Oktoberfest 2016 is fast approaching! The long wait is almost over.
The 183rd Munich Oktoberfest kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 17 and runs until the first weekend in October. The iconic folk festival began as a celebration of the marriage ceremony between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810, in Munich, and still continues with the same excitement all over the world.
This year more than 6 million people will head to Germany for Oktoberfest. The food, music and beer celebration will be bigger than ever.
But if flying to Germany for the original Oktoberfest is not possible for you, there are around 500 events in United States to celebrate German culture and heritage.
Check out these Oktoberfest in America celebrations
Old World Oktoberfest
www.oldworld.ws/oktoberfest-orange-county.html
Sept. 11 – Oct. 30, 2016
Huntington Beach, CA
Enjoy an Orange County-style Oktoberfest, with surplus beer, pork sausages, and German music. Major attractions include dog races, beer contests and chicken dances.
Addison Oktoberfest
www.everfest.com/e/addison-oktoberfest-addison-tx
Sept. 15-18, 2016
Addison, TX
Head down to Texas for one of the most authentic Oktoberfest experiences in United States and entertain yourself with Bavarian folk dances, yodeling, and oompah music. Relish your taste buds with German sausages, pickles, pretzels, and many other savories.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
http://www.canonchamber.com/Oktoberfest/index.htm
Sept. 16-18, 2016
Canonsburg, PA
Rush to one of the top 10 ranked Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States.
This festival offers exquisite German food, beer and music. Also enjoy carnival rides, games and local music.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest
www.stbenedictoktoberfest.com/index.html
Sept. 16-18, 2016
Richmond, VA
Bring Germany to your place for three days! Enjoy German cuisine with overflowing beer and entertain yourself with games, activities and music.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
www.oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/
Sept. 16-18, 2016
Cincinnati, OH
Rejoice in the largest Oktoberfest gathering in the country. This Buckeye State festival was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the home of the largest chicken dance recorded in 1994.
Enjoy savories like sauerkraut-covered bratwurst busting out of the bun, German-style beers, and live music.
Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest
www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com/the-beer/hofbrau-oktoberfest/
Sept. 16 – Oct. 31, 2016
Las Vegas, NV
Feast upon schnitzel and bratwurst and gulp lagers and stein at the most authentic Bavarian beer hall in Vegas. The festival features celebrity appearances, live music bands and big-ticket raffles.
Penn Brewery Oktoberfest
www.pennbrew.com/Restaurant/Events/OFest2016.aspx
Sept. 16-18, 2016
Sept. 23-25, 2016
Pittsburgh, PA
This Steel City brewery is one of the earliest pioneers of the craft beer explosion. The crew will entertain you with their own interpretations of German brews, outstanding food and live music.
Golden Nugget Fall Beer Fest
www.goldennugget.com/lasvegas/fallbeerfest.asp
Sept. 17-18, 2016
Las Vegas, NV
The world-renowned hotel and casino features over one hundred craft beer selections from 30+ breweries. The beers are featured on the first evening of the festival. The second day of the festival offers a Pool Party with live entertainment, tasty food from local vendors and a wide selection of beers to try at the Tank Pool.
Blue Hills Brewery Oktoberfest
www.bluehillsbrewery.com/events/bhboktoberfest
Sept. 17, 2016
Canton, MA
This seasonal festival will take place behind the popular brewery. Exploit your desires with live music, kiddie bike races, a barrel roll competition and a great line-up of beers, such as Imperial Oktoberfest, citrus infused IPA, Extra Pale Ale and Watermelon Wheat.
To experience the German culture and heritage of Oktoberfest 2016 in America, rush to the above mentioned locations before the tents close!
Check out Everfest‘s Every Oktoberfest Calendar for dates, locations, descriptions and tons of other helpful info for hundreds of Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S.
Sources:
Williamson, C., “Oktoberfest Belfast returning for five weekends to Kings Hall,” The Bel Fast Telegraph web site, September 06, 2016;
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/oktoberfest-belfast-returning-for-five-weekends-to-kings-hall-35025701.html.
