Oktoberfest events are held worldwide to celebrate the biggest festival in Germany that draws over six million visitors annually. The U.S. is no exception with many cities holding events ranging from a day event to weeks-long celebrations. If you love celebrating Oktoberfest but can’t make the journey to Germany, then check out these events across the U.S. that will help you dance the polka, hoist a stein, and participate in Bavarian-style festivities.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati - Cincinnati, OH
September 14 – 17, 2023
We are kicking it off with the largest Oktoberfest event in the U.S. which draws over 500,000 visitors annually. This year it will be a 4-day festival rather than the usual 3-day event, which allows for more entertainment and activities. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati kicks off with the tapping of the keg and the ‘Running of the Wieners’ - a mad dash of more than 100 dachshunds dressed like hot dogs that are set free to race for bragging rights (and hopefully a treat).
Train your wiener dog and get ready for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Denver Oktoberfest - Denver, CO
Weekends of:
September 22 – 24, 2023
September 29 – October 1, 2023
With the Rocky Mountains serving as its beautiful backdrop, it’s no wonder the Denver Oktoberfest is the second largest Oktoberfest event in the U.S. The two-weekend event began in 1969 and in 2022 had over 40,000 attendees. Along with a plethora of Bavarian foods, there are activities such as Keg bowling, stein hoisting, live music, and a long dog derby to enjoy.
Grab your lederhosen and check out the Denver Oktoberfest
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest - Frankenmuth, Michigan
September 14 – 17, 2023
Frankenmuth is known as the ‘Little Bavaria’ of Michigan due to its traditional Bavarian architecture which makes it the perfect place to host an Oktoberfest celebration. It was also the first Oktoberfest in the U.S. to receive a blessing from Munich’s original Oktoberfest. During the 4-day event in mid-September, attendees can enjoy polka dancing, authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer, souvenirs, and delicious food.
Practice your polka and learn more about Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest - Big Lake, California
Weekends Starting September 9 – November 5, 2023
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest in southern California runs for nine consecutive weekends from September to November. So, if you are a devoted Oktoberfest superfan, you could attend all nine weekends, recuperate during the week, and never miss a moment! These weekends are filled with fun contests including beer drinking (with non-alcoholic to be safe), log sawing, stein holding (even a kiddy mug holding contest), dancing and German American bands performing for all ages.
Flex your stein-holding arm and head to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Trapp Family Oktoberfest – Stowe, Vermont
September 16, 2023
The Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the Von Trapp family for over 70 years, will be alive with Oktoberfest music for a one-day event held in mid-September. The day is split up into sessions lasting more than two hours, and the admission fee provides one free beer, a souvenir mug, an appetizer, and entrée plus live entertainment.
Head to New England for the Trapp Family Oktoberfest
Helen Oktoberfest- Helen, Georgia
Every Thursday through Sunday from September 7 – October 24, 2023
Nightly from September 28 – October 29, 2023
Make your way to Helen, Georgia – a town which was created to look like a Bavarian alpine village - to attend the longest running Oktoberfest in the U.S. Running from early September through late October, the Helen Oktoberfest begins with a parade which brings the parade goers to the Helen Festhalle where the tapping of the first keg is held in the Fussen Biergarten. The food is plentiful, and the fun is for all ages!
Dust off your dirndl and check out the Helen Oktoberfest
We hope this inspires you to attend one of these Oktoberfest events or check around your local area to see where the closest one may be! Have you attended an Oktoberfest event in the U.S.? Let us know at WinniWanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day!
By Staff Contributor
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