18 Best Oktoberfest Celebrations in America
Updated: Mar. 16, 2022Can't make it to Munich? Strap on your lederhosen and head to one of America's best Oktoberfest bashes around the country.
Alpine Village, Torrance, California
One of the oldest and largest Oktoberfests in the United States and the oldest in the Los Angeles-area, Alpine Village will be celebrated October 4 through 27. In honor of the 51st anniversary of the event, this year’s theme is Throwback Oktoberfest and the celebration will be held in the restaurant (versus a tent) like it was back in the day to resemble a traditional German bier hall. The Haderlumpen band, direct from Germany, will perform, while German imported beer and German cuisine will be available for purchase.
America’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Dating back to 1976, “Zinzinnati” has become one of America’s largest beer festivals, with more than half a million attendees each year. This year’s big event takes place September 20 through 22. The annual kickoff to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is also one of the most adorable events, with hundreds of mini dachshunds dressed in hot dog buns racing one another.
Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest, Las Vegas
Las Vegas needs no introduction, so you can bet an Oktoberfest bash in Sin City is well worth a visit. Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas kicks off Oktoberfest September 13 through October 31. Guests can enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest experience including live entertainment, celebrity keg tapping, stein holding competitions, and more!
Wurstfest, New Braunfels, Texas
The town of New Braunfels, near San Antonio, was originally settled by Germans in 1845, so it makes sense the town celebrates Oktoberfest each year. Known as Wurstfest, the ten-day celebration, which takes place November 1 through 10 in Landa Park, kicks off with a ceremonial biting of the sausage. The festival now includes a carnival, a Bavarian marketplace, food trucks, craft beer garden, and more.
Oktoberfest by the Bay, San Francisco, California
Dubbed “Best Oktoberfest in the West,” San Francisco’s version of the iconic German festival takes place September 20 through 22 on Pier 35. Along with delicious German food and drink, traditional Bavarian dancers perform throughout the event, while the 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band will headline this year’s stage. There’s also cutting of the logs, dancing, and other German traditions. On the last day of the Oktoberfest by the Bay festival, the United German American Society hosts a parade which culminates when the German Consul taps the official keg.
Denver Oktoberfest, Denver, Colorado
Celebrating 50 years this September, the Denver Oktoberfest takes place September 20 through 22 and 27 through 29. The six-day Larimer Street festival attracts over 250,000 people and is overflowing with craft beer, live music from contemporary artists as well as authentic German bands. Other exciting events include an epic game of keg bowling, stein-hoisting competitions, a ceremonial keg tapping, and a silent disco.
Das Beste Oktoberfest, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Now in its 59th year, Das Beste is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the midwest. Taking place September 26 through 29 this year, the festival is brimming with fun, including the Maple Leaf Parade and Torchlight Parade, cornhole tournaments, a craft beer night, and more.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest, Leaventworth, Washington
This year-round Bavarian village takes Oktoberfest seriously and is as enchanting as these fairytale-like towns around the world. Spanning the course of three weekends, Leavenworth Oktoberfest takes places October 4 and 5, October 11 and 12 and October 19 this year. The festival features four venues each with live entertainment, food, and, of course, beer. Foodies will love the endless array of BBQ ribs, turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, German-style cake, and more.
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg, Texas
Take a break from traditional Texan cuisine and culture and do as the Germans do in the town of Fredericksburg. The festival will take over the “Polka Dance Capital of Texas” October 4 through 6 this year. Expect a traditional Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, and the “OkTubaFest” live tuba performance. There’s even a 42 tournament, a domino game invented in Texas.
Linde Oktoberfest, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Taking place October 17 through 20, this Tulsa festival is now entering its 41st year of German fun, though it will now be held at new River West Festival Park. The Oktoberfest will fill you up with bratwurst, German beers, Bavarian cheesecake, polka dancing, dachshund races, tug of war, and even a MassKrug Carry competition, in which competitors try to carry around 35 pounds of beer across an obstacle course without spilling a drop.