Despite what you may think, Oktoberfest is held in late September. The very first Oktoberfest was actually held in October but over the last 200 years, it slowly slid back to September because the weather in Munich during this time is far better.
Munich is the place to be for Oktoberfest. Visit this city in Bavaria, Germany and you'll be able to hop between 14 different hops-related tents. Since Oktoberfest kicks off on September 20 this year, you don't have much time to make travel plans.
If you can't make it overseas this year, why not spend Oktoberfest in the states and give some of the local festivals a taste. You'll find some places across the country really know how to throw a party.
The nation's capital is celebrating Oktoberfest so why can't the rest of the country? Head to the National Harbor for Das Best OktoberFest to taste 75 different beers and hang out with the St. Pauli Girls on September 27, 2008. Philly Beer Fests in Philadelphia is also holding a big Oktoberfest featuring several authentically German biers. Cincinnati also shows Ohio a good time with their Oktoberfest Zinzinnati -- which starts this weekend. Even Helen, Georgia gets in on the fun with their Oktoberfest.
If you're not sure what to do to celebrate Oktoberfest, find your nearest beer garden. More than likely, they've got some activities in which you can partake. The Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria, NY is a large open area and they will be hosting a big party the weekend of September 27th & 28th to celebrate Oktoberfest. The Bier Garden in Asheville, NC is also getting in some new Oktoberfest beers that you should really try.
Oktoberfest on Central Standard Time
Tulsa, Oklahoma is another city with some Oktoberfest history. This year's festival is their 30th and it starts on October 16. Be careful how much you drink before you get on the carnival rides though. La Crosse, Wisconson invites everyone to their Oktoberfest and even offers complimentary sodas to designated drivers. Or go to Texas and experience one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations (outside of Munich) in Addison.
In Moore, Oklahoma you'll find a pretty genuine beer garden. Visit the Royal Bavaria Restaurant & Brewery, taste some hops and listen to the band play some polka music. And in Omaha, Nebraska, visit the Huber Haus in the Crescent Moon Ale House for traditional German beer and food.
Oktoberfest on Mountain Standard Time
Denver, Colorado is one of the drunkest cities in America and it's no secret that they love their beer. So it makes sense that they throw one of the largest Oktoberfest parties in the country. It starts this Friday and runs through this weekend and next weekend. This year will be their 39th Oktoberfest and, if they've been doing it that long, they know what they're doing. Not to be shown up by their neighbors, Phoenix, Arizona also gets into the Oktoberfest fun. To the north, Laurel, Montana also likes a good sip of beer at the Laurel Oktoberfest.
Stop by the Bohemian Brewery in Midvale, Utah for some Bohemian flavor and beer. Or Head to the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in Laramie, Wyoming to taste their varieties of beer.
Oktoberfest on Pacific Standard Time
The Fremont Oktoberfest has been recognized as one of the best Oktoberfests in the world by USA Today. Their festival features a large microbrew tasting garden where people gather together to enjoy several different fall brews. Fremont's festivities also kick off this Friday. Bend, Oregon parties in the downtown area for an Oktoberfest celebration that features local brews and a wiener dog race. The Phoenix Club in Anaheim, California is also Orange County's German American cultural center which means they know a thing or two about Oktoberfest.
Gordon Biersch has a location in Palo Alto, California and they'll be celebrating their Oktoberfest until October 26th. Or visit the Gasthaus Pub at Widmer Brothers in Portland, Oregon which has more than an authentic name; it also has some great beer made in the German tradition.
