It doesn’t matter whether you are in New York City or call Upstate New York home. You can find a place to celebrate the 2015 Oktoberfest in New York with the 2.2 million other New Yorkers that share German ancestry. And if you aren’t German, who cares? Check out these celebrations of German heritage for good food and good beer.
2015 Events
Great Syracuse Oktoberfest – Syracuse, New York – August 16-17, 2014
The 54th year for this Central New York Oktoberfest. German food, entertainment and tents from the German American Society of Central New York. Magic show and balloons for children. Free admission and parking. Location: Long Branch Park, Liverpool, NY
Cheektowaga German Heritage Festival – Cheektowaga, NY – Aug 30-31, 2014
A two day festival to celebrate German culture. Live music by Bergholz Blaskapelle, The Ausländers, The German-American Musicians and The Frankfurters. They will sell German food and beer. Kinder Park Family Fun area for children to enjoy and shopping in the Vendor Marketplatz. Sponsored by the Federation of German-American Societies.
Spring Garden Schlachtfest – East Aurora, NY – September 7, 2014
Spring Garden Park hosts this celebration of the beginning of fall. Enjoy a Pork Roast dinner, traditional blood and liver sausage, more from the grill and German beers on tap. Music by The Ausländers. Cost is $6.00 per person.
Oktoberfest NY – Irondequoit, NY – September 12-13 and September 18-20, 2014
Their annual Oktoberfest party celebrates 26 years at Camp Eastman along Lake Ontario with two weekends of live music and special children’s activities. Tickets are $8. Children under six are free when accompanied by adult. Location: Camp Eastman, 1558 Lake Shore Blvd., Irondequoit, NY
Hamburg Oktoberfest – Hamburg, NY – September 13, 2014
German beer, wine and food along with live German music, dancing and the German car show. Music by the German American Musicians. Location: Lake Street, Hamburg, NY 14075
Bear Mountain Oktoberfest – Bear Mountain, NY – September 13 – October 26, 2014
The popular Bear Mountain Oktoberfest returns in 2014 every Saturday & Sunday from September 13th to October 26th, 2014 plus Columbus Day. Live entertainment, German food and beer for those looking for a day trip out of New York City. Free admission but $8 parking per vehicle. Location: 55 Hessian Drive Bear Mountain, New York 10911
Club Lorelei Oktoberfest Hamburg, NY – September 14, 2014
Music by the Auslanders.
Hague Oktoberfest – Hague, NY – September 19-21, 2014
Friday Night Family Tent Dance offers live music, beer tent and festival food. $2 admission or $5 for the whole family. Saturday is Oktoberfest with seasonal beer from Adirondack Brewery, live music from Fritz’s Polka Band, kids activities, German food, keg toss & Miss Oktoberfest relay. Location: Hague Town Park
Steuben Parade – NY, NY – September 20, 2014
The German-American Steuben Parade of New York marches with German-American groups from around the country. Greeting ceremony on Friday. Parade starts at noon and goes from 68th street to 86th Street. The Oktoberfest in Central Park follows the parade. Location: Central Park, New York, NY
Village of Williamsville Oktoberfest – Williamsville, NY – September 26-28, 2014
Mountain Brauhaus Oktoberfest – Round Top, NY – September 27, 2014
Want to go to Oktoberfest without the expense of a flight to Europe? Well you’re in luck, The Mountain Brauhaus in Round Top, NY offers a one of a kind authentic German/Austrian experience right here in the United States. Oktoberfest at The Mountain Brauhaus includes music by one of the finest German bands, authentic Schuhplatter dancing by The Mountain Brauhaus Schuhplatter Verein, German food, free flowing German beer and wines. Celebrate while fun among friends; and don’t forget the great Oktoberfest atmosphere and promotional items for our lucky patrons. This authentic Bavarian Beer Hall will have a German band, the Mountain Brauhaus Schuhplatter Verein, German food, beer and wine for the Crystal Brook Resort Oktoberfest. Location: 430 Winter Clove Rd, Round Top, NY 12473
Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest – Hunter, NY – Saturday and Sunday from September 27 to October 19, 2014
Four weekends of Oktoberfest fun with German-American music and local bands. Location: 64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY 12442
NYC Oktoberfest Street Festival on Lexington Avenue – NY, NY – September 28, 2014
Aviator Oktoberfest Beer & Swine – Brooklyn, NY – October 4, 2014.
This second annual event is hosted at the Aviator Sports & Event Center. Aviator Sports is well know for its two NHL size ice rinks, public skating, hockey, figure skating and training along with a great place to have a birthday party. The Oktoberfest event runs from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It features music, games, and of course great beers. European beer giant Paulaner is the host sponsor. Other beers available include Franzianer-Hefeweizen, Tucher-Hefeweizan, Carsberg German Pilsner, St. Paulie Girl, Spaten Dunkel dark, Spaten Oktoberfest, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest. The games include flip cup, Bocce, beer pong and an organized Cornhole double elimination tournament with cash prizes. Cornhole goes by many names but is basically an organized team bean bag toss. Save money and get your tickets in advance for $35 or $45 at the door. Parking is free at Aviator Sports or take their shuttle from Brooklyn College. Location: Floyd Bennet Field, 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
Whiteface Oktoberfest – Wilmington, NY – October 4-5, 2014
Head into the Adirondacks for a weekend of celebrating all things German at Whiteface Mountain. Authentic German music, dancing, beer and food along with crafts and complimentary rides for kids and adults. Discounted gondola trips to the summit of Little Whiteface for a view of the fall foliage in the Adirondacks. Enjoy music from (dSb) die Schlauberger, America’s number one German band, SPITZE! (a German-American Alpine Show Band, Schachtelgebirger Musikanten (performing in the Cloudspin Lounge), The Alpen Trio (blowing their alphorns from Tyrolean culture) and dance group The Alpenland Taenzer. Admission is $10-16 without gondola ride and $24 to $30 with trip. Location: 2634 Main St. Lake Placid, NY 12946
Knights of Columbus Schuhplatter Oktoberfest – Cheektowaga – October 11, 2014
Live Music by The Auslanders. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Location: 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY
Reichenbach Hall – Sept 16 – End of October
A German beer hall in Midtown that kicks off festivities on Tuesday, September 16th with the tapping of the Ceremonial Oktoberfest Keg and the opening party does not stop until this keg taps out. It will continue every night through the end of October highlighting live shows by Grammy nominated Alex Meixner on October 8th, October 14th, and October 15th. Also come see the float in the Steuben Day Parade on September 20th then join them for the parade after party with live shows by Bavarski and Johnny Koenig. Don’t forget to like their Facebook page for updates.
Location: 5 West 37th St. New York, NY 10018
Six Flags The Great Escape – Lake George
Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Great Escape from 1-4 PM on September 20-21 and 27-28 with German music, dancing, fall beers and festive foods. There will be acoustic performances at the Alpine Fest Haus and two headlining bands at the main stage by SkyCoaster. Admission is $21.50 or free with season pass.
Brothers of Mercy Oktoberfest – Clarence – September 19, 2014
5K Nature Run & Walk is a fundraiser to support the Brothers of Mercy mission. There is also beer, food, dancing and musical entertainment by the Auslanders between 5:30 PM and 10 PM. Cost is between $10 and $25.
Location: Ransom & Bertold Rd, Clarence, NY
King Neptunes – Lake George – October 11, 2014
Beer, food and music starts at 2 PM and goes until 10 PM. and Rusted Root the Pa. national band will headline the event. Lake George Village is having their Oktoberfest at the same time on Friday Saturday and Sunday.
Location: King Neptunes Pub, 1 Kurosaka Lane, Lake George NY 12845
Zum Schneider Oktoberfest – NY, NY – September 27 – October 12, 2014
This Bavarian indoor biergarten will hold their 14th New York City Oktoberfest in the East Village starting September 27th at 11:00 am when the first keg is tapped. 12 imported German beers on tap including 3 Oktoberfest specials. Wiesn Hendl, giant pretzels and gingerbread hearts. Live music by Mosl Franzi and the Ja Ja Ja’s, and DJ Volka Racho on stage. Free admission.
Location: 107 Avenue C, NYC, NY 10009
Falls Street Oktoberfest – Niagara Falls, NY -October 4, 2014
Celebrate at the 5th annual Niagara Falls Oktoberfest on Old Falls Street. Authentic German food, beer and wine along with beer tent, street vendors, live music, German dancers and keg tapping. Family fun zone offers arts & crafts, petting zoo and bounce house for kids. Music by Bergholoz German Band and Edelweiss Dancers. Free admission. Hours are from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Location: Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY
Baldwinsville Oktoberfest – Baldwinsville, NY – September 12-13, 2014
Oktoberfest with German food, live music and dancing Friday evening from 4 to 11 pm and Saturday from noon to 11 PM. 5K family run/walk on Saturday afternoon at 5 PM. Admission: Adults are $3, children 6-12 years old are $2. There will also be a pushball tournament.
Location: Baldwin Canal Square
Most Holy Rosary Oktoberfest – Maine, NY – October 3-5, 2014
Food, live music, casino tent and children’s games.
Location: 2596 Main St., Maine N.Y.
Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest – Lake George, NY – October 18, 2014
9th annual Oktoberfest with Authentic German food, live German music, games, and micro-brew tasting samples from 12 regional breweries from 1-5 PM. Oktoberfest costumes welcome! Music is by Fritz Polka Band. All inclusive tickets are $30 in advance. 100% of proceeds are donated to Family Service Association of Glen Falls.
Location: 33 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845
Lake George Oktoberfest & Fall Festival – Lake George, NY – October 11-12, 2014
4th annual Oktoberfest features German biers, food & music, arts & crafts, kids fun activities, and fireworks. Enjoy the fun on Canada Street beginning Friday at 5:00 pm.
Oktobeerfest NY – Malta, NY – September 27, 2014
More than 20 different German and seasonal craft beers with food, live music and fall foliage from 1-7:30 PM. Contests, games and more fun will also be present. General admission tickets are $10.
Location: Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Ukranian American Civic Center Oktoberfest – Buffalo, NY – September 27, 2014
This Buffalo Oktoberfest will have bratwurst dinners, German & Slavic beer, and live music. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. The information is on their Facebook page. Event runs from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Location: 205 Military Rd, Buffalo, NY 14207
Brooktoberfest - Saratoga County, NY – October 18, 2014
Local food, silent auction and family fun under the big tents at Brookside Museum with the Saratoga County Historical Society. Event runs from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Location: 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Oktoberfest Block Party – Albany, NY - September 27, 2014
Wolff’s Biergarten is holding an annual Oktoberfest with beer, food, live music, costumes, contests, wiener dog races and other activities.
Location: North Broadway, Albany NY
Springville Oktoberfest – Springville, NY – September 27, 2014
The 9th Annual Oktoberfest will run from 2-11 PM with live music, German food, European car show, hot dog eating contest, best apfel dessert contest and Best German Dress contest.
Location: Springville Firemen’s Park on Waverly Street
Past Events
Bierhaus Oktoberfest – NY, NY – September 21 – October 31, 2013
Live music Tuesday through Saturday as the Bierhaus NYC celebrates Oktoberfest.
Location: 712 3rd Ave, at 45th Street, New York, NY 10017
Buffalo Central Terminal MINI-fest – September 28, 2013
There is no formal Oktoberfest at Central Terminal this year but they are doing a mini-fest on September 28th and I believe there will be German entertainment for some portion of it.
Saint Boniface Oktoberfest – Sea Cliff, NY – October 5, 2013
German food, beer, live German band and Bavarian dancers. Traditional beer garden style with long tables and open seating. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children under 12.
Blaue Gans – Tribeca, NYC – September 20 – October 5, 2013
Kurt Gutenbrunner’s restaurant serving Austro-German food in the heart of Tribeca is celebrating Oktoberfest with a special menu and Friday happy hours from September 20th to October 5th.
Location: 139 Duane St New York, NY 10013
Town Dock Tavern – Rye, NY
They have a special German menu and German beer for Oktoberfest. We’re not sure when this promotion ends so be sure to check with them!
Das Best Oktoberfest – New York, NY
They never updated their website for NYC in 2013, but they did hold the events in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. We’ll have to see if they are back for 2014.
A Room To Heal Oktoberfest fundraiser – Vestal, NY
They have held an Oktoberfest fundraiser for the past two years but there is currently no information about it in 2013 on their website (as of 9/10/2013)
Location: Traditions at the Glen Resort, 4101 Watson Blvd Johnson City NY 13790
Some of these Oktoberfest parties might be smaller than in Munich. 
Try this list of the largest Oktoberfests in the United States for the most popular and attended celebrations of German heritage. You should also check the lists of nearby states that also celebrate Oktoberfest: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
Whether you have found a festival to enjoy or you will be celebrating from home, Funtober has some other resources that will help you prepare for Oktoberfest. Read about the history of Oktoberfest. Learn about Oktoberfest beer. Find the words to Oktoberfest music. Plan your Oktoberfest outfit. And try cooking some of these Oktoberfest recipes.
Find other fun things to do in New York in October:
New York Festivals
New York Corn Mazes
New York Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses in New York
New York Pumpkin Patches
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