Arguably one of the most popularly repeated German cultural events originating in Germany, Oktoberfest is celebrated across the USA from Rhode Island in the east to Oregon in the west.
Considered major events and consistently ranking high in the top events lists, these German cultural festivals highlight German food, beers, wines, music and culture.
INDIANA
Jasper Strassenfest
July / August
Jasper, Indiana
Located in beautiful, scenic and historic Jasper Indiana, the Jasper Strassenfest is a family-oriented street festival with German music, food, dancing, rides, games, beer garden and car show.
Becoming the greatest attraction in southern Indiana , the festival features traditional events and activities, carnival rides, 32 booths and games spread over several locations, with major events on and near the square in the very heart of Jasper.
For more information visit: www.jasperstrassenfest.org
KENTUCKY
Oktoberfest
September
Covington, Kentucky
MainStrasse Village’s Oktoberfest, one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festivals for September 2007 and one of Kentucky Tourism Council’s “Top Ten 2007 Fall Festivals”, invites families and travelers from throughout the Midwest to join with local crowds in enjoying this festival.
A great mix of German and international foods, music and arts and crafts attracts approximately 150,000 people to this popular festival in historic MainStrasse Village, Covington, Kentucky.
MainStrasse Village is a designated national historic district that is the home of Old World charm and New World fun with a unique variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and entertainment.
For more information visit: www.mainstrasse.org/
MARYLAND
Germantown OktoberFEST
October
Germantown, Maryland
Oktoberfest is Montgomery County Maryland’s flagship Upcounty event at which people from all over come together to celebrate the community and heritage. Germantown Oktoberfest offers a wonderful, fun-filled day of live music and performances, delicious food, kids’ games & inflatables, exhibits by local crafters and businesses, the ever-famous Germantown Oktoberfest Biergarten, and a spectacular display of fireworks to end a perfect day!
For more information visit: www.GermantownOktoberfest.org
MICHIGAN
Highland FestivBavarian Festival
June
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Located in Heritage Park, this annual Bavarian Festival, a tradition for over 50 years brings the warmth and hospitality of Michigan’s charming Bavarian village, Frankenmuth to the fore.
Visitors and locals alike sing and dance to Bavarian music played by colorful, costumed German bands, and taste the hearty Bavarian foods of plump bratwurst, barbecued chicken and homemade pretzels.
For more information visit: www.frankenmuthfestivals.com
MISSOURI
Oktoberfest
October
Hermann, Missouri
During the first four weekends in October the City of Hermann, Missouri will be observing its annual Oktoberfest. This well preserved German village, located on the banks of the Missouri River, provides a perfect setting for traditional events to celebrate German heritage and culture.
A wide variety of activities take place among the more than 150 historic buildings in the downtown area that includes more than a dozen antique shops, a number of specialty stores, museums, historic sites, art galleries, great restaurants, and quaint B&Bs and inns. There are also seven wineries and plenty of music, special food booths, and crafts demonstrations.
For more information visit: www.hermannmo.info
OREGON
Oktoberfest
October
Mt Angel, Oregon
Created to help raise funds for nonprofit, community activities in the Mt Angel area, the four-day Oktoberfest ( the largest folk festival in the state) attracts more than 300,000 people each year. to Mt Angel, a community that was founded by German pioneers in 1867.
Featuring music, food, dress and beverages of Bavaria, highlights of this celebration of German culture include alpine folk music, Bavarian bands, dancing,food and beverages, and more.
For more information visit: www.oktoberfest.org
RHODE ISLAND
International Oktoberfest
October
Newport, Rhode Island
The International Oktoberfest is an ardent tribute to Germany’s most famous fall festival, offering three stages of authentic German music and folk dancing, as well as a Kindergarten with family fun activities.
Visitors can enjoy the best of German and domestic Oktoberfest brews in the International Biergarten, and the best of foods with a traditional Bratwurst.
For more information visit: www.NewportFestivals.com
WISCONSIN
Oktoberfest
October
La Crosse, Wisconsin
One of Wisconsin’s largest autumn festivals, attracting 150,000 people annually, Oktoberfest is an authentic Old-World folk celebration steeped in German tradition. Held along the shores of the Mississippi River, this fall festival transports visitors’ spirits to Bavaria with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, carnival rides, Maple Leaf and Torchlight parades, the Festmaster Ball and the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest pageant.
For more information visit: www.oktoberfestusa.com
