If you find yourself yodeling in your sleep, it might be the exciting number of ensuing German-style festivals coming up to celebrate the autumn. With a number of classic Oktoberfests spread across the country, it’s only fair that everybody be aware of the best around and forewarned of which neighborhoods to co
ver your children’s eyes.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Cincinnati, OH) September 19-21
The king of American Oktoberfests is also the world’s second largest celebration next to Munich’s. Cincinnati has been hosting their German festival Zinzinnati since 1976, drawing nearly half a million people each year over the course of a weekend. The festival rocks seven stages of live music, the Running of the Wieners, a brat-eating contest and plenty of strange beer drinking challenges.
Oktoberfest by the Bay (San Francisco, CA) September 19-21
Home of more than a dozen German clubs, San Francisco is surprisingly a very qualified host for a good yodel. Jetting out at Pier 48, the party actually takes place by the bay (and it’s a pretty name for a gala) where large amounts of quality Bavarian dishes and festive local bands will transform the already-colorful city into a German spectacular.
Fremont Oktoberfest (Seattle, WA) September 19-21
With more than 80 microbrews and German beers to choose from and liter boots to drink them from (yes, you read that right: 80) at the Tasting Garden, Seattle hosts a pretty decent Oktoberfest. Drinks and games hosted by Buxom beer, gentlemen can get excited about ditching the family for the Miss Buxom (that played out nicely) contest before watching the Seahawks hit the Broncos. Then he gets to make it up to the family by waking up hungover and running it off at the annual Fremont 5K and then family day where kids and animals are welcome (is there really a difference between the two?).
The German-American Steuben Parade (New York City, NY) September 20
The biggest beer fest of the year lands in Central Park for the Big Apple’s version of Oktoberfest. With bands (clearly German) like Spitze! and Die Schlauberger strolling into town, along with the U.S. Championship in Masskrugstemmen-a Hofbräu beer Olympics of sorts-and special guest Melina performing, this big city housing a tight-knit festival vibe will go off without a hitch. Let’s just hope Melina doesn’t sing “I Love German Boys” too many times.
Oktoberfest Chicago (Chicago, IL) September 26-28
Everything is better when you get it Chicago style, so why would Oktoberfest be any different? With pretzel necklaces, consecutive days of craft beer and enough German pride to choke a yodeler, Chicago will fill south Lakeview with good times. Hosted by St. Alphonsus, the Trippin’ Billies and plenty of other live talent are set to appear in amongst all the beer, brats and busty German ladies. And although they may not color the river like they do on St. Patty’s Day, if enough people vomit it might turn a different shade.
Denver Oktoberfest (Denver, CO) September 19-21, 26-28
A close second in size to Cincinnati’s festivities is Denver’s celebration since 1969, only the Rocky Mountains are hosting back-to-back weekends, expecting nearly 350 thousand woodsy beer lovers. Festival goers will enjoy some classic games of Keg Bowling and a Long Dog Derby, nothing too out of the ordinary for the Bavarian-loving types, in the Rocky’s 45th annual German get-down.
Harpoon Octoberfest (Boston, MA) October 3 & 4
The city that always drinks is having its annual Harpoon-hosted extravaganza, throwing open the gates of their Boston brewery and letting the crazy Boston drunks inhibit since that fateful day back in 1990. Celebrate the brewery’s 25th anniversary where there’s sure to be drinks, music and plenty of angry Bostonians trying to behave themselves.
Acadia’s Oktoberfest (Southwest Harbor, ME) October 10 &11
New England’s small town vibe falls into the Acadia Oktoberfest as folks gather for the usual beer and stein-holding contests. Broken up into two separate the days, the festival hosts its fifth annual wine and cheese tasting on the 10th and finish strong with an all-afternoon beer festival the next day. Expect keg tosses at both, whether they like it or not.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest (San Diego, CA) October 10 & 11
The Miss Oktoberfest competition alone should be reason enough to go, but the OB’s Oktoberfest is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, which means pulling out all the stops. We’re not sure what that means, but there’s a Miss Oktoberfest competition dammit! Activities include the annual Brat Trot beach run, bratwurst-eating competition and the Sausage Toss with more than $10 thousand in prizes to be received. Also, there’s a Miss Oktoberfest competition.
Big Bear Oktoberfest (Big Bear Lake, CA) September 13 through October 25
The six-week celebration is already underway with lots of emphasis on live German music and good food. With staple bands returning and two new bands straight from Germany performing throughout the next couple months, Big Bear is more than just a vacation spot now. Serving up five-course authentic German meals the entire length of the Oktoberfest and closing the festival with a huge Halloween Spooktacular, Big Bear’s 44th annual party on the lake is looking mighty tasty.
