By Natalie Coloprisco
Saturday, Sept. 17 marks the start of the 16-day-long German festival of Wiesn, or as most people know it, Oktoberfest, which debuts in Munich with the traditional tapping of the beer keg.
Hopping on a plane to Germany is an option, but revelers can also celebrate Oktoberfest here on Long Island, where many bars, restaurants, breweries and parks will be hosting related festivities.
German food such as schnitzel, sauerbraten and bratwurst are just some of the Bavarian delicacies that are being served. There will also be a large selection of fall-themed beverages to choose from, including pumpkin ales, hard ciders and so much more!
Raise a glass and say “Prost” (that’s German for cheers) during Oktoberfest 2016 at one of more than two dozen events!
Oktoberfest
This restaurant serves Bavarian cuisine year round, but during Oktoberfest season they also have German music and dancers on weekends in addition to a dozen German beers on tap. Reservations recommended. The Village Lantern, 155 North Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. thevillagelanterne.com Sept. 17-Oct. 1.
Sheeptoberfest
Ten authentic German beers on tap and Bavarian pretzels. The Black Sheep, 78 2nd Street, Mineola. blacksheepalehouse.com Sept. 17-Oct. 1.
Oktoberfest
After they tap the ceremonial keg and pour $5 Fest bier while supplies last, there will be Oktoberfest specialty menu every weekend and accordion music to set the mood! Prost Grill & Garten, 652 Franklin Ave., Garden City. prostgrill.com Sept. 17-Oct. 31.
Oktoberfest
This massive German restaurant, catering hall and beer garden kicks off their Oktoberfest celebration with Ompahfest, aka German-American Day. There will be live music, authentic Bavarian specialties—including giant pretzels imported from Munich—traditional German dancing lessons, drinking songs, games, children’s activities and so much more! Plattduetsche Biergarten, 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square. parkrestaurant.com Sept. 18-Oct. 22.
Oktoberfest
Authentic Bavarian restaurant serving German specialties year round will feature performance by accordionist 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Oak Chalet, 1940 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore. oakchalet.net Prices vary. Sept. 22-Oct. 26.
Oktoberfest
One of Long Island’s only brew pubs, and the only one serving authentic Bavarian food all year, will celebrate Oktoberfest with live German music every weekend. Black Forest Brew Haus, 2015 New Hwy, Farmingdale. blackforestbrewhaus.com Prices and times vary. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 23-Oct. 15.
Oktoberfest
German food, beer gardens, a carnival, vendors, live German entertainment and more. Ticket includes one beer or soft drink. Proceeds go toward the childrens’ summer camp hosting the event. Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, 1 Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches. camppaquatuck.com $10, under 21 free. 6-11 p.m. Sept. 23, 12-11 p.m. Sept. 24, 12-6 p.m. Sept. 25.
Pumpkinfields
OK, so this one isn’t very German. But it is an autumn-themed beer festival featuring more than 50 craft breweries and a large selection of pumpkin beers, Oktoberfests and hard ciders. Local bands performing include Oogee Wawa, Ground Swell, The Offshore Regulars, Bukntownfalls, Soundswell and Nonstop to Cairo. Brightwaters Farms, 1624 Manatuck Blvd., Bay Shore. pumpkinfields.com $45. 1 p.m. Sept. 24.
Oktoberfest Beer Dinner
Celebrate with a four-course Oktoberfest beer pairing dinner including potato soup, potato pancakes, Jaeger Schnitzel and apple strudel, among other German menu items at 7 p.m. Sept. 28. An Oktoberfest food and beverage menu available through Oct. 3. Library Café, 274 Main St., Farmingdale. lessings.com $40, plus tip. Sept. 28-Oct. 3.
Oktoberfest
This weekend-long Oktoberfest street fair and festival include rides, games and traditional German food in the heart of downtown Lindenhurst. Corner of West Hoffman Avenue and School Street, Lindenhurst. facebook.com/LindenhurstRotary 5-9 p.m. Sept. 30, 2-9 p.m. Oct. 1, 12-5 p.m. Oct. 3.
Oktoberfest
First annual Oktoberfest, featuring more than 20 beers, live music and a hot dog eating contest. L.I. Pour House Bar and Grill, 650 Rt. 112, Port Jefferson Station. Tickets can be purchased on Groupon or Eventbrite. lipourhouse.com 12-4 p.m. Oct. 1
Pour The Core: Long Island
Maybe this isn’t German, but it’s a fall-themed beverage fest in October. That counts, right? Hard cider fanatics join forces for this third annual festival featuring more than 75 ciders from around the country and the world, plus some from the North Fork, such as Woodside Orchards and Rumor Mill Hard Cider. Long Island Sports Park, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton. pourthecore.com $45, $65 Door, $12 DD. 12:30- 4 p.m., Oct. 1.
Oktoberfest
A selection of the strongest pumpkin beers from four different breweries. Hoptron Brewtique, 22 West Main St., Pachogue. Prices vary. hoptronbrewtique.com 4-7 p.m. Oct. 1.
RELATED STORY: The Ultimate Guide to Craft Breweries on Long Island
Oktoberfest
German food, beer and fun. Southside, 5 3rd Ave., Bay Shore. lessings.com Oct. 6-10.
Pumpkinpalooza
Try up to eight different craft pumpkin beers and Oktobfest brews on tap, including local and national selections. Effin Gruven, 2562 Sunrise Hwy., Bellmore. facebook.com/Effin-Gruven 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Oct 7.
Oktoberfest Celebration
Potato Pancake topped with braised pork and caraway sauerkraut. Gerwurztraminer Apple Soup with pretzel chips. Beer Glazed Bratwurst Sandwiches topped with Swiss, sauteed onions and mustard served with German potato salad. Not to mention the German chocolate cake. Plus so much more to choose from on this special weekend-long Oktoberfest menu. Post Office Café, 130 West Main St., Babylon. lessings.com Oct. 7-9.
Oktoberfest Celebration
A special Oktoberfest menu will be available, featuring Bavarian pretzel bites, sauerbraten sliders, potato soup, slow-cooked German short ribs, wurst platter and more! Maxwell’s, 501 Main St., Islip. lessings.com Prices vary. Oct. 6-9
Oktoberfest
Musical performance by die Schlauberger. Bratwurst, hot dogs, German potato salad, red cabbage and German beer and wine. Resurrection Lutheran Church, 420 Stewart Ave., Garden City. resgc.org $30, $10 for kids 12 and under. Kids 3 and under free. 4-10:30 p.m. Oct. 8
Oktoberfest
Fourth 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. 8 & 9
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 German beers. Zum Schneider Montauk, 4 South Elmwood Ave., Montauk. zumschneider.com Prices vary. 12–11 p.m., Oct. 15 & 12-7 p.m., Oct. 16. 12-11 p.m., Oct. 22, 12-7 p.m., Oct. 23.
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. 15.
Oktoberfest
German grub, Bavarian beer and traditional tunes all week long! Shippy’s Pumpernickels, 36 Windmill Lane, Southampon shippyspumpernickels.com Oct. 17-23.
Crossroads Oktoberfest
Fourth Annual Oktoberfest. Each ticketholder receives a souvenir Farm mug and two pours. $25, $30 door. Crossroads Farm, 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne. xroadsfarmliny.com 1-7 p.m. Oct. 22.
PunktÖberfest
More than 100 mostly pumpkin-flavored and German-style brews from 50 different breweries, as well as Bavarian fare and performances by five live punk rock bands. Lederhosen optional. Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Dr., Bay Shore. greatsouthbaybrewery.com $50, $65 VIP, $15 DD. 1:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 22.
Oktoberfest
Bands, Craft Beer, pumpkin picking, farm tours, vendors and more. Garden of Eve Farm, corner of Sound Avenue and Northville Turnpike, Aquebogue. gardenofevefarm.com 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 29, 30.
Everyday Is Oktoberfest
This authentic German restaurant serves up traditional Bavarian food and beverages year round! Pumpernickels, 640 Main St., Northport. pumpernickelsofnorthport.com
