From Cincinnati to New York, American cities are turning Bavarian tradition into some of the country’s most vibrant fall festivals.
Not everyone can fly to Munich in September, but that does not mean you have to miss out on the fun of Oktoberfest. Across the United States, cities large and small have put their own spin on this beloved Bavarian tradition. These festivals may not take place on the Theresienwiese, but they still capture the joyful mix of music, food, and culture that makes Oktoberfest so appealing. Whether you are looking for a massive gathering with tens of thousands of revelers or a quirky local version filled with community spirit, America offers plenty of ways to raise a stein close to home.
Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Cincinnati hosts the largest Oktoberfest in the country and one of the biggest outside of Germany.Attracting more than half a million visitors, this celebration takes over the city with parades, polka dancing, and plenty of beer tents. The “Running of the Wieners,” a dachshund race complete with tiny hot dog costumes, is a favorite tradition. Food is central, with local vendors serving bratwurst, sauerkraut balls, and cream puffs alongside classic Bavarian dishes. If you want the closest thing to Munich without leaving the U.S., Cincinnati is the place to go.
Fredericksburg, Texas: A Taste of Germany in the Hill Country
Texas Hill Country has strong German roots, and Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest honors that heritage with gusto. The town square fills with music from accordion bands, craft vendors, and families enjoying polka lessons. Alongside Bavarian staples, you will find Texas twists like jalapeño bratwurst and German-Texan beer collaborations. It is a smaller festival than Cincinnati’s but has a warm, authentic feel that makes it especially welcoming to families.
Denver’s Longstanding Festival
Denver has been hosting Oktoberfest for more than 50 years, turning downtown into a street party filled with tents, music, and contests like keg bowling and stein hoisting. Locals and tourists alike come for the traditional beer gardens and stay for the carnival games, live bands, and family activities. The mountain backdrop makes it one of the most scenic places in the country to toast “Ein Prosit.”
New York City’s Big Apple Celebration
In New York, Oktoberfest is spread across multiple events, from outdoor waterfront gatherings along the Hudson to beer halls in Brooklyn. Some feature long communal tables, others lean into craft beer culture, but all highlight hearty Bavarian food like schnitzel and spaetzle. Because of the city’s diversity, you are just as likely to see German traditions mixing with local flavors, giving Oktoberfest in New York a uniquely international vibe.
Celebrating at Home
If you cannot make it to a festival, you can still embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest at home. Set the scene with German music playlists, cook classics like roast chicken and pretzels, and try pairing a few different styles of beer. Learn how to toast in German by saying “Prost!” and clinking glasses with friends and family. Wearing a dirndl or lederhosen is optional, but joining in the tradition adds to the festive atmosphere.
What to Eat and Drink
Wherever you celebrate, the food and drink are part of the fun. Look for bratwurst, sauerkraut, roasted meats, potato pancakes, and giant pretzels to pair with beer brewed in Bavarian style. Many U.S. craft breweries create seasonal Märzens, a malty lager traditionally served at Oktoberfest, so you can support local brewers while honoring German tradition.
READ: Six million liters of beer flow at Oktoberfest each year
What to Wear
Part of the charm of Oktoberfest is dressing up. In Munich, most locals wear Tracht, which means lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. American festivals encourage visitors to join in, whether with authentic outfits or simple nods like suspenders, alpine hats, or Bavarian-inspired T-shirts. It is less about accuracy and more about embracing the communal spirit of the celebration.
The Takeaway
Oktoberfest is more than just a Munich event. Across America, towns and cities celebrate with their own blend of Bavarian tradition and local flair. Whether you find yourself at the massive party in Cincinnati, enjoying Texas-German hospitality in Fredericksburg, toasting under the Rockies in Denver, or soaking up the energy of New York City, Oktoberfest in America offers something for everyone. And if travel is not on your calendar, you can still bring the joy home with music, food, and a heartfelt “Prost.”
