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Adobe Stock | Photo by karepa
Oktoberfest is happening now in the Hudson Valley, and everyone’s breaking it down Bavarian-style with brats, pretzels, and brews galore.
By Zarah Kavarana, Sabrina Sucato, Raphael Beretta, and Alexandra Rivera
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 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 socially distant Oktoberfest events in our region. Cheers, or, as the Germans say, “Prost!”
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Oktoberfest! at Germania
Germania, Poughkeepsie
September 10-12
Prost! Oktoberfest season is upon the Hudson Valley. Poughkeepsie’s Germania is a 170-year old German-American preservation society that hosts an authentic Oktoberfest every year. While you’re sipping pilsners and lagers, dance to music from bands like the Bratwurst Boys, the Adlers Band, and the Germania singers. Be sure to catch a performance of traditional German dance, and don your best dirndl or lederhosen.
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Riedlbauer’s Resort Presents Nussy’s Oktoberfest
Riedlbauer’s Resort, Round Top
September 11, 5 p.m.
Enjoy authentic Germain cuisine at Riedlbauer’s Resort in Round Top. This take on Oktoberfest at Nussy’s Bier Garten features live music, dancing, and a bit of Hudson Valley history. The mountaintop resort offers breathtaking views and a stunning biergarten.
4th Annual Oktoberfest
Sugar Loaf Engine Company, Chester
September 19, 3-8 p.m.
Mark your calendars, Hudson Valley! Oktoberfest is happening in Chester. Throughout the day, attendees can dig into hot dogs, bratwurst, soft pretzels, and more while sipping on German brews. (Hint: try the Spaten Oktoberfest on tap.) Cornhole, giant Jenga, and other games are available for playing.
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Oktoberfest Weekend at Mountain Brauhaus, Round Top
Mountain Brauhaus, Round Top
September 24-26, 7 p.m.
The Hudson Valley’s mainstay German restaurant hosts its own version of Oktoberfest at the end of September. The celebration loops in music from traditional bands, authentic Schuhplatter dancing, and German food and drink. Plus, entertainment from Pech & Schwefel of Austria keeps things old-world.
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Oktoberfest Weekend at Long Lot Brewery
Long Lot Farm Brewery, Chester
September 25, 12-9 p.m.
Let the Oktoberfest games begin at Long Lot Brewery! Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate champion? Compete in a keg squat, a stein lift, a keg toss, and, of course, a cornhole tournament. Plus, Bryan Gordon and The Chris Raabe Band keep things festive. Pick up a unique Long Lot Oktoberfest stein, and don your best attire.
Oktoberfest 2021 at Putnam County Golf Course
Putnam County Golf Course, Mahopac
October 1, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Play a round of golf and the celebrate with a stein at Putnam County Golf Course. This Oktoberfest celebration costs $29 per person and features a menu of seasonal staples like bangers, knockwurst, and kielbasa alongside Hudson Valley barbecue. The Amish Outlaws take the stage for a full evening of raucous music.
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Walktoberfest on the Walkway
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland and Poughkeepsie
October 2 & 3, 12-5 p.m.
Now this is how to do festival fun while social distancing in the Hudson Valley. On the first weekend in October, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park partners with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to host a Walktoberfest Essential Farmers Market. Ticket are $25 apiece and give guests access to samples from local distilleries, restaurants, and wineries. Keep an eye out for cooking demonstration announcements as the festival date approaches.
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Handcrafted Octoberfest: A Family Harvest Celebration
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
October 2 & 3, 12-5 p.m.
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 Fritz’s Polka Band and check out a wild animals demonstration.
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Oktoberfest Weekend 2021 at Tilly Foster Farm
October 23 & 24, 6-10:30 p.m.