Oktoberfest in the USA

In the fall, many cities across the U.S. host Oktoberfest - a fun celebration of German culture. It's a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food, listen to music, and have a good time with friends and family. Let’s take a look at what exciting things await at American Oktoberfests in 2025.

Regardless of the location, all Oktoberfests share several key features that make them so popular among visitors.

Live music and dancing

Oktoberfests are known for their lively performances by polka bands and contemporary musicians. Visitors are usually invited to join in traditional German dances, creating a sense of unity.

Costumes

Many visitors dress in traditional Bavarian attire: dirndls for women and lederhosen for men, and they wear bright accessories in the blue and white colors of Bavaria.

Family entertainment

Family entertainment includes children's areas with games and rides, workshops for making traditional German crafts, markets selling souvenirs and products from local artisans, as well as competitions for beer-drinking speed and stein-holding.

Delicious German cuisine

At any festival, you'll find traditional German dishes such as schnitzel, pretzels, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, as well as desserts like apple strudel and Black Forest cake. Additionally, many locations offer local craft beer.

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Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is one of the longest-running and most atmospheric festivals on the West Coast, held every weekend in October at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. A true Bavarian atmosphere reigns here: authentic music, themed contests, live entertainment for families, traditional costumes, and characteristic décor. It's comfortable even for guests with children and has free shuttle service so that everyone can return safely after the celebration.

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Dates: September 6 – November 8, 2025 (every weekend: Friday – Sunday).

Location: Big Bear Lake Convention Center (42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315).

What to Try: German cuisine (bratwurst, pretzels, apple strudel) and a variety of German beers, including Spaten and Warsteiner.

For Families: On Sundays after 3:00 p.m., children’s contests and family attractions are held (climbing wall, mechanical bull).

Admission & Tickets: Prices vary depending on the day. Special offer: packages available that include a 1-liter stein, the first beer, and a German meal.

Participants of Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Wyatt’s is a country-flavored grill and saloon that offers comfort food, including burgers, wings, flatbread pizza, craft cocktails, beer, and much more. Wyatt’s is located right at the heart of the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest celebration and is an integral part of the event. The saloon serves draft and bottled domestic and craft beers, a full bar, and signature cocktails.

Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is known for their modern American pub menu, especially the Avocado Bomb. At the festival, be sure to try their seasonal Pumpkin Ale (8.5% ABV) as well as their light yet flavorful Honey Blonde Lager.

OktoberFest NYC at Pier 15 is a dynamic urban festival that brings the true spirit of Bavaria right to the banks of the East River. It is one of the largest and most accessible Oktoberfests in the U.S., running seven days a week until the end of October, offering an unforgettable experience for all guests.

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Dates: September 12 – October 26, 2025 (daily).

Location: Watermark Bar & Event Venue, Pier 15, Manhattan. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline!

Admission: Free for all ages! (Alcohol purchase restricted to 21+).

Reservations: Special packages available for table bookings, tasting sets, and spaces for large groups and corporate events.

Entertainment & Family: A rich program of entertainment includes contests, competitions, and live music. On weekends, there are family-friendly interactive activities for children.

Cuisine: You can look forward to a wide selection of classic German beers and authentic cuisine. The official Watermark NYC Kitchen and its partners offer bratwurst plates, hearty schnitzels, hot pretzels, and seasonal signature dishes.

Leavenworth Oktoberfest is a full immersion into Bavarian atmosphere amid the picturesque mountains of Washington State! The town of Leavenworth, which itself is styled as an alpine village, transforms into a true celebration for three consecutive weekends in October.

This event is famous for its parades, costume ceremonies, music, dancing, and of course, an authentic assortment of food and drinks.

Photo Credit: leavenworth.org

Dates: Three consecutive weekends in October 2025.

Locations: The festival spans several official zones: Festhalle, Waterfront Park, and Front Street Park.

What to Expect: Performances by German music bands, costume ceremonies, and family-friendly activities.

Participants of Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Icicle Brewing Company is one of Leavenworth’s leading local breweries and takes part in the town’s Oktoberfest every year. In 2025, festival guests will be able to try the Leavenworth Festbier, created in collaboration between Icicle, Blewett, and Doghaus Brewing, as well as Icicle’s signature styles - Premium Pilsner and AlpenHaze IPA. The selection is complemented by imported Bavarian brands (Paulaner, Hofbräu, Ayinger) and local craft beverages.

Blewett Brewing Company is a local brewery in downtown Leavenworth that specializes in craft beer and artisan pizza. For Oktoberfest 2025, they are brewing their signature favorites, including Simple Kölsch. The menu features a wide selection of specialty pizzas such as The Rancher, Delancey, Classic Pepperoni, along with fresh salads.

Doghaus Brewery is a small yet very cozy craft brewery in Leavenworth, offering about 8 beers on tap, including the well-known dark Doberman Schwarzbier, along with a variety of light and strong signature brews. The menu is complemented by popular food options: a wide range of sausages (The Fonz, Reservoir Hog, T-Mex, Das Brat), fun “Haus Dogs” - classic and creative hot dogs with avocado, bacon, chili, and more - plus delicious pizza. The bar also serves house-made cocktails and wines.

Fairplex Oktoberfest brings the spirit of Munich to Los Angeles County, transforming the Fairplex fairgrounds into an authentic Bavarian festival. This celebration is known for its adults-only format (21+), live music, and the combination of traditional cuisine with American-style entertainment.

Photo Credit: leavenworth.org

Dates: Every Friday and Saturday, October 3–18, 2025 (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM).

Location: Fairplex, Pomona, Los Angeles (1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA).

Age Requirement: 21+ only (valid ID required).

Combo Ticket: A special “Boos & Brews” combo ticket is available, granting admission to both Oktoberfest and the neighboring Halloween attraction “Fearplex Presents LIGHTS OUT” on the same evening.

Entertainment

Fairplex Oktoberfest offers a vibrant program that goes beyond the traditional oom-pah-pah:

Music: Authentic Bavarian oom-pah-pah by The Rheinlanders, along with tribute bands (such as FlashPants) and DJ sets on the main Festplatz stage.

Traditions: The signature Stein-Holding Competition, fun contests, and the famous Chicken Dance (Der Ententanz).

Das Kär Show: A unique festival feature - a showcase of classic German cars (Volkswagen Beetles and Buses).

Participants of Fairplex Oktoberfest

Wahlburgers
The Wahlberg brothers’ restaurant chain at Fairplex Oktoberfest in Pomona. They serve burgers made with 100% grilled beef. Their signature “Our Burger” includes creamy cheese, vegetables, and the house-made Wahl Sauce. Sides include French fries, onion rings, and fried pickles. Milkshakes are also available in vanilla, chocolate, and caramel flavors.

Wetzel’s Pretzels
The German pretzel chain featured at Fairplex Oktoberfest. They bake fresh pretzels with a crispy crust - either salted or with cinnamon and sugar. Served with dips such as cheese, mustard, garlic, and sweet sauces. A classic snack to pair with beer.

Pink’s Hot Dogs
A legendary Los Angeles spot with a long history. At the festival, they prepare hot dogs with different sausages, signature sauces, and toppings - from sauerkraut to spicy peppers. Their own version of BBQ sauce adds to the experience. A staple of American street food.

Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest is an authentic Bavarian celebration set against the stunning autumn foliage of the Catskill Mountains. Taking place over two consecutive weekends, the festival is a perfect choice for families and anyone seeking a traditional German spirit combined with the natural beauty of New York.

Photo Credit: leavenworth.org

Dates: Two weekends - October 4-5 and October 11–12, 2025.

Location: Hunter Mountain Resort, Catskills, New York.

Admission: Free (no entry fee to the festival grounds).

Highlight: The festival is famous for its Scenic SkyRides, offering breathtaking panoramic views of peak fall foliage.

Entertainment

Music: Traditional German Oom-Pah-Pah performed by bands like Die Schlauberger Band, along with American tribute bands. The final weekend features Die Schlauberger and German folk dancing by the Alpenlandtänzer.

Games & Competitions: Popular contests such as Keg Rolling and Steinholding, as well as the fun-filled Doxie Derby (dachshund races).

Family: A full lineup of kids’ activities and outdoor entertainment.

Cuisine:

Hunter Mountain Base Lodge Restaurant
The on-site restaurant at the Hunter Mountain ski resort base lodge in the Catskills, New York. During Oktoberfest, it specializes in traditional Bavarian cuisine. Guests can enjoy generous portions of classic German dishes such as schnitzels, bratwurst and knockwurst sausages, braised sauerkraut, potato salad, and spätzle (German egg noodles). The menu is designed for families and groups, with a lodge-style service format offering large tables and shareable platters.

Local Food Courts
Festival food vendors feature regional suppliers from the Catskills and Hudson Valley. Offerings include locally produced fare such as seasonal grilled vegetables, regional meats, and farmstead cheeses. Craft beer from New York State breweries - IPAs, lagers, and seasonal styles - is available alongside snacks like pretzel bites, chips, popcorn, and fried vegetables.

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