oktoberfest

We’re already halfway through September and October is quickly approaching, which means it’s almost time for those fun, beer-filled Oktoberfests. If you can’t make it to the real deal in Munich, Germany, have no fear – there are plenty of great Oktoberfest festivals throughout the U.S. Here are some of our favorites:

Linde Oktoberfest, Oklahoma

Since 1978, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma has hosted an authentic Bavarian festival that features a long list of German foods, bands, arts and crafts, and of course, beer. It’s considered one of the top German food festivals in the U.S. by Bon Appetit magazine and comes complete with wiener dog races, polka dancing, and beer pong contests.

Mount Angel Oktoberfest, Oregon

This Oktoberfest in Mount Angel, Oregon attracts more than 350,000 people every year and honors all things German. The town was settled by Germans and is filled German-inspired architecture to make the event feel as real as possible. Voted the largest folk festival in the state, this Oktoberfest is filled with lots of live music and arts as well as authentic food and beer.

New Ulm Oktoberfest, Minnesota

Although this Oktoberfest in New Ulm is one of the smaller on the list, it’s anything but small when it comes to German culture. The festival features horse-drawn trolley rides, a beer wagon, a 45-foot musical glockenspiel, and historical character performances, which means there are plenty of things to do for kids and adults of all ages.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Ohio

Recognized as America’s largest Oktoberfest, this downtown Cincinnati event attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year. With live music, authentic German dancers, an array of amusement rides, a “running of the wieners”, and nearly 100 vendors offering delicious food, beer, and wine, If that’s not enough, you can also take part in the world’s largest chicken dance.

Oktoberfest U.S.A., Wisconsin

For more than 50 years, La Crosse’s Oktoberfest has been one of Wisconsin’s largest fall festivals. With beautiful views of the Mississippi River, visitors can enjoy Old World foods, music, arts and crafts, parades, memorabilia, and lots of craft beer. You’ll also find the annual Festmaster Ball and the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest pageant.

Denver Oktoberfest, Colorado

If you’re looking for a different kind of Oktoberfest, Denver’s annual celebration features oddities like the Stein Hoisting Competition, an event that challenges contestants to keep an ale-filled 1.5 liter Stein at shoulder height for as long as possible. In addition, there’s an annual keg bowling competition, a wiener dog derby, and a variety of traditional German foods and beers to keep you satisfied.

Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest, Pennsylvania

Every year, thousands of people from all over the country travel to the German town of Reading, Pennsylvania to celebrate the #1-rated Oktoberfest by USA Today. You’ll find a huge biergarten, lots of live music, endless German food, and even entertainment including German singers, magic, and ventriloquism.