The 5 Best US Cities To Travel To For Oktoberfest

Over 200 years ago, on October 12, 1910, the crown prince of Bavaria married his princess. The boozy celebrations surrounding the ceremony lasted five full days and included horse races, music, and cultural celebrations. The festival honoring the marriage of Germany's royals would spark a tradition that has spanned the centuries. Oktoberfest was born. Today, it's still held in Munich Germany at the original location named Theresienwiese in honor of the bride. The festivities last for around 16 days beginning in September and wrapping up in early October.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival, and one of the most iconic cultural celebrations worldwide. Around 6 million people attend the festival in Munich each year traveling from far and wide for the authentic experience. Traveling to Germany for Oktoberfest is certainly at the top of many travelers' bucket list, but you don't have to cross the pond in order to get in on the fun. The festival has become so popular that it's spread around the world, especially to cities and towns with German heritage. If you're an American looking for the perfect destination to enjoy Oktoberfest, you'll find some incredible options without ever needing a passport. Plan a trip to one of these U.S cities for an unforgettable festival experience this fall.

Surprisingly, the underrated midwest city of Cincinnati lays claim to the second largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world, probably due to the strong German heritage. The first German immigrants began arriving in the 1830s and settled in an area known as Over-the-Rhine. The immigrants' culture helped shape the city through the creation of German schools, businesses, and newspapers. Another wave of immigrants from Germany after WWII. Today, about half of the city's population has some German ancestry.

The Oktoberfest celebration, called Zinzinnati, started in 1976 and has grown into a beloved annual tradition that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2023, over 800,000 people joined in on the fun. Cincinnati also claims to have the world's largest group Chicken Dance, which is a popular Oktoberfest tradition in the United States. The festival is held downtown and is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy traditional German food, entertainment, and an abundance of beer. Sample German flavors with options like sauerkraut balls, potato pancakes, sausages, soft pretzels, strudel, and so much more. The event takes place over a long weekend in September. In 2024 it will be held from September 19 through September 22.

If you want to feel as though you've wandered into a fairytale alpine village, head to Helen, Georgia. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but the picturesque town is also the perfect place to get a taste of Europe. Colorful Bavarian-style architecture and cobblestone streets resemble a traditional German destination which will leave you feeling as though you've been transported back in time. Helen's transformation began in the late 1960s when a local artist named John Kollock was commissioned to re-design the town. The time he spent in Germany, and the similarities between the landscapes in Helen and Bavaria inspired his designs. Construction began a year later, and soon Helen was totally transformed. Throughout town, restaurants serve up tasty German food. It's a great place to celebrate German culture year-round, but Oktoberfest is a particularly wonderful time to visit.

Helen's Oktoberfest celebrations have been taking place for more than 50 years. The festivities last for over a month from September through October. The festival kicks off with a parade around September 7, and continues each weekend. From September 26 through October 27 you can experience Oktoberfest everyday of the week. Admission costs $10 on the weekdays, $12 on Fridays and Saturdays, and is free on Sundays. Attendees will enjoy plenty of food and beer, as well as traditional music and dancing.

When visiting Texas you may expect to experience a taste of America's Wild West. The Lone Star State is known for cowboy culture, football, BBQ, and lively cities like Austin. However, if you happen to find yourself in Texas Hill Country in early October, head to the charming town of Fredericksburg for an authentic German experience. Fredericksburg was founded in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, and soon grew to prosper. German influence can be found all over Fredericksburg throughout the year. It's known as a great couples vacation spot, and it's especially fun to visit during the annual Oktoberfest Celebration.

Fredericksburg's Oktoberfest began in 1981. It was created by the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance, who still presents the festival today. The non-profit uses the proceeds from the festival to offer scholarships to students and support the local arts scene.Some highlights include parades, Germain cuisine, and live entertainment. Expect live music, and dances like the polka oompah, and waltzes. The big group Chicken Dance is another crowd favorite. Excellent shopping is another great reason to attend. There are two big tents onsite filled with booths from local artisans selling their unique creations. Admission for a single day costs $15. A weekend pass costs $25.

Leavenworth, Washington is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. During the winter, it becomes one of the most magical Christmas towns, but during the annual Oktoberfest the German culture really shines. When you arrive in Leavenworth, you may wonder if you've somehow been transported straight to Bavaria. The town is nestled within the gorgeous Cascade Mountains, and features instagram-worthy alpine-style buildings. The streets are lined with shops, and local restaurants serve German-inspired cuisine.

Leavenworth's Oktoberfest is held on Fridays and Saturdays over the first three weekends in October. Attendees should expect plenty of excellent entertainment options. There are several stages featuring traditional German music and dancing. You're sure to hear plenty of accordions and yodelers, along with more contemporary musicians. When you aren't watching the performances, wander around the street fair that connects the various tents and stages. You can sample traditional Bavarian treats, sip on a tasty beer or cider, and shop for plenty of local and imported gifts. Tickets cost $15 for Fridays, $30 for Saturdays, or $40 for a weekend pass.

If there's one thing Munich, Germany and Denver, Colorado have in common – it's beer. For hundreds of years, beer has been a staple for people in Bavaria. The first Munich beers were brewed by Augustinian monks, and the earliest Munich Brewery dates back to the 1300s. Denver's beer culture is much newer, but arguably just as well-loved by locals. The Mile-High City brews more beer than any other city in the United States, making it one of the best U.S cities for beer-lovers to visit. There are more than 70 breweries within the city limits.

Considering how much Denver residents love beer, it's no surprise that they'll take any excuse to gather together to drink and celebrate. Since the late 1960s Denver's Oktoberfest has been held in the downtown area. The two-weekend event falls at the end of September and features activities like a talent show, keg bowling, a dog derby, and stein hoisting. There's also a talent show and a costume contest. Even if you don't participate in the games, there's plenty to keep you busy. Enjoy traditional German food, live musical performances, and (of course) plenty of delicious cold beer.

In order to choose our top five places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the United States, we researched festivals all over the country. We compared a variety of factors including ambiance, activities, German heritage, and average number of attendees to find the liveliest and most authentic events.