Known for bringing in the fall with bratwurst, dancing, and plenty of brews, Oktoberfest is a treasured, annual German festival.
Interestingly enough, Oktoberfest is actually celebrated in Germany beginning mid to late September, but because the festivities are just too fun, tons of events will carry through the month of October in the city. Here are 12 exciting Oktoberfest celebrations happening this year in NYC:
1. Celebrate Oktoberfest on the Pier at Watermark Bar
From authentic German beers to giant pretzels, enjoy all of the wonderful things about Oktoberfest on the waterfront in NYC. Watermark Bar has not only decked out the Pier in Oktoberfest decorations, but their location offers unmatched views of both the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges along with the Brooklyn skyline. Learn more here.
When: Friday, September 2 – Monday, October 31
Where: 78 South St. Pier 15
2. Hop aboard a cruise to Bear Mountain with German-themed food and drink specials
New York City’s most iconic sightseeing cruiseline Circle Line is kicking off the fall season just in time for Oktoberfest, complete with Oktoberfest-themed food and drink specials, live music, and unbeatable views of fall foliage as guests cruise up the Hudson River. Guests will pass by dozens of Insta-worthy sites like the 800-foot-tall Hook Mountain, Hudson River Palisades, the Cloisters, and more. To learn more and book your ride, click here.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from September 17 – November 13
Where: 12th Ave. & W 42nd St., Pier 83
3. Partake in tons of fun and chow down on tasty German dishes at Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall is hosting an epic month-long Oktoberfest experience. Enjoy over-the-top German-inspired dishes and tons of drink specials. Taking place at each of Clinton Hall’s locations, you won’t want to miss out on all of the excitement!
When: Saturday, September 17 – Monday, October 17
Where: Multiple locations
4. Taste unlimited beer samples at this Long Island Craft Beer Fest
Try over 150 samples of craft beer featuring tons of New York breweries. Grab all your friends and experience a traditional German celebration of beer paired with live music and interactive games for a full day of fun! Delicious food will be available for purchase, and you’ll even get to take home a souvenir 5 ounce tasting glass. Purchase your tickets here.
When: Saturday, October 1
Where: 152 The Arches Circle, Tanger Outlets Deer Park
5. Grab a stein and enjoy all-you-can-drink beer at Torch and Crown Brewery
Head to Torch and Crown Brewery for all the Oktoberfest fun. Your ticket gets you all-you-can-drink beer for three hours featuring fresh Oktoberfest Lager. Steins of beer, a special Oktoberfest menu, great music, and drinking games will all be happening. Grab your crew and choose from either the 12p.m. – 3p.m. session or the 4p.m. – 7p.m. Grab your tickets here.
When: Saturday, September 24
Where: 12 Vandam St.
6. Enjoy an Oktoberfest-themed cruise with Manhattan by Sail
After nine years, Manhattan by Sail has returned to Pier 17 at the Seaport, once again connecting New Yorkers to the waterfront. The sail company launched its newly renovated sailboat – the Clipper City Tall Ship – offering daily specialty sails and private charters. Manhattan by Sail is offering a variety of daily sails, including themed rides during Oktoberfest. To purchase tickets head here.
When: Multiple dates
Where: 89 South St., Pier 17
7. Take part in a series of massive Oktoberfest parties at Black Forest Brooklyn
Black Forest Brooklyn is hosting a series of massive Oktoberfest parties this year at both of their locations. Each Oktoberfest party will feature authentic decorations, a live German oompah band, beer and food specials, a stein holding competition, and a costume contest with prizes, so grab your finest pair of Lederhosen, gather your friends, and enjoy the celebrations! Learn more and grab tickets here.
When: Multiple dates
Where: Fort Greene – 733 Fulton St. / Boerum Hill – 181 Smith St.
8. Chow down on classic Schnitzel and dozens of German beers at Radegast Hall and Biergarten
Though not all details are released yet for this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations, last year’s celebrations included classic Schnitzel, dozens of beers, and of course the ever popular stein holding contest. This year’s celebrations will begin in September, and it’s a celebration you definitely won’t want to miss out on!
When: September
Where: 113 North 3rd St.
9. Attend the Zum Schneider festival
After a 3 year drought, Zum Schneider is back at it, ready to quench your thirst for the greatest festival in the world. This year they’re opening the doors to their beautiful Oktoberfest tent complete with the most authentic setting, atmosphere, music, fair and beer. Munch on tasty bratwurst, giant pretzels, and more (even vegetarian options!), and sing and dance to fun music and entertainment. Click here to learn more and grab tickets.
When: Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 9
Where: 260 Meserole St.
10. Enjoy the 200+ year Oktoberfest tradition at Central Park
Head to Rumsey Field, Summerstage, in Central Park for the German American Oktoberfest and join in on a celebration of friendship, music, food and drink. Enjoy pitchers of delicious German brews such as Hofbräu and Erdinger, and cheers to lively sets from amazing live bands.
When: Saturday, September 17
Where: E 71st St., Rumsey Field in Central Park
11. Celebrate with boots, steins, and pumpkin kegs at Loreley Beer Garden
Loreley Beer Garden is celebrating Oktoberfest with free beer keg tappings and pig roasts tastings on weekends, lederhosen and dirndls, plus pretzel, sausage and beer specials every day! Starting 9/22, it’s their return of all things pumpkin with pumpkin beer and pumpkin spice cocktails and cold brew. You can also enjoy a selection of German and craft beers and delicious, beer-friendly dishes like giant pretzels with warm beer cheese, schnitzels, cheesy spaetzle, and more.
When: Thursday, September 15 – Sunday, October 16
Where: 7 Rivington St.
12. Indulge in German pretzels and beer in a German stein at Edge
Grab your Lederhosen! On September 16 and 17, Edge will be hosting Oktoberfest celebrations complete with an oompah band (6-9p.m. on the 16th, and 1-4p.m. & 6-9p.m. on the 17th), traditional German pretzels, beer in German steins, and picnic style tables and décor! Enjoy all the fun of Oktoberfest activities while getting gorgeous views of NYC. This is a public activation, and complimentary for all Edge ticket holders.