As the weather gets cooler and summer comes to a close, it’s time to trade in those bikinis and martinis for sweaters and steins. It's finally the most wonderful time of the year, and Oktoberfest is upon us. NYC will be serving up plenty of great opportunities to don our dirndl and lederhosen and enjoy a pint. These are the best Oktoberfest celebrations in NYC.
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75 9th Ave. / 212.652.2111 / Website
From Friday, September 27 starting at 8 p.m., ending at midnight on Saturday, September 28, join Dickson’s Farmstand Meats at the iconic culinary destination Chelsea Market for their exclusive tasting event. Offering free-flowing beer and plenty of German grub like smoked meats and Wursts, every featured brewer will provide their unique take on Oktoberfest classics. Honoring tradition through offering artisanal meats and house-made charcuterie, Dickson’s Farmstand Meats is the perfect neighborhood butchershop to host the giant German celebration in New York’s Meatpacking District. Plus, the afterparty from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. will be at cocktail bar The Tippler to keep the “fest” going.
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7 Rivington St. / 212.253.7077 / Website
For 20 years, Loreley Beer Garden has provided NYC with excellent Oktoberfest activities, and this year promises to be no different. Beginning on September 12 through October 31, Loreley will be offering specialty items and deals available every day of the week. For those spooky season lovers, there will be rotating German Oktoberfest craft beers, Loreley Oktoberfest Beer, Pumpkin Beer, Pumpkin Kegs & Pumpkin Cocktails starting the first of October. Be sure to swing by on Saturdays for free Keg Tapping and on Sundays for free Pig Roast, or any other day because admission is free!
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113 N. 3rd St., Brooklyn / 718.963.3973 / Website
One of Brooklyn’s staple beer gardens since 2007 will be celebrating September 21, September 28, and October 5, so clear your calendar for one of those upcoming Saturdays. The line-up for Oktoberfest activities includes music from brass bands, mug-holding competitions, a ceremonial keg tapping and ending the night with a DJ dance party. With true authentic German beer served in half liters and liter mugs and embodying a true German environment with long community tables, raise a glass and flourish in the fun and freshly crafted drinks and bites.
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78 S. St. / 212.742.8200 / Website
As if the festival fun could not get any better, Watermark Bar is bringing an extended Oktoberfest celebration this year starting on September 14 through October 27 at Pier 15 in New York City. Running seven days a week with 1-liter steins available for $15, anyone is welcome to come to experience the cheeriness and entry is free. As for das Essen, expect none other than traditional Hofbrau in addition to Weihenstephan and Radeberger beer, brats, giant pretzels and more. As they say in Germany, prost!
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Stone St., Manhattan / Website
What once was New York’s first paved stone street in 1658 and was designated a historical landmark in 1996 is proud to host one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in Manhattan. For six Saturdays from September 21 to October 26, Stone Street Historic District is unmatched when it comes to German beer, food, ambiance and attire. Participating restaurants will serve traditional German food and international food in tents set up on the street along with stein holding competitions, live music and game lounge tents to keep the fun flowing. Grab a glass, dance all day and game away at this loved tourist spot, making it a must-visit place.
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733 Fulton St. / 718.935.0300 / Website
From Schwarzwald with love, relish in the authentic German homestyle cooking and the unique selection of German draft wines, beers and spirits at this year’s Oktoberfest. For their eleventh year, Black Forest Brooklyn is hosting a series of massive parties for six weekends beginning September 21 and ending October 26, but be on the lookout for some Sunday daytime events. Each party will feature authentic decorations, a live German oomph band, a mug-holding competition and delicious drinks and plates. Be sure to wear your best classic German attire because the costume contest comes with prizes.
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848 Washington St. / 212.645.4646 / Website
Oktoberfest fanatics, get ready for a full-blown street takeover with The Standard’s exuberant New York City-style block party on September 21 in preparation for the best time of the year. In partnership with the Meatpacking District, enjoy a variety of activities, including carnival games, a Ferris wheel, music, competitions and of course, the endless food and beer. Plus, starting September 29, guests can book a timed reservation of up to six guests for an “Oktoberfeist,” which is a pork-shank platter and fabulous fixings, like poppy seed sauerkraut and Obatzer, suitable for anyone’s palette. Here, the beverage buzz is everlasting for all the pils people and ale swillers.
From authentic German attire to all the pretzels and ales you can imagine, let the activities commence, even if it is still September. We’re here, we’re beer and we're ready to cheer our way through all of New York's Oktoberfest-ivities!
Photography by: Nikada / Getty Images
