Oktoberfest in New York Brings Brats, Bands & Beer

Grab your beer steins and and practice your best German cheers, it’s Oktoberfest! “But it’s only September?” Oktoberfest officially begins in September, not October, contrary to popular belief.

The popular German tradition began in the early 1800s and is celebrated in Munich, Germany for 16 days. It traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday in October.

Below are some festivals and happenings in New York and Connecticut. Prost! Or as the young folks, say, “Ticky tocky, ticky tocky, hoi hoi hoi!”

Putnam Valley

German American Social Club of Peekskill Oktoberfest

11 Kramers Pond Road, Putnam Valley, NY

Sept. 13, 3-10 p.m.
Sept. 14, 1– 8 p.m.

Come hear a 40-piece band from Germany, Stadtkapelle Donauwörth, under the big tent. Performances each day by Irish Step Dancers and Henry & Erich, on their Button Boxes. Enjoy German and American food including imported Oktoberfest Pretzels. Domestic and imported beer for sale in bottles and on tap, featuring Spaten German beer. Tickets are $10 for adults, children under 14 are free when accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.gac1936.com.

Rockland County

Bear Mountain Oktoberfest – Bear Mountain, NY

Sept. 13 – Oct. 26

The popular Bear Mountain Oktoberfest returns in all its German glory with live entertainment, authentic German food and of course plenty of beer. Admission is free but there is an $8 charge for parking per vehicle. Location: 55 Hessian Drive Bear Mountain, New York.

There’s also a big Oktoberfest in New York City. Click here for details.

Connecticut has over a dozen different Oktoberfest events to choose from. Click here for the list.

If we missed any Oktoberfests in your area, please tell us in the comments!

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons, 46137