A Guide to NYC's September Octoberfest Celebrations

NEW YORK, NY — Grab a glass of beer and say "Prost!" because Oktoberfest celebrations are right around the corner.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival and is held annually in Munich, Germany. New Yorkers can kick off the celebrations in NYC in mid-Sept. this year. Starting Sept. 17, here are some Octoberfest parties you don't want to miss:

• On Sept. 17, the 59th annual German-American Steuben Parade will start the celebration at noon. Traveling along Fifth Avenue, the Steuben Parade features decorative floats, lively music, dancing and groups in traditional Karneval costumes honoring three centuries of German-American friendship. Tickets are $15. Parade goers can then continue on to the Oktoberfest celebration at the Rumsey Playfield at Central Park from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a variety of German beer and food while listening to the German bands Spitze and The Polka Brothers perform on stage.
• Head to Watermark Bar at Pier 15 for an authentic Oktoberfest party. Starting Sept. 17, Watermark Bar holds three different weekends (Sept. 17-18, Sept. 24-25, Oct. 1-2) full of Oktoberfest celebrations from noon to 12 a.m. Enjoy tons of beer, an official beer tasting, huge tents similar to those found in Munich, and family-friendly activities like ping pong, foosball and face painting. Admission is free, but it's recommended you reserve a ticket. Oktoberfest costumers are encouraged.
• On Sept. 23, the New York Mets are holding their annual Oktoberfest Night at Citi Field at 5:30 p.m. There's a pre-game party in the Bullpen Plaza and guests will get a limited edition Mets Oktoberfest commemorative gift.
• On Sept. 26, Bierhaus NYC will hold a special happy hour with the 59th German-American Steuben Parade Committee of NYC. The happy hour will include low-priced drinks, a raffle, a live band and plenty of Bavarian beer. The bartenders will also be former Miss German-America representatives of the last 12 years.

Photo courtesy of Ben30/Flickr