Last Updated on July 14, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Iconic beer halls, pretzels bigger than your head, and plenty of music – there’s always a reason to celebrate Octoberfest! Outside of Germany, the U.S. is home to some of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations. These are the top 9 U.S. Octoberfest celebrations that will have you dancing the polka because they’re worth traveling for.
Oktoberfest history dates back to the 1800s and started in Munich, Germany. By the 20th century, Oktoberfest came to bewhat we love today! People love Oktoberfest for traditional German food, beer, entertainment, and games. You don’t need to be German to celebrate!
Tips For Traveling To U.S. Oktoberfest Celebrations
Keep in mind that Oktoberfest celebrations may start in September. Many of these celebrations are in quaint towns that come to life for Oktoberfest but aren’t used to hosting many tourists. I recommend booking your hotel by late Spring if you want to stay several nights.
If you want to celebrate with style, don some traditional German garb. That includes lederhosen for men and a dirndl for women. Whether you ordered a hand-crafted outfit from Germany or purchased on Amazon, you’ll fit right in!
8 Best Must-Visit U.S. Oktoberfest Celebrations
1- Helen, Georgia
The North Georgia mountains show off their autumn brilliance as the Bavarian city of Helen, Georgia, celebrates Octoberfest. Cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings adorn the streets of Helen as guests flock to the town for dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer. Between October through December, Helen is the Georgia city you want to be at.
The iconic Helen Oktoberfest Parade is family-friendly and showcases a colorful swirl of costumed marchers and bands pumping out traditional music on bass drums, Alphorns, cowbells, accordions, and more. If you want to shop, check out Helen’s German specialty stores. They’re famous for their candy shop (with fudge), a wooden toy store for kids, and the Christmas shop, which is open all year round.
2- Frankenmuth, Michigan
Dubbed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” the city of Frankenmuth shines with German heritage. A quaint main street comes to life in mid-September for the Frankenmuth Octoberfest. Frankenmuth prides itself on being the first Oktoberfest to import beer directly from Germany.
Since Frankenmuth is a smaller Michigan town, rooms book quickly for Oktoberfest. Book your hotel in mid-summer if you plan to spend more than a day in Frankenmuth. The city is famous for their Oktoberfest, but also very well known for their authentic German Christmas celebration.
3- La Crosse, Wisconsin
Sometimes Oktoberfest celebrations begin because the city needs to draw tourists. It took off since La Crosse took advice from a local brewer to start an Oktoberfest celebration! Since its inception, the La Crosse Oktoberfest has grown to “Oktoberfest USA” because it’s grown to be the largest celebration in the country. It’s also the longest running Oktoberfest in the Midwest.
The La Crosse Oktoberfest happens yearly over three days, and it’s packed with traditional German food and entertainment.
4- Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont
If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music” movie, this is the perfect Oktoberfest. The film is based on a true story, and there is a Von Trapp family. Tourists visit their family home in North Vermont, and one of the best times to go is forOktoberfest.
While the Trapp Family Lodge Oktoberfest celebration looks more low-key than others, that’s one of the reasons guests love it. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, hiking, and their brewery and restaurant.
If you want a bit of excitement, sign up to participate in the Trapp Family Lodge Stein holding competition that occurs every Oktoberfest.
5- Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is another Bavarian-inspired U.S. that attracts tourists year-round. Visit Bier Gardens, eat German food, and participate in German games. The best part of the Leavenworth Oktoberfest is how long it lasts!
Enjoy three weekends of German fun, and guests are encouraged to bring their kids to the festivities. Kids under 12 are free to attend. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, where the Muenchner Kindl leads a Bavarian procession followed by villagers carrying German and American flags.
6- Denver, Colorado
Did you know that Denver has over 150 breweries? With such a high concentration of breweries in the area, it’s only natural to host a yearly Oktoberfest.
The Denver Oktoberfest pulls out all the stops, including keg bowling, wiener dog races, beer halls, and live entertainment. The celebration lasts two weekends in September, and the city fills with tourists only visiting for the infamous Oktoberfest.
7- Zinzinnati, Ohio
Zinzinnati brags to be the “America’s largest Oktoberfest,” and we can’t argue. Every year, almost 100,000 people come to this Midwest Oktoberfest to indulge in German-style music, food, beer, and frivolity. Go for the festival fun and leave smelling like sauerkraut!
The most amusing part of Oktoberfest in Zinzinnati is the Running of the Wieners! Even your furry friends can celebrate. Outfitted in their provided hot dog bun costumes, dogs will run in heats of ten, approximately 75 feet to their owners waiting at the finish line. It’s sure to be fun!
8 – Palm Beach, Florida
You’ll never guess that the Sunshine State has a big Oktoberfest yearly! Palm Beach, Florida, is home to the state’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, and begins in September. Hosted by the American German Club, the Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches even includes a carnival for kids – with rides.
Wash down homemade Schnitzel, Goulash, and German sausages with beer on tap! The best part? You won’t be cold if you celebrate Oktoberfest in Florida.