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 2026.

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 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center in the mountain town of Big Bear Lake. The celebration combines traditional German music, food, beer, competitions, family entertainment, and Bavarian-style decorations.

In 2026, the festival runs across numerous dates from September through early November, giving visitors many opportunities to attend during the fall season. The official program includes German food and beer, live music, traditional competitions, children's activities, and special themed weekends.

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Dates: September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27; October 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, and 30; November 1, 7, and 8, 2026.

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

What to Try: The official festival menu includes bratwurst, knockwurst, kielbasa, sauerkraut, Bavarian dumplings, beer cheese soup, giant pretzels, apple strudel, and other German specialties. Beer lovers can choose from German brands including Spaten, Franziskaner, Warsteiner, and König Ludwig.

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

Admission & Tickets: Ticket prices vary by date and admission time. The 2026 program includes general admission, preferred seating, family packages, and the all-inclusive Uber BurgerMeister Package, which includes a one-liter stein, the first beer, a German meal, and preferred seating. Children 3–12 receive free admission on selected Sundays. The festival also offers Club Prost, a premium membership with annual admission, a commemorative one-liter stein, merchandise discounts, VIP entry, and preferred seating benefits.

The 2026 program includes general admission, preferred seating... You can check ticket options and buy passes on the official Big Bear Oktoberfest website.

Participants of Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Wyatt's Grill and Saloon: Located right at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, Wyatt's Grill & Saloon remains closely associated with the festival. The venue offers a Western-style atmosphere, classic grill food, a full bar, live entertainment, and dancing. The 2026 festival also operates a free Big Bear Trolley service between the Convention Center and stops throughout Big Bear Valley.

Fire Rock Burgers & Brews: This rock 'n' roll-themed spot is famous for hand-crafted tri-blend burgers, beer-battered fries, and a rotating tap lineup of California craft beers. It offers an energetic music-driven atmosphere, family games, live entertainment, and a dog-friendly heated outdoor patio.  

Royal Thai Bistro: Big Bear's first authentic Thai restaurant provides a flavorful dining alternative during the Oktoberfest season. Their menu features dishes prepared with fresh herbs and ingredients from Southern California farms, including Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, green and yellow curries, and extensive vegetarian options

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.

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Dates: September 10 – October 31, 2026.

Location: Watermark, 78 South Street, Pier 15, New York, NY 10038.

Admission: General admission is free. VIP packages, including an open-bar cocktail pass, are also available..

Reservations: Visitors can purchase VIP and other special packages for the event. The venue also accommodates groups and private gatherings.

Entertainment & Family: OktoberFest NYC is an all-ages event with live music, games, and festive activities. Alcohol purchases are restricted to guests 21 and older.

Cuisine: The 2026 festival features authentic German beer, bratwurst and wursts, beer-braised turkey legs, giant pretzels, food samplers, sweet treats, and other seasonal festival dishes. Guests can also enjoy cocktails, wine, and other beverages from the full Watermark bar.

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.

For schedules and admission details, visit the official Leavenworth Oktoberfest page.

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: October 2–3, October 9–10, and October 16–17, 2026.

Locations: The main festival locations are the Leavenworth Festhalle and Front Street Park. The event also extends into downtown Leavenworth with a street fair and additional entertainment areas.

What to Expect: The 2026 program includes live Bavarian and polka music, the Festzug parade, ceremonial keg tapping, Stein Hoisting competitions, costume and mustache contests, traditional dancing, and entertainment on multiple stages. European headliners include Oesch's die Dritten from Switzerland during the first weekend and the Freddy Pfister Band from Austria during the third weekend.

Participants of Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Leavenworth Sausage Garten: An iconic outdoor eatery located on Front Street in the heart of Leavenworth. Popular during Oktoberfest, it serves authentic German sausages - including house-made bratwurst, bockwurst, and currywurst - alongside signature specialty mustards, warm sauerkraut, and cold draft beers in an open-air Bavarian beer garden setting.

Rhein Haus: A Bavarian-style beer hall and restaurant situated in the heart of Leavenworth. Known for its energetic festival atmosphere, Rhein Haus serves house-made pretzels, authentic German sausages, schnitzel platters, and a wide selection of imported Bavarian lagers and local craft brews.

Blewett Brewing Company: A local Leavenworth brewery known for craft beer and artisan pizza. It contributes its Simple Kölsch German Ale and joins the annual Leavenworth Festbier collaboration.

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.

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Dates: Every Friday and Saturday, October 2–17, 2026.

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

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

Tickets: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Get yours on the Fairplex Oktoberfest website.

Entertainment

Offers a mix of traditional and contemporary entertainment, including an Oom Pah Pah band, high-energy tribute bands, dancing, and festival contests.

Participants of Fairplex Oktoberfest:

Cruzer’s Brat Haus: Offers a blend of German and American specialties, serving a variety of sausages including Thüringen Brat, German Wiener, Jalapeño Cheddar Wurst, all-beef Knockwurst, and plant-based Beyond Sausage.

Brat Village: A festival favorite combining traditional German bratwurst with American BBQ classics, serving BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, curly fries, and onion rings.

King Taco: Brings a signature Southern California touch to the festival menu, serving popular Mexican street food including soft tacos, sopes, burritos, quesadillas, and tamales.

Der Nachtisch (Dessert & Snacks): The official sweet and snack station featuring fresh, hot Wetzel’s Pretzels alongside traditional festival funnel cakes.

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: October 3–4, October 10–11, and October 17–18, 2026.

Location: Hunter Mountain Resort, Catskills, New York.

Admission: Free general admission. Scenic SkyRide tickets and VIP packages are sold separately.

Highlight: The Scenic SkyRide offers panoramic views of the Catskills and peak autumn foliage.

Entertainment

Features three themed weekends: First Leaves (Oct 3–4), Authentic Oktoberfest (Oct 10–11), and Costume Takeover (Oct 17–18). Competitions include Steinholding, Keg Rolling, costume contests, and the Doxie Derby dachshund races

Cuisine:

Focuses on Bavarian-inspired dishes such as sausages, pretzels, and craft beverages, complemented by local Catskills food vendors.

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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