Can't make it to Munich? Fear not-fascination with this famed German festival has led Americans to organize some beer-soaked festivities of our very own. Here are our top 10 Oktoberfests from around the nation-prost!
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Oktoberfest Zinzinnatiu2014Cincinnati, OH
Since 1976, the Queen City has been celebrating all things German with this epic celebration. Some world records set by this festival include the world's largest chicken dance and the world's largest kazoo band. With live German music, plenty of beer and a wiener dog race, this festival is a definite winner in our book.
Oktoberfest by the Bay
Oktoberfest by the Bayu2014San Francisco, CA
While you wouldn't typically associate this sunny ocean city with polka and lederhosen, this festival by the bay is an experience all on its own. The 21 member Chico Bavarian band, with authentic brass instruments, is a main musical feature. This is perfect for celebrating the festivities of Oktoberfest, minus the cold weather!
Wurstfest
Wurstfestu2014New Braunfels, TX
This annual 10-day Bavarian festival is nothing short of spectacular. German culture meets hometown America-traditional carnival rides are right next to tents of German beer and food. There's an annual dance competition as well as a craft fair, making this a perfect family-friendly event.
New Ulm Oktoberfest
New Ulm Oktoberfestu2014New Ulm, MN
It's one festival with four ways to celebrate! The New Ulm Oktoberfest takes place during the first weekends of October, and includes a local brewery, a Glockenspiel Clock Tower with depictions of the city, a dance room for live music and German vendors on the streets of downtown. It's hard to miss the German-infused festivities if you're in town!
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Oktoberfestu2014Mt. Angel, OR
What started out as a harvest festival has become the largest festival in the Northwest! Mt. Angel was settled by German pioneers in the 1800s, and its residents honor that heritage in three day's worth of fun, food and festivities. With four different beer gardens, it's a perfect way to sip on a German brew while enjoying the quaint sights of this little town.
Denver Oktoberfest
Denver Oktoberfestu2014Denver, CO
Over 250,000 people make their way to Denver's Historic Ballpark Neighborhood for this two-weekend event. Notable events include a stein hoisting, keg bowling national championship, beer-soaked 5K, and bratwurst eating contest.
Hofbru00e4uhaus
Hofbru00e4uhausu2014Las Vegas, NV
Anything hosted in Las Vegas has got to be big, and Sin City's take on Oktoberfest is no exception. A full-sized reproduction of a traditional German beer hall is the main stage for this event, which is kicked off with a celebrity keg tapping. Don't be surprised to see your favorite Vegas stars decked out in Bavarian attire as they dance the night away.
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfestu2014Chicago, IL
Head to the Windy City for a smorgasbord of festivals, the most notable of which is St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest. The event takes place around its historic namesake church and features handmade bratwurst, live music, and a Kinderfest for the little ones. Craft beer night is a favorite for the beer-savvy attendee.
Linde Oktoberfest
Linde Oktoberfestu2014Tulsa, OK
Named a top German food festival by Bon Apetit, this is one of the largest German celebrations in the United States. Expect classics like polka dancing and a Bavarian marketplace as well as some less-traditional activities like a beer pong tournament and keg race. Whatever your fancy, it's sure to be great fun.
Lacrosse-Oktoberfest
Lacrosse-Oktoberfestu2014Lacrosse, WI
This city is home to one of the largest German-American populations in the U.S., so it's no surprise that this festival is one of America's best. The Old-World festivities include live music, a parade, craft beer, and a Festmaster Ball.
