The centuries-old, 16-day traditional German festival known as Oktoberfest starts Sept. 16 in Munich, but those unable to fly to Bavaria for it 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 dozens 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
Fest biers, a Ceremonial barrel, traditional German accordian tunes and dinner specialties. This traditional Beer Garten offers German and craft beer, and is known for their award winning Pig Wings. They serve 24 beers on tap, and 19 bottled beers. Prost Grill and Garten, 652 Franklin Ave., Garden City. prostgrill.com Sept. 16.
Ompahfest
Celebration of German-American heritage with lots of music including bands from Germany and Austria. Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and Biergarten 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square. Plattduetschevoksfestvereen.org $10. 11 a.m. Sept. 17.
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 Thurs., Sept. 21-Oct. 26, plus Weds. Oct. 11 & 25.
10th Annual Oktoberfest
German beers under a giant Oktoberfest tent. Buy a beer, get a free one-liter stein. German food, music and stein-holding contest. TJ Finley’s, 42 East Main St., Bay Shore. tjfinleys.com 3-9 p.m. Sept. 16.
Oktoberfest
This authentic Bavarian Biergarten billed as “home of Das Boot” will have BB & The Polkas performing, plus raffles, giveaways, a special menu and, of course, German beer. Das Biergarten, 1148 West Beech St., Long Beach. dasbiergarten.com 12 p.m. Sept. 23.
Oktoberfest at Resurrection Lutheran Church
A day of German festivity to benefit the missions of the Resurrection Lutheran Church. Seven-piece Oktoberfest band die Schlauberger provides the music, the church provides the German food. Beer and wine purchased separately. Advance tickets sold thru Sept. 22, $35 for adults, $10 per children ages 4-12. Children under 3 are free. Day-of tickets are $45 at the door. Resurrection Lutheran Church, 420 Stewart Avenue, Garden City.
6:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
Oktoberfest at Black Forest Brewhaus
A nearly month-long celebration of Oktoberfest including German food, beer, and music every day. Artists include Die Spitzbaum, Frank Rapuano, Bud & Linda, the Austrian Boys, and the Bratwurst Boys. Black Forest Brewhaus, 2015 New Highway, Farmingdale. Sept. 29-Oct. 21.
9th annual Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Oktoberfest
Support this camp for disabled children at their 9th annual Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the Rotary Club of the Moriches. Festivities include traditional German food, vendors, and live entertainment. $10 admission includes a complimentary beer or soda for anyone age 21 and over and goes to benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Free entry for anyone under 21 and a carnival for the kids. Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, 2 Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches. 6-11 p.m. Sept. 29, 12-11 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1.
Oktoberfest at the Mansion
A weekend Oktoberfest celebration including German food and seasonal craft beers. Music from Eddie Forman and Josek Kroboth. Contests held by Sam Adams on Saturday and Sunday. Broadcast live with Uwe Riggers, host of 90.3 FM’s German Hit Parade. Family fest on Sunday with face painting, a clown, and shuplatter dancers. Glen Cove Mansion, 200 Dosoris Ln., Glen Cove. GlenCoveMansion.com $60 all you can eat and drink 1-8 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 2.
Oktoberfest
Street fair on the main drag, beer garden at the gazebo in village square. Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst. 12-5 p.m. Oct. 1.
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. 5-7.
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. 5-7.
Oktoberfest
Folksbier will be providing the entertainment. Hoptron Brewtique, 22 West Main St., Pachogue. hoptronbrewtique.com 4-10 p.m. Oct. 7.
Oktoberfest
Featuring tractor rides, a pumpkin maze, live music, German food and beverages, bounce houses and vendors. Eisenhower Park Kite Field, Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. nassaucountyny.gov Free. 12–5 p.m. Oct. 7-9.
PumpkinFest
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. TJ Finley’s, 42 East Main St., Bay Shore. tjfinleys.com Free. 6 p.m., Oct. 14.
Oktoberfest Montauk 2017
Zum Schneider Bavarian Bierhaus and German Restaurant in Montauk invites you to come enjoy pork shank, broiled chicken, giant pretzels and a host of different imported Oktoberfest beers on two separate weekends in October. Music from Mosl Franzi and the JaJaJas from 2-11. Zum Schneider, 4 South Elmwood Ave., Montauk. ZumSchneider.com Oct. 14, 15, 21 & 22
Punktoberfest
Great South Bay Brewery holds their annual punk rock themed Oktoberfest celebration in their tasting room, in the brewery, and beneath an outdoor beer tent. Five TBA live bands, local vendors, brewers and several food trucks. Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Dr., Bay Shore. GreatSouthBayBrewery.com 1:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
Oktoberfest
Jaeger Schnitzel, apple strudel and other German menu items and beer. Library Café, 274 Main St., Farmingdale. lessings.com Sept. 28-30.
Oktoberfest Sunday! Music Fest
Enjoy homegrown food and home-brewed libations, including Roasted sweet corn and squash, fresh-squeezed lemonade, organic hot dogs and more. Plenty of family entertainment including hayrides, family fun fields, pedal kart track, maze, lavender labyrinth, farm animals, and pumpkin picking. Buddy Merriam and the Backroads provide live bluegrass music. Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market, 4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. 10-5 p.m. Oct. 29.
