Hoist a Stein at the Best Oktoberfests in the U.S.

You don’t have to travel to Germany to hoist a pint during Oktoberfest! Originally intended as a folk festival to celebrate a royal marriage, nowadays Oktoberfests are synonymous with beer, food, and general festivities. And here’s the best news: you can celebrate Munich’s epic extravaganza right here in America!

And while your local brewery might host a few festivities, some cities truly transform themselves into a Bavarian brauhaus. So pack your lederhosen and stein glass and head to one of these awesome Oktoberfest celebrations!

  • Cincinnati, OH

    Looking to go big or go home? Then head over to the annual Zinzinnati Oktoberfest, one of the largest in the country—or in the world—with over half a million visitors each year.

    The festival focuses on limited-release beers, including special suds from sponsor Samuel Adams and local craft beers.

    Not a big drinker? Stop by Zinzinnati’s “Gemuetlichkeit (Goodwill) Games” with barrel rolling, stein racing, and wiener dog competitions. And be sure to stop by the stage for live music featuring Germany’s traditional oompah bands.

    Best Oktoberfest in the U.S. for: checking out specialty beers

  • Fredricksburg, TX

    Country music dominates airwaves in the Lone Star State, but maybe not in Fredericksburg. Its German heritage reigns supreme in the city known as “the Polka Capital of Texas.”

    Polka also plays a big role in Fredericksburg’s annual Oktoberfests, which are filled with arts, crafts, and music… and an absolutely epic annual Chicken Dance.

    Wondering what to drink? No worries here; beer remains front and center, with well over 50 varieties served during the festival.

    Best Oktoberfest in the U.S. for: listening to German oompah music

  • Helen, GA

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in an Alpine village? Well, wonder no more.

    Stunning Helen looks like it was transported straight from a Bavarian fairy tale… and it also hosts one of the long-running Oktoberfests in the U.S.

    The traditionally-attired revelers are just as picture-perfect as the town itself, decked out in lederhosen and dirndls and kicking up their heels to authentic German tunes.

    Best Oktoberfest in the U.S. for: taking awesome pics for your followers

  • Leavenworth, WA

    Ready to introduce your kids to the wonders of Bavaria? Then take them over to Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest celebration.

    Set in the snow-topped Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth’s festivities turn the charming village into an old-world Alpine town complete with Bavarian-themed arts, crafts, and local vendors.

    When you’re done browsing the wares and are ready to satisfy your beer craving, you can drop off the little ones at the Kinderplatz (nursery) and have some adult fun.

    Best Oktoberfest in the U.S. for: celebrating with the little ones

  • La Crosse, WI

    “Oktoberfest USA” takes place in Wisconsin, and it’s easy to see why. Roughly 42% of the state’s residents are said to have at least a drop of German blood, and they love to celebrate their heritage!

    Held in La Crosse, this festival is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest (and one of its largest).

    However you might want to celebrate Oktoberfest, you’ll find it here. The annual celebration hosts a variety of events: barrel rolls, grain tosses, polka dancing, stein holding contests, and even the Festmaster’s Ball.

    Best Oktoberfest in the U.S. for: finding something Bavarian for everyone

Ready to tap your toes to oompah music while you lift a stein (or two)? At one of these Oktoberfests, you’ll be able to polka the night away!

And to make the most of your Bavarian celebration, ship your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. We’ll make sure your lederhosen, dirndl, and the rest of your stuff get there so you can travel stress-free and hands-free. Well, except for your stein mug, that is.

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