“Prost!” Get your beer mugs out and appetite ready. Fall has begun and that means OktoberFest is in full swing. This Bavarian festival lasts for the next few weeks, leaving you plenty of time to get a taste, or a sip, of what it’s all about. Our five favorite spots offer more than golden autumn brews, but also live music, German cuisine and more. Immerse yourself in the culture or embark on a festive night out!
OktoberFest Under the Archway | October 4 - 5
Experience Germany right in the heart of Dumbo. This annual celebration under the Manhattan bridge is underway for its fourth year in a row. Hosted by the Dumbo Business Improvement District, this event is family-friendly, free admission and a go-to stop if you’re in the area.
Weekend-long activities include a virtual apple picking experience, social media contest, good eats and of course, Bavarian beer on tap. Scheduled performances are as follows:
Fri., Oct. 4, 5-9pm:
Smitty’s Polka Band, Classic German tunes with a rock twist
Sat., Oct. 5, 1pm:
Street Beat Brass Band, Traditional German, Polka and Oompah hits
Sat., Oct. 5, 5pm:
BB and the Polkahaus, High energy performance featuring costumes, accordions and more
OktoberFest NYC | October 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 19 - 20
Hop across the East River to South Street Seaport. For the next few weekends, Pier 15 will be an OktoberFest extravaganza. Participate in games with the family or get competitive in the long-awaited stein holding contests.
This is the perfect spot to keep things relaxed – kicking back and sipping on authentic German beer and taking in the Brooklyn bridge views. Indulge in savory brats or a giant soft pretzel!
For a more lively scene, stop at Watermark Bar on South Street. Experience music blasting, brews flowing and games such as oversized beer pong. General admission is free, but you must RSVP. Ages 21+ permitted only.
Radegast Hall | October 5
Take the L train to Bedford Avenue Station and check out Radegast Hall & Biergarten in Williamsburg. In addition to mug holding competitions, ceremonial keg tapping, and a pig roast, there will be live music and a DJ to keep things high-energy throughout the night. Minors are welcome before nightfall and admission is free.
Munich on the East River | October 1-6
Have an unforgettable and more traditional experience at Munich on the East River, hosted by Zum Schneider for the sixth year. Explore under the fully decorated OktoberFest tent with original furniture (Garnituren), an Oompah band stage, general & reserved seating area and an elevated VIP section.
Choose from a selection of beers including HB Traunstein Festbier, Andechs Festbier and Weihenstephaner Festbier, or opt for white wine or German hard cider. Food served will include Wiesn-Hendl & Haxn (roast chicken & pork shank), giant pretzels, brat and weisswurst as well as vegetarian options. Tickets can be purchased here. Dates and times to follow.
Tue., Oct. 1, 5pm-10pm
Thu., Oct. 3, 5pm-10pm
Fri., Oct. 4, 5pm-10pm
Sat., Oct. 5, 12pm-10pm
Sun., Oct. 6, 12pm-8pm
Black Forest Brooklyn | October 4, 12
Looking to try German homestyle cooking? Black Forest Brooklyn has you covered. This bar and eatery is known for its authentic Bavarian cuisine. Owners Tobias and Ayana Holler opened the Fort Green location in 2013, and a second location on Smith Street in 2017. Both from the rural Black Forest Region, they met in Brooklyn and began the restaurant as a tribute to their love and German roots.
“This is a very personal project," said owner Tobias Holler. "We really miss our home and want to create the feeling of that region of the world here. We also want to share our love of German food and drink with the local community."
Begin your meal with Champignons Im Bierteig (Beer-battered, fried champignon mushrooms and aioli), or try the Riesenbrezel (a giant, warm German pretzel). Flammkuchen, a thin-crust flatbread, is also a favorite, topped with smoked bacon, sweet caramelized onions and a base layer of sour cream. According to co-owner Ayana, it’s one of the most famous specialties of the Black Forest region. To drink — try one of the 14 tap selections of pilsners, lagers, schwarzbier and kellerbier.
As for OktoberFest celebrations, check out the upcoming events being held at both locations. Don’t be afraid to dress for the occasion! Ayana and Tobias both plan to show up in their festive OktoberFest outfits.
Fort Greene OktoberFest | Oct. 4th, 9pm
Catch live music by brass band Slavic Soul Party, as well as a mug holding competition with prizes; and you don’t want to miss out on the keg tapping ceremony (free beer from the first keg)!
Tickets: $10 cover at the door. No reservations!
Smith Street OktoberFest | Oct. 12th, 2pm
The restaurant's first ever backyard OktoberFest party will be held featuring a German oompah brass band, 4-course meal served family style, keg-tapping ceremony (again, free beer from the first keg!), and mug holding competition with prizes. Seating will only be held at 2pm, so don’t miss out!
Tickets: $45 (includes the 2pm family-style meal, 1L of Hofbräu beer, and additional beer from the keg tapping) very limited seating!
(The event will be held in the biergarten weather permitting. Otherwise, it will be held inside the restaurant).
By Kelly LaMon, Blog + Content Curator