Raise a stein and say ‘Prost!’ to German food and drinks this September and October.
Contrary to its moniker, Oktoberfest—the annual autumnal celebration anchored in Munich, Germany, with satellite festivities all over the globe—kicks off in September. Lucky for you, New York City hosts some of the best boozy, musical sausage fests in the world. This year’s events include weeks-long waterside parties, brewery bashes and even lobster-fueled feasts—all with plenty of German (and local!) beer to start your fall eating and drinking plans out right.
Here's where to keep the party going all season long.
Both of Black Forest’s Brooklyn locations are hosting Oktoberfest fêtes on on weekends through October 25.
Head to the backyard in Cobble Hill or the sidewalk seats in Fort Greene for beer, oompah bands, costume contests, food and feats of strength. The kick-off parties on Saturday, September 20 will also feature a traditional keg tapping ceremony so you can fill your steins with super-fresh suds. Tickets start at $15 for entry, and you can add on three hours of unlimited beer for $50.
Get autumnal near the water with skyline views at Watermark Bar on Pier 15. Watermark’s OktoberFest features steins of German beer (expect traditional Hofbrau as well as Weihenstephan and Radeberger brews), with mini-kegs available for order.
Also don't miss the brats and the supersized pretzels synonymous with the season in NYC, all in the open air from September 12 through October 26. Lederhosen are encouraged and reservations are recommended.
What’s better than drinking a pumpkin beer at a biergarten modeled after a classic German pub? Drinking that pumpkin beer out of a pumpkin-shaped keg.
Loreley Beer Garden’s Oktoberfest season celebration is now underway from September 14 through October 31 with beer keg tappings and pig roast tastings every weekend. Plus, you can expect pretzel, sausage and beer specials every day. The pumpkin kegs return on October 1 with pumpkin beer, pumpkin spice cocktails, and seasonal cold brew.
With communal wooden benches, vibrant décor and an impressive beer menu, Reichenbach Hall offers a slice of Munich in Midtown. The Oktoberfest festivities will kick off on September 20 and run through the month of October with polka music, games, savory sausages and mouthwatering schnitzels.
The sprawling beer garden is led by Willy and Keith Reichenbach (Hop Devil Grill, David Copperfield's) honoring the beer-loving siblings’ German heritage.
All Clinton Hall locations (FiDi, 36th Street, 51st Street and The Bronx) are raising a stein for Oktoberfest. Starting on September 20 and going until the end of October, you can celebrate with themed games and contests like pretzel toss, beer pong with steins, an ice cold grab bag with hidden prizes inside and Clinton Hall's annual Stein-Hoisting Contest, which will take place at Clinton Hall's FiDi location on September 20, September 27, and October 4.
The autumnal atmosphere will be fueled by Oktoberfest-themed music and Clinton Hall's Oktoberfest menu full of sausages, jumbo pretzels, schnitzel sliders, wurst tots and the Wurst Oktoberfest Platter; plus favorites like Wagyu Dogs, a German Burger and apple strudel spring rolls.
While every day feels like Oktoberfest at Zum Schneider's, this party takes the celebration to the next level. The festival, running from September 26 through October 5, has been known to draw more than 7,000 people in past years with its imported beer, traditional Bavarian food, and oompah band that festival founder Sylvester Schneider plays in.
This year's event will be held in Brooklyn in a decked out tent at 12 Franklin Street in Greenpoint. There are a bunch of different ticket options with VIP seating, reserved tables, and all-inclusive packages.
Oktoberfest may be a German tradition, but this festival is all about beers brewed in New York City. Sample beers from local breweries like Evil Twin, KCBC, Threes and Other Half at this block party bash in Brooklyn's Industry City on Sunday, September 28. General admission tickets start at $60 for entry and beer samples.
In addition to the varied food vendors steps away in Industry City's Food Hall, expect pop-ups and food trucks parked nearby for additional sustenance.
One of Brooklyn’s favorite beer halls since 2007, Radegast Hall has also become a top destination for Oktoberfest fêtes in Williamsburg. This year’s celebration will include waves of German suds, the best wursts in the area all hot off the grill, mug holding competitions, ceremonial keg tappings, brass bands and more. The party will be held on September 20, September 27 and October 4.
Mark your calendar for The Tasting Room's Oktoberfest celebration on Monday, September 29. It's $15 to enter their stein-holding contest, which includes your first beer. Admission to the brewery's Oktoberfest event is otherwise free. Plus, their Oktoberfest menu is not to be missed.
Celebrate the season during this one-night event at Strong Rope Brewery in Red Hook. Located along the water in Brooklyn with Statue of Liberty views, this Oktoberfest celebration—dubbed Strongtoberfest—will be held on Friday, September 12 from noon to 11pm.
The Brooklyn-based brewery is getting in the sudsy spirit with its own Oktoberfest beer. It's free to attend, but you'll have to purchase glasswear if you'd really like to do some drinking.
Bring the flavors of Oktoberfest home with this Oktoberfest gift pack from Schaller & Weber’s Upper East Side butcher shop. You’ll get Weisswurst, Knackwurst, Bratwurst, German Delicatessen Sauerkraut, and Bavarian sweet & spicy mustard all in a branded wooden crate for $59.99.
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