It’s time to bust out your lederhosen and welcome Oktoberfest, a traditional German fall festival that’s perhaps better known to most Americans as the biggest beer fest of the year. The celebration dates back to the early 19th century and was intended to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810. Though the original Oktoberfest lasted less than a week (October 12–17), today the festival is more readily celebrated between mid-September and early October in the U.S. to accommodate weather concerns.
Whether this is your first Oktoberfest or you’re a seasoned sauerkraut fiend, join us in raising a brew-filled Bavarian bierstein mug to these Oktoberfest events in our region. Cheers! Or, as the Germans say, “Prost!”
Oktoberfest at Putnam County Golf Course
Putnam County Golf Course, Mahopac
September 13, 6:30 p.m.
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Play a round of golf and then celebrate with a stein at Putnam County Golf Course. This Oktoberfest celebration features a menu of seasonal staples like bangers, knockwurst, and kielbasa alongside barbecue and plenty of beer. The Amish Outlaws will take the stage for a full evening of raucous music.
Oktoberfest at Tilly Foster Farm
Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster
September 20, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
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The best Hudson Valley festivals take place on scenic farms. Brewster’s Tilly Foster Farm holds a celebration of all things beer and brats. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute performance by David Clark and Bill Connors.
Nussy’s Bier Garten’s Oktoberfest
Riedlbauer’s Resort, Round Top
September 20 – 22
Head to the beer garden at Riedlbauer’s Resort to enjoy authentic German food and suds, join in on traditional dancing, and hear live music from Mountain Xpress.
Mountaintop Oktoberfest
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
September 20 – 22
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Mohonk Mountain House celebrates Oktoberfest from its historic castle in Ulster County. The weekend is packed with a tapping ceremony, polka dancing, the Stein Games, German food, and of course, traditional pints.
Annual Oktoberfest
Sugar Loaf Engine Company, Chester
September 21, 3-8 p.m.
Mark your calendars, Hudson Valley! Oktoberfest is happening in Chester. Throughout the day, attendees can dig into firehouse-made German food, including pretzels, bratwurst, and desserts, then sip on German beers and wines. The John Stevens Polka Band will bring the tunes, and lawn games will be available to play as well.
Bear Mountain Oktoberfest
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain
September 21, 22, 28, & 29; October 5, 6, 12, & 13
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The Anthony Wayne Recreation Area hosts the largest free Oktoberfest celebration in New York with a variety of food (schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels), bands, fun games, and more.
Roscoe Beer Company Oktoberfest
Roscoe Mountain Club, Roscoe
September 28, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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From carriage rides to pumpkin painting, games, and local vendors, this award-winning brewery’s Oktoberfest welcomes the whole family at a new location at the Roscoe Mountain Club. Try exclusive beers that won’t be on the market anywhere else at the all-day event.
Sleepy Hollow’s Annual Oktoberfest
Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
September 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
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Before Sleepy Hollow kicks off its famous Halloween season, you’ll find lots of schnitzel, spaetzle, beer, desserts, live music, and more at Kingsland Point Park.
Oktoberfest Celebration at Long Lot Brewery
Long Lot Farm Brewery, Chester
September 28 & 29
Let the Oktoberfest festivities begin at Long Lot Brewery! Attendees can look forward to live music from Brotherhood, Sons of Hudson, and the Bill L Quintet as they don their best lederhosen. As for food and drink, visitors can grab bites from 2 Hacks in a Shack while sipping beer from Long Lot.
Handcrafted Octoberfest: A Family Harvest Celebration
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
October 5 & 6
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Quail Hollow Events, the team behind the fall-favorite Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Craft Fair, hosts a reimagined Oktoberfest celebration. This open-air event pays homage to German traditions with a distinct focus on local artisans and makers. Peruse art, hand-spun crafts, pumpkin carving, woodworking, and much more. Dance to live music and check out a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations.
Hudson Valley Oktoberfest
Craigville Park, Goshen
October 12 & 13
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An unforgettable experience at Craigville Park, Hudson Valley Oktoberfest goes all out with over 100 craft vendors, 20 food trucks, a Bavarian dining hall with traditional German fare, German music artists, a biergarten, and amusement like axe throwing, stein racing, stump the nail, and pretzel toss. Come dressed in your best to enter the costume contest!
Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland
October 26 & 27, 12-5 p.m.
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Now this is how to do festival fun in the Hudson Valley. Toward the end of October, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park partners with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to host a Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market. Guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the river and samples from local distilleries, restaurants, and wineries, as well as children’s activities and art installations.
Related: These Fall Winery Events Celebrate the Harvest Season in the Hudson Valley
