Best U.S. Cities to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich

Once the season enters autumn, Germany celebrates the holiday with one of the most popular celebrations. Beginning in Munich in 1810, the Oktoberfest is a two-week beer festival, traveling carnival and the world’s largest national festival (or folk festival). While frothy beer mugs, German beer tents, and live music are a highlight of the event, Oktoberfest is also filled with competitions, carnival rides and games, dancing and, of course, some delicious authentic German food.

Now, if you can’t catch your next flight to Munich, don’t be disappointed. There are many cities in the United States, from coast to coast, that are famous for Oktoberfest celebrations. Toast to a drink in a Bavarian alpine village or drive to the nearest festival. Here are the best American cities to enjoy (and stay) during Oktoberfest. Prost!

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Nestled north of the Cascade Mountains and on the banks of the Wenatchee River, Leavenworth is a charming old alpine village. The town is known for its authentic German flair, from architecture and the Nutcracker Museum to seasonal festivals, most notably the Lights of the Christmas Village and one of the largest Oktoberfest in the country. If you come to the latter, you will enjoy the ceremony of tapping kegs, beer gardens, live music and oumpah bands, German food and pastries, as well as traditional Bavarian clothing and souvenirs for sale.

2. Helen, Georgia

Helen is Georgia’s own Bavarian town that winds along the Chatahout River, although this may surprise you on your trip south. Its main street is decorated with Alpine-style architecture, and attractions such as riverside German restaurants and mountain roller coasters and miniature golf are within walking distance. Helen’s Oktoberfest kicks off with a parade in September and features live polka music, a cheerful dance floor, charming downtown shops, and plenty of Hauptstrasse chicken dances. Make sure to fill your beer glass with gnocchi, goulash and sausages. Helen hosts the longest running Oktoberfest in the country, so you know you’re ready to have fun.

3. Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants, making it one of the best cities in the United States to host an authentic Oktoberfest to celebrate German traditions. While the city maintains the vibrancy of German culture year-round, once September heads, the streets host a variety of entertainment, including the Yodel Song Race, Oktoku Festival, steel hoist, Rotary Kraut run, carnival games and children’s activities, as well as a city of locals in leather shorts. If beer isn’t your fan (we won’t tell you), Fredericksburg is also the heart of Texas wine country, with plenty of local vineyards that you can sample while sipping a flan roll.

4. Stowe, VT

Stowe’s famous Trapp Family Inn (the Trapp family in The Sound of Music) sponsors the city’s Oktoberfest, held at the von Trapp Brewery. Although small, the programme is undiminished, with Austrian and German beers, vendor tents, face painting and family activities, toast competitions, live music and delicious food. With Vermont’s vibrant wooded lines changing, there’s no better way to kick off fall and explore winter ski resorts.

5. Bend, OR

A few hours south of Portland, you’ll find Oktoberfest varied, family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures nearby. Bend’s high desert city centre has been transformed into a Oktoberfest venue, with children’s play areas, Weiner dog races, Yodel song races, coloring competitions, games, and delicious German food, beer and wine. Oregon is known for its incredible local beer scene, but there’s no need to choose between German or American beers; Plenty of time to enjoy both.

6. Big Bear, CA

Voted the number one beer festival in California, the Big Bear Beer Festival welcomes approximately 40,000 guests each year. The convention center of this forest ski town offers indoor and outdoor celebrations and is set against the backdrop of live music and an old-world atmosphere. While there is plenty of authentic German food to enjoy here, be sure to leave room for dessert, including pies with warm vanilla sauce. Toast together, admire the autumn leaves, dance to German-American music, and have a great day. If you’re worried about missing out on your Oktoberfest experience, head to Big Bear, where the festivities last longer and end in early November.

7. Tempe, AZ

Known as the “Four Peaks Oktoberfest”, Tempe brings beer, beer and Bavarian music fun to the long weekend. You’ll find the Oktoberfest venue at Tempe Town Lake, home to two live music stages, as well as a Wiener dog race, a 5km race, a kid-eating race and thrilling carnival rides. The event brings as much entertainment for kids as adults, so there will be no shortage of activities. Grab some schnitzel, a cold beer, and a ride on the Ferris wheel.