The world’s most renowned beer festival is retuning to New York City this weekend!
Taking place from late September to the first weekend in October, Oktoberfest originally hails from Bavaria and has been held since 1810.
Yep. It's Oktoberfest time!
Today, we mainly observe the international holiday by consuming boatloads of beer, and we’re giving you the top how and where’s to get the most out of your Oktoberfest weekends.
1. New York City Oktoberfest
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The official party for the beer-chugging weekends, this traditional bar crawl came up from Washington D.C. and is making its debut in NYC this year.
Starting at noon, your $50 party pass gets you into eight distinct bars that feature a special Oktoberfest menu as well as a free 12-ounce at each stop.
Kick your crawl off at Paulaner, known for their big, soft pretzels, and then track down limited-edition festival beers, such as the Victory Festbier at Dempsey’s and Spaten Oktoberfest at the Copper Still.
2. Watermark Bar (Pier 15, 78 South Street)
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For three weekends starting September 25th, Watermark hosts Beer at the Pier, a colorful festival which boasts food, games, live music and, of course, lots of beer.
Right on the water with views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges, the old-timey festival adopts a modern, urban backdrop while the bar is taken over with traditional Oktoberfest décor.
Their flight of German beers is sure to give you an genuine Oktoberfest experience.
3. Sunnyside Gardens Park (48-21 39th Avenue - Queens)
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Explore the sunny and scenic Sunnyside Garden Park on Saturday, October 3rd where this exclusive “members only” common is open to the general public for this one day.
There are playgrounds for the kids, German food and beer to grub on and a tender pumpkin patch where you and your Oktoberfest crew can nab a picture-perfect pumpkin for the season.
Just don’t try and turn it into a keg.
4. Citi Field (123-01 Roosevelt Avenue - Queens)
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Even the Mets are taking a swing at Oktoberfest!
A massive beer-fueled bash will launch Friday, October 2nd where you can find special seasonal beer selections, ballpark franks and giant soft pretzels in the bullpen.
The Mets take on the Atlanta Braves that night, so it’s the perfect pre-game party to cheer New York on!
,5. Brooklyn Brewery (79 North 11th Street – Brooklyn)
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The Edible Oktoberfest on Wednesday, October 7th takes you a little away from the beer binging and more through the culinary gravitas of the festival.
Weisswurst, bratwurst, delicious mustards, sauerkraut, pickles on sticks and apple strudel are only a tip of the iceberg of the innovative menu.
You might want to get a beer in any case to wash all that heavy food down.
6. Zum Schneider NYC (107 Avenue C)
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For nine days starting Friday, October 2nd, Zum Schneider puts on a party for those looking for a more traditional Oktoberfest experience.
Munich on the East River doesn’t just feature staples of the festival’s traditional cuisine, such as hawk cotton candy, gingerbread and brezel.
The servers are German-speaking and dressed in authentic lederhosen as they juggle and serve their beer-brew masterpieces.
7. Aviator Sports and Recreation (5 Floyd Bennett Field – Brooklyn)
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Are you a fan of cornhole? If you are, or even if you have no idea that it was even a relevant sport, the Aviator’s third annual Oktoberfest is your chance to see 32 teams compete in the zany bean-tossing pastime.
Fully equipped with all the beer and pretzels you’d want to consume, the party also features the iconic oompah rhythms of Die Spitzbuam, a German-American dance orchestra.
Check out 7 Secret Bars You Need to Discover This Fall in NYC.
[via XPAT NATION]