Prost!
The beer-fueled Bavarian festival of Oktoberfest kicked off Sept. 21 in Munich, and if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, let us help you find some of the best beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.
Manhattan
Weekends of Oktoberfest fun at Watermark
One day is not enough at Watermark Bar (Pier 15, 78 South St.), which is spanning its Oktoberfest across the next three weekends (Oct. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20). Drink authentic German beer, munch on brats and giant pretzels all while getting a nice view of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges and the Brooklyn skyline. Admission is free, but there are food and drink packages from $50.
Loreley Beer Garden keg tapping and pig roast
The Lower East Side’s German beer spot Loreley (7 Rivington St.) is hosting free keg tappings every Saturday at 1 p.m. and free pig roasts every Sunday at 3 p.m. through Oct. 13. Also planned for beer fans are liter stein nights and nightly beer (and food) specials. Starting Oct. 1, Loreley will offer pumpkin kegs. Loreley is open at noon on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.
Munich on the East River
Zum Schneider is hosting its sixth München Oktoberfest with a fully decorated Oktoberfest tent with German furniture, live oompah bands, beer on tap from HB Traunstein Festbier, Andechs Festbier and Weihenstephaner Festbier — all served in an authentic Masskrügen (1-liter glass steins). Bites include Oktoberfest roast chicken & pork shank, giant pretzels, brat- and weisswurst and much more. Of course, there will be strongman competitions and games. If you had any question as to whether Zum Schneider is up to the task, the staff is fluent in German and will be dressed in dirndl and lederhosen. Tickets range from $16 to $2,000. The tent will be open at the following times with a free after-party on most nights with DJ Volka Rancho:
- Thursday, Oct. 3, 5 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 4, 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 5, noon to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 6, noon to 8 p.m.
Pretzel-eating and stein-holding contests at Clinton Hall
Oktoberfest at Clinton Hall‘s locations include stein-holding contests on Oct. 4 & 5. Those who hold their glasses the longest at each location will be given a custom hand-painted stein.
During the two weeks, every guest that orders a stein or a 0.5-liter beer (including Benidiktener Oktoberfest, Andechs Oktoberfest, and Bitburger) will get one to two raffle tickets, which could win them a "grand prize."
- Oct. 4 — Clinton Hall Williamsburg (247 Metropolitan Ave.) 8 to 11 p.m.
- Oct. 5 — Clinton Hall 51 (230 E. 51st St.) 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
There will be an Oktoberfest party at all Clinton Hall locations on Oct. 6 with final drawing at Clinton Hall FiDi for the grand prize (2 to 5 p.m.)
Brooklyn
Oktoberfest soiree at Industry City
City Farm Presents is bringing German-themed fun to Industry City on Oct. 26 from noon to 6 p.m., with live music, German beer, lawn games, food from Kotti Berliner Doner Kebab, raffles and more. The party is free but there are VIP tickets available for $20-$30.
DUMBO’s beer hall
Celebrate like you’re in Germany in DUMBO as the Manhattan Bridge Archway is transformed into a "traditional German beer hall" for two days with live music by Smitty’s Polka Band, Street Beat Brass Band and BB and the Polkahaus, contests, photo opps and brats, pretzels and sauerkraut and beer from Sixpoint, on Oct. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m and on Oct. 5, from 1 to 9 p.m.
Queens
Pig & Peach barbecue and more at Queens Brewery
Catch oompah band performances scheduled on Oct. 4 at Queens Brewery (1539 Covert St.). It will also have a full pig roast all day on Oct. 5 with live music from the Triad Brass Band. Most live music begins at 3 p.m.
Staten Island
Oktoberfest carnival in Historic Richmond Town
Take part in a day of food, beer, live bands, carnival games and more in Historic Richmond Town (441 Clarke Ave.) from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 12. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to veterans in need.
