Summer is officially over, but that doesn’t mean the party stops. As many beer lovers know, the month of October signifies a celebration of everything German related, especially the brews. It’s history, it’s culture, and yes, it’s all about beer. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810 as a celebration of a royal marriage, and the original party was such a success that the Bavarians decided to do it again and again. However, the good news is that you don’t need to travel all the way to Munich to experience this party. All over the U.S., Oktoberfest celebrations are being held, and many are family-oriented. Here are some you can still catch this year.
Oktoberfest in Torrance, California
Alpine Village in Torrance is the home of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California. This year, it runs every weekend from September 12 to October 26. The schedule is from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. There is plenty of Oom Pah, from traditional songs from the Fatherland to more modern Oktoberfest classics. The Chicken Dance will commence every hour on the hour, followed by contests, such as the Das Boot contest. Since costumes are highly encouraged, visitors will get the chance to dress in their best Bavarian attire. General admission tickets cost $20 on Fridays and Saturdays and $5 on Sundays.
Harpoon Octoberfest in Boston, Massachusetts
On October 3 and 4, Harpoon Brewery in Boston is having its 25th annual Harpoon Octoberfest. Join them for a weekend celebration of beer, music, and the New England fall. A local guest restaurant will be selling German food, such as bratwursts and German chocolate cake. There will be three stages of music featuring New England’s premier German Oompah bands, and plenty of dancing. Harpoon boasts that it has the best Chicken Dancing on its side of the Alps. The cover charge is just $20 at the door.
International Oktoberfest in Newport, Rhode Island
To celebrate bubbly German brews, Rhode Island is having its International Oktoberfest right on the Newport waterfront on October 11 and 12. This year, there will be two Biergartens and an expanded outdoor patio space to enjoy the festivities. Saturday is usually more congested with more of a beer fest college vibe, and Sunday is usually less congested and more suitable for families. One-day tickets range from $17 to $20, and the two-day weekend pass is between $30 and $40.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest in San Diego, California
Enjoy a beer by the beach at San Diego’s 10th Ocean Beach Oktoberfest on October 10 and 11. Friday’s festivities are from 4:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday festivities take place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be food and craft vendors at the All-Ages stage and live music to enjoy. This year’s festivities start with the Annual Brat Trot Beach Run, a fundraiser to support local youth sports. Then, there are the Bratwurst-Eating, Stein-Holding, and other traditional Oktoberfest Contests. Visitors can also participate and vote for Miss Oktoberfest. Admission to the beer garden is a $3 donation that goes to the local community, and on Friday night, there are special German Beer Tasting tickets for $20.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a charming town in Washington that is modeled after a Bavarian village. For three whole weekends, Leavenworth holds one of the longest running Oktoberfests in the country. The dates for 2014 are October 3 to 4, 10 to 11, and 17 to 18. There are four venues with live entertainment and shuttles that provide safe transportation for festival goers. Each Saturday, Leavenworth’s mayor starts the festival with a Bavarian tradition, the Keg Tapping Ceremony, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Friday and $20 for Saturday.
LA Oktoberfest in Los Angeles, California
LA’s Oktoberfest will be held at the Beverly Hills Country Club on October 4 and 5. Entertainment includes DJ & AMP Radio from 97.1FM, Bavarian dancers, a silent auction, a Stein Holding Contest, and a Fantastic Fig Magician Extraordinaire. General admission is $35 a person and includes one one-liter glass stein and one beer. Additional refills are $5.
For more fun things you can do this fall, check out:
- Celebrate Harvest Season With Fall Festivals
- The Best Places to See Fall Foliage Around the Country
- Apps & Websites to Help You Track Fall Foliage
By Jessica May Tang for PeterGreenberg.com
