Polka Dancing, Bratwurst and Beer Steins
Explore the searchable event listings on AAA.com or check out Yodel if You Love Oktoberfest! for a list of hundreds of 2013 Oktoberfest events across the U.S. and Canada.
Today’s celebrations of German beer, food and music evolved from the original Oktoberfest held in 1810 in Munich. The event marked the marriage between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen — with no alcoholic beverages allowed. Horse races that marked the close of the event continued in subsequent years.
Here’s a selection of ideas to start your planning:
Sept. 12-Oct. 27 HELEN, Georgia (Except Sept. 16-18) Oktoberfest—Festhalle is the place to be for German bands, food, beer and fun. Spend the evening dancing the polka and enjoying the night air in the adjacent beer garden. Helen Festhalle. (800) 858-8027. $
Sept. 19-22, Frankenmuth, Michigan, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest—German food, polka music and dancing come together at this annual event — the first to operate under the official auspices of Munich, Germany. Heritage Park. (989) 652-3378. $.
Sept. 20-22, Cincinnati, Ohio, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati—Recognized as North America’s largest Oktoberfest, this event features German food, beer and wine along with music, folk dancing and games. Held at Fountain Square on Friday. Downtown. (513) 579- 3191. Free.
Sept. 27-Oct. 5 La Crosse, Wisconsin, Oktoberfest—Experience traditional German music and polkas, arts and crafts and a carnival and children’s activities. Northside and Southside Oktoberfest grounds. (608) 784-3378. $.
Oct. 11-13, Tempe, Arizona, Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake—Enjoy live music and entertainment include polka dancing, dachshund races and a bratwurst and beer garden. Family offerings include a carnival and KinderFest Kids Zone. Tempe Beach Park. (480) 491-FEST. Free.
Oct. 11-13, St. Louis, Missouri, Soulard Oktoberfest—Celebrate German culture with hearty fare including bratwurst, schweinshaxe and strudel and some 16 types of beer. Enjoy music on four stages, dancing, the strongest barmaid contest, the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition. Historic Soulard Neighborhood. (314) 335-7580. $.
Oct. 11-19, Kitchener, Ontario, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest—Festivities include a parade, ball and silent auction, Miss Oktoberfest competition, a fashion show and the Rocktoberfest Haus Party. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Various locations. (519) 570-4267. $.
Oct. 12-13, Bartlett, New Hampshire, Attitash Oktoberfest—This traditional Bavarian celebration includes German food, music, dancing, children’s activities and the Oktoberfest Biergarten featuring regional brewers. Attitash Bear Peak. (603) 374-2368. $.
Oct. 17-20, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tulsa Oktoberfest—Take in the sounds of German and Austrian folk bands and the aroma of European food. Enjoy a carnival, bier barrel and wiener dog races and some 60 arts and crafts vendors. River West Festival Park. (918) 744-9700.
