The centuries-old, 16-day traditional German festival known as Oktoberfest started last month in Munich, but those unable to fly to Bavaria to enjoy it there can join in the beer-soaked festivities on Long Island.
From authentic German restaurants serving up mouthwatering Bavarian delicacies such as sauerbraten to massive outdoor festivals under tents big enough to fit a circus, there are plenty of Oktoberfest-themed events across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Sure, a few on this list are local pubs offering special Oktoberfest menus and others are simply fall-themed pumpkin beer and cider parties, but they’re all worth raising a glass to!
Oktoberfest
Authentic Bavarian restaurant serving German specialties. Performance by accordionist Frank Rapuano. Oak Chalet, 1940 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore. oakchalet.net Prices vary. 6-9 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 29, plus Oct. 14 & 28.
Oktoberfest
One of Long Island’s only brew pubs, serving authentic Bavarian food all year, will celebrate this occasion with German music. Black Forest Brew Haus, 2015 New Hwy. Farmingdale. blackforestbrewhaus.com Prices and times vary. Through Oct. 17.
Oktoberfest Celebration
Dine on beer-glazed bratwurst, sauerbraten and German chocolate cake, and wash it all down with German-style brews in a communal atmosphere. Post Office Café, 130 West Main St., Babylon. lessings.com Prices Vary. Oct. 9-11.
Pumpkin Fest
More than 20 different varieties of pumpkin beers on tap and casks including local brews from Long Ireland, Fire Island Beer Co., Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. and Blue Point Brewing Co. First 200 guests drink out of mini-pumpkins. 42 East Main St., Bay Shore. tjfinleys.com Free. 6 p.m., Oct. 17.
Pumpkin-palooza
Unlimited pumpkin draught beer with more than a dozen varieties on tap, including Southern Tier Pumking, River Horse Hipp-o-Lantern and Uinta Punk’d. Effin Gruven, 2562 Sunrise Hwy., Bellmore. effingruven.com $30. 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 17.
PunktÖberfest
More than 100 mostly pumpkin-flavored and German-style brews from 50 different breweries, as well as Bavarian fare and five punk rock bands. Lederhosen optional. Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Dr., Bay Shore. greatsouthbaybrewery.com $40, $55 VIP, $15 DD, $50 DOS. 1:30-5:30 p.m., Oct. 24.
East End Oktoberfest
Local craft beer, pumpkin picking, farm tours, live music, vendors and more. Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead. gardenofevefarm.com/Oktoberfest $15. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 24, 25.
18th Oktoberfest
Live music and dancing, plus a performance by the Bavarian Dancers of the Plattdeusche Park. A German dinner will also be served which includes bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes and red cabbage. You will want to save room for dessert because you’ll have strudel, black forest cake and rice pudding to tempt you. Parish Hall 145 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square. $15- $30. 7-11 p.m. Oct. 24.
Oktoberfest Montauk
Live music with Mösl Franzi and the JaJaJa’s playing multiple sets. There will be broiled chicken, pork shank, giant pretzels and imported beers. Zum Schneider Montauk, 4 South Elmwood Ave., Montauk. zumschneider.com Prices vary. 12–11 p.m. October 17, 24; 12–7 p.m. Oct. 18, 25.
Oktoberfest
Third annual celebration, featuring tractor rides, a pumpkin maze, live music, German food and beverages, bounce houses and vendors. Eisenhower Park Field 6, Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. nassaucountyny.gov Free. 12–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 12.
-Compiled by Chelsea Russell
