bavarian food that will be served to their visitors. After two days of reading their descriptions, I’m ready to eat!
This morning, I started browsing photos on Tastespotting and Foodgawker. The result was this list of 22 recipes made by bloggers in 2013 that will get you in the mood for some German food at Oktoberfest. While they aren’t all traditional German recipes, I think you’ll be ready for Oktoberfest after looking at the photos from these recipes. There’s just over two weeks until Oktoberfest 2013 starts in Munich so it is time to get excited. Oktoberfest season in the United States has already started with a handful of Labor Day weekend Oktoberfest parties.
I’ve pinned some photos from these recipes on our pinterest pinboard for Oktoberfest, so feel free to check them out there. If you’ve got a few weeks before your local Oktoberfest, grab your favorite seasonal beer and cook one of these recipes. I’ve talked to my mom this morning and we’re going to embark on a cooking adventure this afternoon.
I’m thinking pretzel wrapped bratwurst. I’ll let you know how they turn out. Prost!
I hope you enjoyed the Oktoberfest recipes. I collected a number of other German recipes for Oktoberfest last year. Be sure to check them out if you want to continue the food fun here at Funtober.
And if you missed our last post on Labor Day: Don’t forget to enter to win our Halloween decorations or one of the prizes from the 30+ other bloggers participating in A Haunted Halloween Giveaway Hop.
I am sure Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese never imagined the many unique and funny names that US cities choose as Oktoberfest names. The Royal marriage occurred on October 12, 1810. Now 200 years later the October celebration begins in Munich in September. So ok a September festival named Oktoberfest seems a little funny. Well German weather in October can be a little rough. So why not move it to the better climate in September.
Top Oktoberfest Names That Will Make You Laugh
Here in the US we have Oktoberfest celebrations beginning in August and running well into November. Here are some of the 25 funniest names organizers have chosen for their special events.
Porktoberque– Dothan, AL – September 26-27, 2014 Enjoy barbecue, beer and live music at this Oktoberfest celebration in Dothan. Free samples of craft beer from Folklore Brewery and Meadery on Friday from 6-8 in the Man Cave. The People’s Choice Tasting competition is on Saturday from 11-1. The New South Cruisers Car Show will be on Saturday as well. Two stages of musical acts will see performances by Random-Ax, Los Locos, Thrice Pierced, Polka Dots, and Big Jimmy. Cornhole tournament on Saturday with free practice rounds on Friday. Inflatables for kids both days. Location: Houston County Farm Center, 1701 E Cottonwood Rd., Dothan, AL.
Rocktoberfest- Jacksonville, AR – October 4, 2014 Experience Oktoberfest with live music, an art festival, a car show, beer garden, food booths, golf and more. Event is held at the Little Rock Air Force Base.
Sactoberfest– October 10-12, 2014 Second annual event on the West Sacramento Riverfront. They have extended it to three days this year and will bring in a giant, Munich-style beer hall tent. Craft beer, local food, carnival rides, stein-holding and other German festivities.
Stocktoberfest– Stockton, CA – October 4, 2014 Beers and brats on the waterfront from 2-9 PM (1 PM for VIPs). 21+ only. Craft beers, home brews, sausage, chicken dance-off, keg lifting and beer stein holding competitions. Live classic rock and accordion music. General admission ticket prices are $15 on their website. Save $2 off beer when dressed in costume! Food vendor Delroy Grill is back with their featured hit grilled oysters. They have 10 featured beers including Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest. Located: Outdoor Amphitheatre, 445 West Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA.
FORToberfest– Fort Collins, CO – September 19-20, 2014 A celebration of Fort Collins with live music, seasonal beer from 6+ Fort Collins breweries and bicycle booths. Music lineup ranges from funk to bluegrass to rock and indie. Friday night headliner is 12 Cents for Marvin (from Fort Collins) and Saturday headliners The Railbenders (Alt Country music) and P-Nuckle (reggae). Costumes are encouraged. Free admission. Thousands are expected to participate. The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is expected to be back with the remote Rio Patio and their famous Margaritas on Saturday. Location: Downtown Fort Collins (Walnut St. and Old Town Square.
Steamboat OktoberWest– Steamboat Springs, CO – September 19-21, 2014 The 6th Annual Oktoberfest with a western twist. Rocky Mountain beer and local food and festivities instead of German beer. Cruiser bike parade Suds & Grub on Friday. OktoberWest is Saturday with live music, beer garden with over 20 Colorado brewers and the I Love Beef Cook Off. Yampa Street Live on Sunday has more beer, western music and line dancing. Festival admission is free but there is a cost to enter the cook off tasting and beer garden. Location: 2305 Mt Werner Cir, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
OktoBREWfest– Greeley, CO – September 26-27, 2014 Location: Lincoln Park (8th Street & 9th Avenue), Greeley CO The Greeley Oktoberfest changed its name in 2013 to reflect the focus on specialty brews, VIP tasting tent and expanded musical entertainment. But the same German traditions will still take place. Event kicks off Friday evening with brats, beer, games and a free concert. Huge children’s area on Saturday along with more music, food and specialty beer. Stein lifting, pie eating, volleyball and life size beer pong contests.
Volgafest– Windsor, CO – September 27, 2014 Pretty sure this used to be called an Oktoberfest, but it is up on their website in 2014 as Volgafest, celebrating Windsor’s Volga German heritage. Location: Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th Street, Windsor CO
Jaxtoberfest– Jacksonville, FL – October 10-11, 2014
Crosstoberfest– Sun Valley, ID – October 17-18, 2014 This annual event in October combines a cyclocross race with a beerfest. The beerfest features around 100 beers from over 20 breweries. Beer festival garden is for 21+ only, but there are plenty of other acitivities for kids and families. An all access pass for Friday evening and Saturday is $25. Riders get discounted tickets to the festival with race registration. 2014 is the 11th annual event. Location: Old Cutters Park, Hailey, ID
Blocktoberfestat St. Leonard School – Berwyn, IL – September 27th, 2014 Live Music, food and beer at this family event with kids activities. Free Admission. Rain Date is Sunday. Location: 3318 Clarence Ave, Berwyn, IL
Fort Wayne OktoBEERfest– September 13, 2014 A beer festival organized by Mad Anthony that has been happening for more than ten years. Try more than 100 Indiana beers from 20 regional craft brewers. Price of ticket includes souvenir glass and unlimited tastings. Golf outing happens the day before, Sept. 12th at Bridgewater at 1 PM. Location: Headwater’s Park West, Fort Wayne, IN
OAKtoberfest– Syracuse, IN – October 11, 2014 Join the Oakwood Resort, Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and Chautauqua-Wawasee for the second annual “Oak”toberfest. This German festival will include children’s activities, German food, live music, beer tent, chicken dance and more! Location: Oakwood Resort
Augustoberfest– Hagerstown, MD – August 23-24, 2014 This annual Oktoberfest pays tribute to the area’s rich German heritage and supports exchange students from its sister city in Wiesel, Germany. Tickets are $5. The event kicks off Saturday at 8 am with a 5Km and 10Km Fit Walk. Activities last all day until 10 pm. The children’s area opens at noon with a Punch and Judy show, a magic show, arts, crafts, and storytelling. For adult the hospitality tent opens at 11 am. Music is provided by the Heidi and Heimat Echo, and Die Schlauberger bands. On Sunday the huge German Car Show starts at 10:30 am. Also don’t miss the German Brunch from 11 am until 2 pm.
Crabtoberfest– Cambridge, MD – September 27, 2014 German beer, food, music and dancing from 5 to 10 PM on Saturday. Serving Paulaner beer, Sam Adams Octoberfest and Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale. Musical entertainment will include Enzian Vokstanzgruppe, Liab’ und Schneid, and Echte Freunde (from Germany!). General admission is $5. Rain location is Minette-Dick Hall in Cambridge. Location: 200 Byrn St Cambridge, MD 21613
Frostoberfest– Frostburg, MD – September 27, 2014. The little community of Frostburg seems to go all out for events. Their theme for the city is “Frostburg – It’s Just Cooler Here!” They will hold their 2nd annual event celebrating German heritage. This street festival feature German culture, food, music, and bier gardens. They have a kid zone, local crafts, and more. It runs from 1:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Parktoberfest– Parkville, MO – October 4, 2014 6th annual day at the park with live music, beer garden and fun for kids including the Little King & Queen Parktoberfest contests. The morning starts off with a 5K run followed by a family run. Admission is free but a suggested $10 park donation helps the Friends of Parkville Parks complete restoration projects. Location: English Landing Park, Parkville, MO 64152
Okto Beerfest– Lincoln – October 9, 2014 Celebrate their 21st year on October 9, 2014 with over 200 different beers from around the world, food from 20 to 30 top area restaurants and caterers, live auction and music featuring bag pipers and the Wilber Alumni Czech band. Location: Lancaster Event Center
Schnitzelfest– Hillsborough, NH – Sept 27, 2014 The Greater Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce presents our 12th annual Schnitzelfest at Butler Park in the heart of the downtown in Hillsborough, New Hampshire on Saturday, September 27, 2014. They say it is the best German food outside of Germany, right in downtown Hillsborough, NH! Authentically prepared schnitzel, sauerkraut, potato salad, breads and incredible cakes and pastries served under the tent. Beer and wine bar, souvenirs, and craft vendors. Entertainment, including the Zauer Kraut Bavarian band. Enjoy tasty German cuisine, oom-pah music, and shopping in beautiful historic Hillsborough. Buy your tickets early and avoid the lines.
Xfinity Live Xtoberfest– Philadelphia, PA – September 27, 2014 3rd Annual event with beer garden tent and music from multiple DJs in seven different event areas. Sample 150+ beers from participating breweries in your custom beer stein and enjoy Oktoberfest-style foods. Purchase the X-treme VIP to get in one hour early and taste special vip-only German beers all day long. Contests will include the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. X-Toberfest, eating contests (hot dogs, pretzels, etc), stein holding contest. They are going to have a selection of pumpkin beers as well as exclusive beer launches from Victory Brewing Company. Dance on the tables in Victory Beer Hall, ride the mechanical bull or take part in the complimentary body painting. Silent auction of sports memorabilia with proceeds going to charity. They sold out in advance last year, so don’t rely on being able to purchase tickets at the door. Early Bird tickets are $15 for designated driver, $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP. Tickets include Free Parking in Lots S & T. For those not familiar with the venue, XFINITY Live! is the sports entertainment venue located next to the Wells Fargo Center and across the street from Citizens Bank Park. Location: 1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148
Bloktoberfest– Philadelphia, PA – October 11, 2014 Four blocks of South Street from Broad to 18th Street in Philly will be closed to traffic for this non profit event with live music, craft beer and food. I have been to this event. Now celebrating its 6th year it runs from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Admission to enter is free. This is a big city festivals with well over 100,000 attendees. Location: South Street and Broad, Philadelphia, PA
AustOberfest– Austin – Sept 27, 2014 Celebrate your German heritage in Central Texas with German beer, sausages, live music and bowling. Austin Saengerrunde will host the 2nd annual event at Saengerrunde Hall and Scholz Bier Garten (1607 San Jacinto Blvd). Nine beer options from Paulaner and Hacker Pschorr. Unlivinted German-style sausages, mustards and sides. Sausage tasting is from 1-5 PM. Rooftop beer garden and live music from Czech polka band Czech Melody Masters and honky tonk band The Derailers. All inclusive tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door.
Butte-toberfest– Butte, MT – September 20, 2014 6th Annual Oktoberfest featuring 15 Montana Breweries, food, stein races, and kids fall festival. This event has been taking place since 2009. Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit the Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council. Their hope to build a teaching kitchen to help individuals with disabilities pursue health and wellness called the Nutrition Education Station. Location: Park and Dakota, Butte, MT.
I debated about putting some of the Wurstfest events into this Oktoberfest list. New Braunfels, Texas has a wonderful event that rivals any Oktoberfest. However technically it is not an Oktoberfest. There are also some great beer festivals with funny names that once were Oktoberfest events that have simply eliminated the German heritage in order to attract a broader audience.
I also left off some funny city names that used the Oktoberfest for their city celebration.
Here at Funtober we continue to look for things to do this fall as we close in on Halloween. We love Oktoberfest, fall festivals, haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards. Hope you like our blog series and event pages. We have both Oktoberfest Munich and Oktoberfest USA information.
Spend a couple of days at an Oktoberfest in Rhode Island. Ah, Rhode Island. You put on a good show at Oktoberfest 2013 despite having so few people with German heritage.
2014 Events
International Oktoberfest – Newport, RI – October 11-12, 2014
Sendoff summer with a Rhode Island Oktoberfest on the Newport waterfront. Expect seasonal brews with savory German cuisine and music emanating from the beer gardens. Saturday has an active, college/beerfest vibe. Seniors and families with small children are encouraged to attend on Sunday, which is typically less congested. Location: 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840-3007
Past Events
Oktoberfest at Redlefsen’s – Bristol, RI – Starts September 26 - October 29, 2013
The kickoff parade for this event is September 26th, 2013. They will celebrate every Wednesday and Thursday through October (excluding Halloween) as well as an encore performance on November 6th if there is demand.
Location: Redlefsen’s, 444 Thames Street, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
O Fest RI – Pawtucket, RI – September 27-28, 2013
Great beer, food and music by the falls.
Location: Pawtucket Armory @ 172 Exchange St in Pawtucket
Chorus of Westerly Oktoberfest – Westerly, RI
This is a fundraiser for the Chorus of Westerly in late October. The historic George Kent Performance Hall is transformed into a beer hall with long tables, bavarian decorations, and German food. There is also Oktoberfest style beer, wine, and warm cider.
Location: 119 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891
We have just added these maps with the locations of each Oktoberfest. We may not have had the exact location for each Oktoberfest so in some instances we have placed the marker in the general vicinity of the Oktoberfest. Be sure to get specific directions from another source and do not solely rely on our map at the moment. We have also noticed that the markers may not show up on some mobile browsers. We will work to sort out this bug in the future.
Please confirm dates, locations and activities available at the Oktoberfest before going. That’s one reason that we provide a website address when we find one. We attempt to ensure that the information for each Oktoberfest is accurate but there are bound to be a few errors. If you let us know when you find one, we will fix it. In some cases, we may link to the 2012 event when information for 2013 is not available. Do not be fooled.
The festivals listed range in size. Some events may have hundreds of thousands of attendees. Others may have only a handful. We’re sorry that we don’t have more information about attendance numbers at the moment. We will do our best to add this information as time goes on.
Professionalism varies as well. Some Oktoberfests are professional operations with large budgets. Others are local operations run by volunteers. Do your due diligence before making plans to attend so that you know what to expect. We will happily publish information about your experience with any Oktoberfest so that our visitors will be better informed in the future.
Some Oktoberfests are more family friendly than others. If you have small children, look for an Oktoberfest that has activities for kids. Other events start out with family friendly activities and become more adult oriented as it becomes later in the evening.
Not all Oktoberfest celebrations will be authentic German festival experiences. Some may simply be an excuse to drink rather than celebrate German heritage. Some may call themselves Oktoberfest but provide local or seasonal beer rather than authentic German Oktoberfest beer. Be sure to consider the type of celebration that you are looking to attend when you pick your Oktoberfest.
Activities offered at each Oktoberfest varies. Some activities that you may find are parades, keg tapping ceremony, beer gardens, Miss Oktoberfest or costume contests, stein holding contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dance, wiener races, keg toss, live German bands and local entertainment, polka dancing and fairground games. Some Oktoberfest events will just have beer and brats.
Please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone to get home safe. Use a designated driver or take public transportation.
Do you run one of the Oktoberfests listed? Feel free to send us additional information and we will add it. We apologize for any errors: send us corrections when you find them!
It is time to dust off your dirndl and grab a beer and brat! Saturday marks the start of the 180th Munich Oktoberfest. More than six million will drink and party at the Theresienwiese over the next three weeks.
If you can’t make it to Germany for Oktoberfest, we understand. Over the next eight weeks, more than 500 events in the United States (at least one in every state!) will celebrate German culture and heritage in the spirit of the original Oktoberfest from 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in Munich. And there will be drinking too!
Who has the best Oktoberfest in the United States?
Here are the ten most liked Oktoberfest Facebook pages for festivals in America:
10. Hickory Oktoberfest – Hickory, North Carolina – October 11-13, 2013
The Hickory Downtown Development Association hosts this three day outdoor festival located around Union Square in downtown Hickory. More than 100,000 will enjoy the event with two beer gardens (Coors and Beck’s are sponsors) and four stages of live music. It is a family friendly event with amusement rides, carnival games, and KidFest area that has rides, games and activities for children. Participate in the Ninth Annual Carolina Orthopaedic Oktoberfest Footrace on Saturday (5K run/walk or 10K run) to benefit four Hospices in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties. Or exhibit your crafts in the juried arts and crafts show. If you go, be sure to bring a canned good for the 15th annual Castle of Cans Food Drive. 5600 people like the Hickory Oktoberfest Facebook page.
9. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio – September 20-22, 2013
This Cincinnati Oktoberfest, started in 1976, is the largest in the United States with over 500,000 visitors expected in 2013. Six blocks of Fifth Street from Vine to Sentinel in downtown Cincinnati are closed for the weekend. It’s the first year that the Oktoberfest celebration will be open on Friday evening. Beer will be available from Beck’s, Budweiser, Christian Moerlein, Erdinger, Hofbrauhaus, Hudepohl, Miller, Rivertown, Samuel Adams, Warsteiner and Yuengling. Other highlights of the 2013 festival include the Running of the Wieners and the World’s Largest Chicken Dance led by George Takei of Star Trek. Don’t miss the Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Championship and the fourth annual World Bratwurst Eating Contest either! 5900 people like the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Facebook page.
8. Denver Oktoberfest – Denver, Colorado – Sept 27-29 & October 4-6, 2013
Larimer Street in Denver’s Historic Ballpark Neighborhood is transformed for two weekends as more than 250,000 visit this 44th annual celebration of German culture in Colorado. It started back in 1969 when Fred and Hertha who owned Cafe Promenade decided to tap a keg and serve pretzels outside their cafe. 2013 entertainment includes beer (sponsored by Coors and Samuel Adams) and two stages of live music. There are lots of contests to enjoy over the two weekends with stein hoisting, long dog derby, keg bowling national championship, Dashustlehoff 5K, bratwurst eating contest, and a costume contest. 6900 like the Oktoberfest Denver Facebook page.
7. LA Oktoberfest – Los Angeles, California – October 25-27, 2013
German food, beer and live music can be found on Hollywood Boulevard at this Los Angeles Oktoberfest. Tickets for this event are already sold out so you’ll have to go to their Las Vegas Oktoberfest or one of the other fine Los Angeles Oktoberfests if you didn’t already buy tickets. 7600 people like the LA Oktoberfest Facebook page.
6. Cleveland Oktoberfest – Cleveland, Ohio – Labor Day Weekend (Photo Credit)
Northeast Ohio gets an early start on Oktoberfest every year at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds with this popular Labor Day weekend Oktoberfest. You will have to plan to attend in 2014! More than 8200 people like the Cleveland Oktoberfest Facebook page.
4. Appleton Oktoberfest – Appleton, Wisconsin – September 27-28, 2013
Started in 1981, it’s now a mile of fun on College Avenue from Richmond to Lawes Street at this Wisconsin Oktoberfest near Green Bay. They will have more than 100 food vendors and five stages of live music with local and national bands. Friday night includes a classic car show called the License to Cruise. There are also more than 180 arts & crafts vendors and a family fun area with kid-friendly activities and entertainment. More than 9200 people like Appleton’s Oktoberfest Facebook page.
3. Leavenworth Oktoberfest – Leavenworth, Washington – October 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, 2013
Leavenworth, located two hours east of Seattle, is Washington State’s Bavarian village. More than one million annually visit this town that transformed its appearance in the 1960s from its logging origins. The Oktoberfest, started in 1998, is the first three weekends in October. More than 35,000 are expected at this festival named Best Family Fun/Street Fair by Evening Magazines 2013 The Best Northwest Escapes Viewers Poll. Four stages of live entertainment and music along with a large selection of imported German beer. The Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon will be held on Saturday, October 5th if you want to burn off some calories. More than 16,000 people like the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Facebook page.
2. Oktoberfest USA – La Crosse, Wisconsin – September 27 – October 5, 2013 (Photo Credit)
The first Oktoberfest in La Crosse was held in 1961 and it is now a favorite on lists of the best Oktoberfest in the United States. This is the last year to catch this extended Wisconsin Oktoberfest as it is moving back to an action packed four day format in 2014. There will be lots of live music including Bret Michaels on Monday, September 30th. Beer sponsors include Bud, Coors, Kul, Leinenkugel’s, Miller and Pabst. There is also a craft beer night with beer from more than 40 different breweries. Other 2013 activities include the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest competition, Festmaster’s Ball, parades, contests, and even a mud run. More than 17,000 people like the La Crosse Oktoberfest Facebook page.
1. Wurstfest – New Braunfels, Texas – November 1-10, 2013
If Munich can push Oktoberfest forward into September, then I guess we can push Oktoberfest back into November to include this popular German Sausage festival. It started in 1961 with a one day sausage festival that 2,000 people attended. It is now ten day celebration of German culture attended by more than 100,000 that was rated the third best festival in Texas. There will be live music, Bavarian entertainment and dancing with more than 40 local, national, and international performers. You will definitely enjoy the German food and beer as well as carnival rides and games. More than 22,000 people like the Wurstfest Facebook page.
Ready to start drinking?
Here is our list of more than 500 paces to celebrate Oktoberfest in the United States so that you can find a German festival near you this weekend. Prost!
Other Best Oktoberfest Lists
We aren’t the first to create a list of the best American Oktoberfest festivals. Here are five from the past ten years that we think you’ll enjoy:
Errors are of course our own. We used PageData to confirm our analysis.
PS: It’s the last day of A Haunted Halloween Giveaway Hop hosted by Mommy’s Favorite Things and Mama’s Baby Cupcakes. On Labor Day, 22 bloggers launched giveaways of Halloween-related items worth more than $25. As part of the Halloween hop, we are giving away some cool Halloween decorations. This is the last day of the giveaway so be sure to enter now!
Oktoberfest Tips From Jeremy Jones At Living The Dream
I was doing some research on an upcoming Oktoberfest post when I came across an article by Jeremy Jones titled “5 Honest Tips For Oktoberfest From Someone Who Has Actually Been“. Now I have visited more than a couple Oktoberfest celebrations in the USA. But, I admit I have never been to Munich. So Jeremy’s post kind of caught my attention.
Hippodrom Beer Tent at Munich Oktoberfest – depositphotos [sepavone]
Now I am not going to cover all the points he makes such as Plan To Spend Lots of Money. I will just let you read his post. However what I found interesting was a little background on Jeremy. He founded his website Living the Dream back in 2008. He started planning a round the world trip and began blogging about his plans and preparation. In late 2010 he took his dream 5 month trip around the world. How many of us would love to take a few months off and just enjoy the world?
Now married, Angie and Jeremy travel the world together. Jeremy has been to 61 countries and 21 states in his life. In the last 18 months his totals include visiting 32 countries, taking 25,000 pictures, and traveling over 47,000 miles. Since starting his blog in 2008 he has posted over 700 articles related to his travels. He is certainly someone who knows about travel.
His adventures have taken him to the far corners of the globe. How many people have been to the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal? Botswana, Boliva, Bosnia, and Vietnam are on his list. Of course he has seen the normal tourist sites in Germany, Italy, and France.
He has lost a passport, been robbed in Peru, and drank 49 bottles of wine. In his spare time he has written a book “The Long Term Traveler’s Guide: Going Longer, Cheaper, and Living Your Dream”. He also has a number of free tools available.
I highly recommend spending a few minutes checking out his blog Living the Dream. I am putting him on our Funtober Favorites Website page and look forward to reading more about his travels. Hope you enjoy it also.
There’s a number of 2014 festivals celebrating Oktoberfest in Connecticut for the 350,000 people claiming German descent in the state. Always a fun time with great food and beer. Here they are:
2014
New Britain Oktoberfest – New Britain, CT – September 12-14, 2014
Over 35,000 are expected to attend the second annual event in 2014. Trade in your dollars for Festival Money to purchase food and beverages. Featured beers include Spaten, Hofbrau, Wasteiner Pilsner and more. Food is a mix of German options like bratwurst, knockwurst and apple strudel as well as festival food (cotton candy, kettle corn, etc.). Don’t miss the Friday keg tapping and chicken dance. There are three parking garages that are convenient to the festival.
Old Heidelberg Oktoberfest – Bethel, CT - September 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 2014
There is a beer garden, Oktoberfest beer and foods, music, kids entertainment and German store. Old Heidelberg is a German restaurant with beer garden that serves German beer and wine as well as 40 traditional and craft beers. Location: 55 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel CT 06801
Harugari Singing Society Oktoberfest – West Haven, CT – September 21, 2014
This German American family society holds an annual Oktoberfest with dinner, live music and entertainment. German bier and food is available for purchase. Harugari Schuhplatters will be performing and Bernie’s Orchestra will be playing. Admission is $3 for adults. 18 and under is free. Location: 66 Highland St, West Haven CT 06516
Two Road Ok2berfest – September 27-28, 2014
Second annual Oktoberfest hosted by Two Roads Brewing Company. 2 Days, 2 Bands, 2 Beers. Food trucks. $15 for one day ticket and commemorative beer stein. Noon to 6:30 PM. Location: 1700 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT.
Quassy Amusement Park Oktoberfest – Middlebury, CT – September 27-28, 2014
23rd annual celebration of Oktoberfest at this amusement park with food, music and dancing in the Fieldside Pavilion. Two bands perform with dance groups during band intermissions. Traditional German food such as bratwurst, roasted pork and sauerkraut will be available. Admission to the pavilion is free but there is a cost for rides, park attractions, food and beverages. Parking is $6 per car. Quassy is an amusement park with 22 rides and a splash water park on the south shore of Lake Quassapaug that was founded in 1908. Location: Quassy Amusement Park, Lake Quassapaug, Rt. 64 (2132 Middlebury Road), Middlebury, CT 06762
AIDS Project New Haven Oktoberfest – Hamden, CT – October 11, 2014
This is an annual fundraiser on Saturday evening from 5 to 9 PM for the oldest HIV/AIDS service organization in Connecticut. It includes German and fall-inspired foods, beer tastings, music, and a silent auction. It will be at the New Haven Country Club. Last year, tickets after September 1st were $65. Location: 160 Hartford Turnpike Hamden, CT 06517
The Seehund Oktoberfest – New London, CT – October 3-5, 2014
The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant puts on this three day Oktoberfest event under the huge tent in their parking lot. Known for great German food, The Seehund offers a wide variety of German foods, a bier garden, featured BBQ, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, Artisan vendors and lots of live music. Friday night they feature the live acoustic guitar group FrankenPhil. On Saturday they feature DJ’s and the live Polka band Daddio’s. The fun starts Friday at 4:00 pm. The Saturday and Sunday event starts at 12:00 pm.
Location: Seehund, 345 Bank St., New London, CT.
Oktoberfest on Central Street – Windsor, CT – October 17, 2014
A scholarship fundraiser from the Windsor Exchange Club that will have food sampling, beer & wine tasting and raffle. The Exchange Club is a community service organization composed of 25,000 members with 800 local chapters nationwide. Location: 25 Central Street, Windsor, CT
Oktoberfest On The Sound - Madison, CT – September 27, 2014
A charity event sponsored by the Madison Lions Club starts at 12:00 pm. Taste the flavor of Munich with a wide selection of Spaten biers including Munchner lager, Dunkel dark, and two Oktoberfest type beers. Bavarian foods include wienerschnitzel, bratwurst, spatzel, red cabbage, potato pancakes, and apple strudel. Connecticut’s Frankenmusikanten provides the polka music or watch deutsche dancing by the Heiko, Vera & Thommy Dancers. The Steamrollers band closes out the event around 8:00 pm. Children invited and activities include Dachshund races, pumpkin decorating, and face painting. Located at Madison Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Road, Madison, CT.
Meriden Turner Society Oktoberfest – Meriden, CT – October 25, 2014
A smoked pork chop dinner with live music and bavarian dancers performing. Event starts at 6:00 pm.
Location: Meriden Turner’s Halle, 800 Old Colony Rd, Meriden, CT
Oktoberfest St. Peter Church – New Britain, CT – September 27, 2014
4th annual Oktoberfest event will be held 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm come rain or shine. The church green will have a 6000 square foot tent set up. Feature are German music, great authentic German food, and of course polka and other dancers for your entertainment.
Location: 98 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT.
Oktoberfest Milford – Milford, CT – September 27, 2014
A one day Oktoberfest in late September with beer garden, German and American food, live music and a bratwurst eating contest. Admission is $10 per person but kids under 16 are free.
Location: Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field, 1 Shipyard Ln, Milford, CT 06460
Historic Perry House Oktoberfest – Stratford, CT – September 20, 2014
A one day fundraiser in mid-late September at the Historic Perry House. Includes German dancers, beer and wursts, pretzels and other Bavarian delicacies. Tickets are $50 per person. Event starts at 6:00 pm.
Location: 1128 W Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615
Hartford Saengerbund Oktoberfest Dinner Dance - October 11, 2014
A casual beer and brats gathering beginning at noon. Cover is $5 for adults.
Location: 719 North Mountain Rd, Newington CT 06111
Last Year’s Events
Gaelic-American Club Oktoberfest – Fairfield, CT – September 29, 2013
4-8 PM (no other information available on their website).
Location: 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT. 06824
Oktoberfest Pub Crawl – Norwich, CT – October 12, 2013
This Oktoberfest, planned by the Norwich Community Development Corporation, will start at Harp and Dragon, move to Billy Wilson’s, and finish at Chacers Bar and Grill.
Shoreline Oktoberfest – Guilford, CT - Not Happening in 2014
Traditional German food, American fare, and beer garden serving Hofbrauhaus and American beer. Live German music, dancing, car cruise, wiener dog races and Midway by Stewart Amusement. Tickets available on their website. 100% of proceeds benefit three charities.
Location: Guilford Fairgrounds
The Bijou Theatre Film Festival and Oktoberfest – Bridgeport, CT – October 3-6, 2013
German festivities catered by Old Heidelberg, three musical performances and independent film screenings.
Location: The Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Camille B. Perugini Charitable Trust Oktoberfest – Naugatuck, CT
Beer and Wine Tasting, Live Entertainment; German and American Food Concessions. We haven’t seen any evidence as of 9/3/2013 that this Connecticut Oktoberfest is happening this year.
Location: Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
We have just added these maps with the locations of each Oktoberfest. We may not have had the exact location for each Oktoberfest so in some instances we have placed the marker in the general vicinity of the Oktoberfest. Be sure to get specific directions from another source and do not solely rely on our map at the moment. We have also noticed that the markers may not show up on some mobile browsers. We will work to sort out this bug in the future.
Please confirm dates, locations and activities available at the Oktoberfest before going. That’s one reason that we provide a website address when we find one. We attempt to ensure that the information for each Oktoberfest is accurate but there are bound to be a few errors. If you let us know when you find one, we will fix it. In some cases, we may link to the 2012 event when information for 2013 is not available. Do not be fooled.
The festivals listed range in size. Some events may have hundreds of thousands of attendees. Others may have only a handful. We’re sorry that we don’t have more information about attendance numbers at the moment. We will do our best to add this information as time goes on.
Professionalism varies as well. Some Oktoberfests are professional operations with large budgets. Others are local operations run by volunteers. Do your due diligence before making plans to attend so that you know what to expect. We will happily publish information about your experience with any Oktoberfest so that our visitors will be better informed in the future.
Some Oktoberfests are more family friendly than others. If you have small children, look for an Oktoberfest that has activities for kids. Other events start out with family friendly activities and become more adult oriented as it becomes later in the evening.
Not all Oktoberfest celebrations will be authentic German festival experiences. Some may simply be an excuse to drink rather than celebrate German heritage. Some may call themselves Oktoberfest but provide local or seasonal beer rather than authentic German Oktoberfest beer. Be sure to consider the type of celebration that you are looking to attend when you pick your Oktoberfest.
Activities offered at each Oktoberfest varies. Some activities that you may find are parades, keg tapping ceremony, beer gardens, Miss Oktoberfest or costume contests, stein holding contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dance, wiener races, keg toss, live German bands and local entertainment, polka dancing and fairground games. Some Oktoberfest events will just have beer and brats.
Please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone to get home safe. Use a designated driver or take public transportation.
Do you run one of the Oktoberfests listed? Feel free to send us additional information and we will add it. We apologize for any errors: send us corrections when you find them!
Party celebrations at 2014 Oktoberfest in Mississippi. The state has the lowest percentage of residents claiming German ancestry of any state. So I’m surprised that I even found the three Mississippi Oktoberfest festivals that I did. Here they are:
2014 Dates Cleveland Oktoberfest – Cleveland, MS – October 10-11, 2014
More than 15,000 gather here every year for the event that has been called one of the best outdoor festivals in the Delta. It has been held annually for more than 25 years and is organized by more than 100 community volunteers. While you are here, you will also be able to enjoy the Mississippi Delta State Barbecue Championship. The event kicks off on Friday afternoon, when the BBQ contest (featuring chefs from around the South) starts and they begin announcing some of the division winners. Live entertainment and dancing continue well into the evening. The antique car show and craft booths are on Saturday. Children’s activities include inflatables, face painting, rock climbing wall, train rides and more. So prepare for a weekend of pork barbecue, German brats, live music and fun. Location: Commerce St Greenstrip, Cleveland MS
Olive Branch OctoberFest – Olive Branch, MS - October 4, 2014
An annual, all day festival sponsored by the Olive Branch Beautification Commission. Admission is free. 2014 will be the 37th year for this event, which is the longest running event in the city’s history. From what I have seen, it appears to have more of a “October festival” vibe than a German festival celebration atmosphere. Crafts, games and food are available. Children’s activities in the past have included face-painting, sand art and mini golf. They also host a number of arts and crafts vendors who display their products. The winners of the Olive Branch Arts Council Annual Photography Contest will have their pictures on display as well. The attendance figures that I have seen were from 2010 indicated they had approximately 4000 visitors. We expect it will be held on the first Saturday in October, October 4th, 2014. In 2013, it was held on October 5th.
Location: Olive Branch City Park, 8267 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS
Other Annual Events
Saint John Oktoberfest – Hattiesburg, MS
St. John Lutheran Church, with many of its church members descendants of German immigrants, has hosted this annual event for more than 30 years. 2014 will mark the 37th Annual St. John Oktoberfest. It shares German food and culture with visitors to raise money for the church’s mission work. They offer German brats, sauerkraut, potato salad and other food for sale while guests listen to folk songs. There is also a silent auction, quilt raffle and deli featuring German meats and desserts. In 2013, it was held on October 5th.
Location: 2001 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
We have just added these maps with the locations of each Oktoberfest. We may not have had the exact location for each Oktoberfest so in some instances we have placed the marker in the general vicinity of the Oktoberfest. Be sure to get specific directions from another source and do not solely rely on our map at the moment. We have also noticed that the markers may not show up on some mobile browsers. We will work to sort out this bug in the future.
Please confirm dates, locations and activities available at the Oktoberfest before going. That’s one reason that we provide a website address when we find one. We attempt to ensure that the information for each Oktoberfest is accurate but there are bound to be a few errors. If you let us know when you find one, we will fix it. In some cases, we may link to the 2012 event when information for 2013 is not available. Do not be fooled.
The festivals listed range in size. Some events may have hundreds of thousands of attendees. Others may have only a handful. We’re sorry that we don’t have more information about attendance numbers at the moment. We will do our best to add this information as time goes on.
Professionalism varies as well. Some Oktoberfests are professional operations with large budgets. Others are local operations run by volunteers. Do your due diligence before making plans to attend so that you know what to expect. We will happily publish information about your experience with any Oktoberfest so that our visitors will be better informed in the future.
Some Oktoberfests are more family friendly than others. If you have small children, look for an Oktoberfest that has activities for kids. Other events start out with family friendly activities and become more adult oriented as it becomes later in the evening.
Not all Oktoberfest celebrations will be authentic German festival experiences. Some may simply be an excuse to drink rather than celebrate German heritage. Some may call themselves Oktoberfest but provide local or seasonal beer rather than authentic German Oktoberfest beer. Be sure to consider the type of celebration that you are looking to attend when you pick your Oktoberfest.
Activities offered at each Oktoberfest varies. Some activities that you may find are parades, keg tapping ceremony, beer gardens, Miss Oktoberfest or costume contests, stein holding contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dance, wiener races, keg toss, live German bands and local entertainment, polka dancing and fairground games. Some Oktoberfest events will just have beer and brats.
Please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone to get home safe. Use a designated driver or take public transportation.
Do you run one of the Oktoberfests listed? Feel free to send us additional information and we will add it. We apologize for any errors: send us corrections when you find them!
Celebrate 2014 at an Oktoberfest in South Carolina. There are eight Oktoberfest celebrations in South Carolina for the 400,000 residents who claim German heritage. Excellent job, South Carolina citizens! If you are in South Carolina in September or October, be sure to check out one of these parties:
2014 Events
Newberry Oktoberfest – Newberry, SC – October 4, 2014
Live music and free outdoor Rocktoberfest concert headlined by the Megaphones (hip hop soul). Culinary stage and 13th Annual Liver Nips Cook-Off. Outdoor food court, biergarten and snack vendors. Kid-friendly area with inflatable bounce houses, slides, train rides, and craft area in the Kindertown. 100% handmade only arts and crafts vendors. Dogs are permitted but they recommend you leave them at home due to high traffic in the festival area. Location: 1109 Main Street, Newberry, SC 29108
Oktoberfest Columbia – Columbia, SC – October 10-12, 2014
This Columbia Oktoberfest on the second weekend in October will have authentic German food, live oompah bands and lots of beer. Hosted by Incarnation Lutheran Church. Admission is free. Entertainment includes the German Friendship Folk Dancers, the Walhalla Bavarian Dancers, The German Connection Band and Die Lustigen Musikanten. Lunch and Dinner menu includes wiener schnitzel, jaegerschnitzel, weisswurst and bratwurst with sauerkraut, spaetzle, kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and more. Beers on Tap from Conquest Brewery, Carolina Brewery, Becks, Widmer and more. Location: 3005 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Walhalla Oktoberfest – Walhalla, SC – October 17-19, 2014
The 35th Annual South Carolina Oktoberfest in Walhalla will have live music, food, Oktoberfest dancers, 5K road race, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and family friendly activities. Kids ride the carnival rides all day on Sunday for only $12! Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-10. Location: Sertoma Field Walhalla, SC 29691
Oktoberfest in Old Town – Rock Hill, SC – October 18, 2014
German style Oktoberfest with live oompah band, beer garden, and large children’s amusement area. There will also be a wiener dog run. No admission fee. Location: E. Main St. in the Old Town District of Rock Hill, S.C
Sumter Elks Lodge #855 – Sumter, SC – October 3, 2014
From 9 PM until Midnight. Traditional German foods. Party Band “Hip Pocket” will play. Silent auction. Tickets are $25. Proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Charity.
Myrtle Beach – October 3-4, 2014
7th annual event with German music, food and beers. A family friendly event that has face painting, pumpin decorating, inflatables and games for kids.
Location: Valor Park at The Market Common.
Downtown Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest – October 11, 2014
We think this event will be October 11th based on last year’s date and a listing on a local events website. Hopefully they will put more info on their facebook page soon.
Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest – Myrtle Beach, SC – October 3-4, 2014
The 7th Annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest at the Market Common. German food, Oktoberfest beer, live German music on Saturday and Sunday, kids games and activities. Pumpkin patch for kids, face painting, inflatables, and Oktoberfest steins. Over 20 vendors plus large selection of Oktoberfest beers.
Location: 900 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Greer Station Oktoberfest – Greer, SC – October 4, 2014
Two stages of German oompah bands, German food and beer from Warsteiner. Local artists work will also be on display in downtown Greer. Menu items include knackwurst, bratwursts, fresh pretzels, kettle korn and lots more. Sample a large selection of German beers and wines.
Location: Trade Street, Greer, SC.
Strossner’s Oktoberfest – Greenville, SC – September 28, 2014
Live oompah music, Oktoberfest feast and beer under the big tent. Event runs 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Location: 21 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville South Carolina 29607
Summerville Rotary Oktoberfest – Charleston, SC – A Facebook post from the organizer says they don’t think this will happen in 2014.
A family friendly Oktoberfest with games, food, beer and music hosted by the Summerville Oakbrook Rotary Club and the Summerville Evening Rotary Club. Contests include the chicken dance, stein hoisting, brat eating, best beer belly and best German costume. Admission: $5. Children under 3 are free. Proceeds benefit various organizations and scholarship funds.
Location: Golf Club at Wescott Plantation, North Charleston
Lexington Oktoberfest – Lexington, SC
I haven’t seen any mention of this festival happening in 2013 as of 9/9/2013.
Location: 139 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072
The 2012 Cullman Oktoberfest recently asked the Cullman City Council for a $75,000 increase in funding to expand the event. In 2011, Cullman contributed just $6,000 to a budget of $48,000 for the 2011 Oktoberfest. In 2012, the organizers would like to work with an overall budget of $186,000 so that the festivities can be expanded. Prior to 2011, Cullman was the world’s only dry Oktoberfest; alcohol was not served at the event. In 2011, on the 30th anniversary, beer was served for the first time. The week long Oktoberfest in Alabama is scheduled to start October 6th.
That is the second festival that I have seen looking for money recently. The organizer of the 2012 Keene Pumpkin Festival floated the idea of charging a $5 admission to attend the New Hampshire festival in order to make up for a funding shortfall. Last year, the festival raised $222,000 but cost approximately $290,000. The organizer covered the $70,000 difference. The plan to charge an admission fee was quickly rejected by city officials who found it impractical to charge for an event held downtown.
Budgets are tight in today’s economy. Let’s hope that these festivals can find the money to continue with their present party plans.
We’ve been so busy getting ready for the upcoming fall events that I haven’t filled you in on some of the things we have been doing here at Funtober that I think you’ll enjoy.
The Newsletter
We sent out our first newsletter on the Saturday before Labor Day. The second edition for Friday the 13th (and the rest of the weekend) was just sent out. If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter yet, you should! We send out information about local fall events that are happening near you.
If you would like to get them delivered to your inbox, you can subscribe to the newsletter by submitting your email on the banner to the left.
Oktoberfest
There are less than ten days until the Munich Oktoberfest! The second weekend of Oktoberfest in the United States will see big festivals in Mount Angel Oregon, California, and Boston, among other places. I’ve updated nearly all of the Oktoberfests with 2013 information in the past two weeks. Let us know if you see anything that is wrong or missing!
Haunted Houses
We’re updating information for 2013 about haunted attractions as it becomes available. Some of them are opening for Friday the 13th tomorrow, especially in Texas, so be sure to take a look at our haunted house section if you want to be scared for Friday the 13th!
Halloween Costumes
It’s hard to believe that only one year ago (this week!) I opened the Halloween costume store here at Funtober. Thank you to everyone that has bought a costume so far! Costume sales are starting to pick up. Like last year, we expect to run out of some costume sizes, so order early!
The Halloween Decoration Giveaway
It’s the last weekend of A Haunted Halloween Giveaway Hop hosted by Mommy’s Favorite Things and Mama’s Baby Cupcakes. On Labor Day, 22 bloggers launched giveaways of Halloween-related items worth more than $25. As part of the Halloween hop, we are giving away some cool Halloween decorations. After you enter our contest, be sure to check out what the other bloggers are offering! This is the last weekend of the giveaway so be sure to enter now if you want a chance to win.
Navigating Funtober
There’s a lot of information about fall fun on Funtober. We wanted to help new visitors learn about the breadth of material here and old visitors find what they love when they need it, so we cleaned up the navigation on a few pages and added the menu bar. On the corn maze, ghost tour and pumpkin patch sections, we removed the long list of every state in the sidebar and replaced it with a short list of relevant links to that state and surrounding states. We thought these were the links you were most likely to use. We’re considering switching the Oktoberfest and fall festival sections as well, so now is your time to tell us whether you love it or hate it. Your feedback on what we can do to help you enjoy Funtober is welcome!
The Chicken
Just saw a chicken running around on the streets of Philadelphia! We may have to make it the official Funtober mascot if it is still hanging around tomorrow.
What Makes Mount Angel Oktoberfest One Of The Best?
The local population of Mount Angel, Oregon is just 3200 people but every September about 80,000 people flock to the small town for Oktoberfest. The popular German festival brings people from Portland, Salem, and all across the country. Portland is about 40 miles to the north and Salem is 17 miles to the south.
Did I mention entry into the Oktoberfest is free?
Just because it is generally free doesn’t mean you won’t spend money at Oktoberfest. They have 60 non-profit food vendors, some huge German styled beer halls, and more than a few things to do. The fun runs from September 11-14, 2014.
Girls dancing in traditional dirndl at Mount Angel Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of Oktoberfest.org
Mount Angel Attractions:
Car Show
Oktoberfest Road Race
Oregon Marathon
Weiner Dog Races
Golf Tournament
Volkswalk
There are two major cars shows that take place on Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 different sets of cars are featured each day. The shows run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Trophies are awarded in 28 categories. The Oregon Marathon will run from Mount Angel this year. It features a competitive full marathon (26 miles) event and a half marathon event. It seems the whole town does a German Volkswalk to the top of the abbey hill. It is a leisurely 400 foot climb. Ongoing are 5k and 10k walks and runs.
I personally am more into watching the wiener dog races. I would play in their golf tournament but my game isn’t doing so well. I need a course with no water and no trees on the right side.
Did I mention they have some amazing German styled beer halls. Try out the Biergarten, Weingarten, Alpingarten, and Prostgarten. Be one of the thousands served in each hall.
Enjoy a beer at on of the huge Mount Angel Oktoberfest beer halls.
They also have a huge Bandstand featuring lots of German songs and dancing.
Local Attractions:
St. Mary Church
The Harvest Monument
The Glockenspiel
Mount Angel Abbey
The Glockenspiel is the clock tower building in the center of the town. The hand carved figures of the huge clock perform throughout the day. Mount Angel has been holding their Oktoberfest since 1966.
Next year they will celebrate their 50th anniversary. Over the years they have raised 3 million dollars that has gone back into the community. Nearly all the non profit organizations use the Oktoberfest as their largest yearly fundraiser.
Share some more Oktoberfest in Utah celebrations for 2014. Leave us some event information. I wouldn’t expect to find a lot of beer lovers in Utah. And I was still shocked to find that there are only two Oktoberfest celebrations in all of Utah. I know that the 300,000 German descendants have to deal with the rule of the Mormon population in Salt Lake City. But there should still be some more Oktoberfests here. Utah readers, get on it!
2014 Events
Snowbird Oktoberfest – Snowbird, Utah – Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 – Oct. 12, 2014
The Snowbird Ski Resort (located southeast of Salt Lake City) hosts Utah’s most popular German festival. Over 60,000 attend this annual Utah Oktoberfest which started in 1973. Get a taste of Bavaria with authentic food, live German music and yodelers. Local breweries will also be featured. Arts and crafts from local and regional artists will be offered for sale in Der Marktplatz. A ceremonial one litre beer stein is available for collectors. Last year, it kicked off the celebration with a 3K Lederhosen race on the opening day. There was also a Grand Oktoberfest on Labor Day weekend with procession, ceremonial keg tapping and best costume contest to crown Miss and Mister Oktoberfest. Visitors generally consume some 6,000 pounds of weisswurst and bratwurst, 4,500 pounds of chicken and 2,000 Granny Smith apples are eaten in the delicious apple strudel. Free admission.
Castle Country Oktoberfest – Price, UT – October 3, 2014
Celebrate October. Silent auction, kids games and entertainment.
Location: Notre Dame Center, 200 N & Carbon Ave., Price, UT
Past Events
Brian Head Town Oktoberfest- Brian Head, UT – September 21-22, 2013
Brian Head is a resort town located in Southern Utah. At 9800 feet above sea level, it is the highest resort town in America. 2013 will be the 21st annual Oktoberfest celebration of great German food, beer and entertainment here. Oomph band and dancing, kid’s play area, bounce house and face painting. The event was held at Cedar Breaks Lodge and Spa in 2013.
Grace Lutheran Oktoberfest - Sandy, UT – September 21, 2013
Beer garden tent and authentic German food. Local vendors sell products in the marketplace. Children’s carnival with midway rides for family friendly fun. All day ride pass is available for the obstacle course, inflatable slide, bounce house and select other activities. Helicopter rides available in the afternoon and professional fireworks show in the evening.
Location: 1815 E 9800 S, Sandy, UT
Oktoberfest Party and Potluck - Duck Creek Village, UT – October 5, 2013
Bring a dish and dress up to celebrate German heritage.
Location: Duck Creek Dance Hall, Duck Creek Village, UT
Epic Oktoberfest at the Grand – SLC
The Grand Resort hosted a special month long event in downtown Salt Lake City for the first year in 2013. There was a special menu at the Grand Cafe on Friday and Saturday evenings with a three course German meal paired with beer from Epic Brewery.
We have just added these maps with the locations of each Oktoberfest. We may not have had the exact location for each Oktoberfest so in some instances we have placed the marker in the general vicinity of the Oktoberfest. Be sure to get specific directions from another source and do not solely rely on our map at the moment. We have also noticed that the markers may not show up on some mobile browsers. We will work to sort out this bug in the future.
Please confirm dates, locations and activities available at the Oktoberfest before going. That’s one reason that we provide a website address when we find one. We attempt to ensure that the information for each Oktoberfest is accurate but there are bound to be a few errors. If you let us know when you find one, we will fix it. In some cases, we may link to the 2012 event when information for 2013 is not available. Do not be fooled.
The festivals listed range in size. Some events may have hundreds of thousands of attendees. Others may have only a handful. We’re sorry that we don’t have more information about attendance numbers at the moment. We will do our best to add this information as time goes on.
Professionalism varies as well. Some Oktoberfests are professional operations with large budgets. Others are local operations run by volunteers. Do your due diligence before making plans to attend so that you know what to expect. We will happily publish information about your experience with any Oktoberfest so that our visitors will be better informed in the future.
Some Oktoberfests are more family friendly than others. If you have small children, look for an Oktoberfest that has activities for kids. Other events start out with family friendly activities and become more adult oriented as it becomes later in the evening.
Not all Oktoberfest celebrations will be authentic German festival experiences. Some may simply be an excuse to drink rather than celebrate German heritage. Some may call themselves Oktoberfest but provide local or seasonal beer rather than authentic German Oktoberfest beer. Be sure to consider the type of celebration that you are looking to attend when you pick your Oktoberfest.
Activities offered at each Oktoberfest varies. Some activities that you may find are parades, keg tapping ceremony, beer gardens, Miss Oktoberfest or costume contests, stein holding contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dance, wiener races, keg toss, live German bands and local entertainment, polka dancing and fairground games. Some Oktoberfest events will just have beer and brats.
Please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone to get home safe. Use a designated driver or take public transportation.
Do you run one of the Oktoberfests listed? Feel free to send us additional information and we will add it. We apologize for any errors: send us corrections when you find them!
On Saturday, I stopped at a few beer stores to see if I could find any Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers. After all, the fall seasonal beers start in July. My personal goal is to try as many as possible this Fall. For the website, of course!
At the first beer store, it was summer seasonals everywhere. But I did manage to find beers from five of the six Munich breweries that serve at Oktoberfest. I just couldn’t find Augustiner. So I picked the other five up to try.
The person I spoke to thought that I was a week too early. They will start putting them out next week. My second stop was more productive. At the beer distributor, I did manage to find the Stoudt’s Oktoberfest and Harpoon Octoberfest.
Along the way, I also bought some other bottles that seemed to fit the theme. The St. Pauli Girl, the Zombie Killer Cherry Cyser, the Wychwood Scarecrow Golden Pale Ale and the Wychwood Wychcraft Blonde Ale.
This is all part of my research into Octoberfest beers and pumpkin ales. I’ll be putting together a list of them and doing a bunch of reviews here this Fall. As I started my research, I came across photos of a couple of beers that people were enjoying this month, so I thought I would also share them with you.
The Samuel Adams Octoberfest:
The Onion Pub and Brewery Pumpkin Ale:
I’ll be drinking the beer that I found over the course of the next week and let you know what I think soon. In the meantime, get ready for a party to finish off the rest of the beer! This has to be one of the worst parts of running Funtober.
I’ve spent the past two days updating information about upcoming 
Roast Chicken:
Schnitzel:
Sauerkraut: 
Desserts:
