Fall is for festivals in New Jersey, and Oktoberfest is no different. The beloved celebration has roots in German culture but is now an important part of fall celebrations in New Jersey and New York. There are plenty of family-friendly and adults-only ways to take part in an Oktoberfest. Read on for a list of Oktoberfest events happening in New Jersey and New York for 2023.
This is a growing list. If you know of another event to add, please email hello@themontclairgirl.com.
About Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a celebration that originates from Munich, Germany. It is usually held during the fall season from late September to early October. The first ever Oktoberfest was held on October 12th, 1810, which celebrated the marriage between the prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It lasted for five days and ended with a horse race that was known as “Theresienwiese.” One year after the celebration, the race was held again, but a state agricultural fair was introduced to go hand in hand. By 1818, food and drink were introduced to this event, creating the Oktoberfest we know today, consisting of German food and beer as well as celebrating German culture as a whole.
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New Jersey Events
Oktoberfest Food + Brews Festival at Six Flags | 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson
Ongoing until November 5th | Various times
As an early celebration, Six Flags has been hosting an Oktoberfest Food + Brews Festival since August 26th — however, there are select days on which the event is hosted. The festival will continue until November 5th but its website can be checked regularly for the exact dates. Craft and seasonal brews are available to try and pair with German cuisine. Tickets are required for this family-friendly event, which you can find here.
Oktoberfest at Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
Ongoing unit October 15th
Zeppelin Hall kicked off Oktoberfest festivities on the exact day the celebration started. From September 16th to October 15th, visitors can enjoy various kinds of beer, brats, and pretzels. As for entertainment, Zeppelin Hall will host live music in its garden on Saturdays from 3PM to 8PM. No tickets are required for this event but children are allowed before 8PM and must be accompanied by an adult.
Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers | 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Ongoing until October 8th
On select weekends, Morey’s Piers will host its own Oktoberfest. There will be a lineup of performers such as Big House Band, Yani, Late Last Night, and JJ Rupp. Besides music, traditional German fare will be available and visitors can enjoy the games + rides available at Morey’s Piers. This event is family-friendly and no tickets are required.
Oktoberfest at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn + Tavern | 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
September 27th – September 30th
Known for being a sold-out event last year, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern is back with its annual Oktoberfest. Reservations are required in order to attend. There will be a special menu of German menu favorites, live music, and a seasonal beer menu all in the Beer Garden set up for the event. No tickets are required for this event.
Oktoberfest at Hackettstown | Grand Avenue, Main + Valentine Streets, Hackettstown
September 29th – October 1st
For the 7th year in a row, Hackettstown BID, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Man Skirt Brewing, and Grand Avenue Tavern will host Oktoberfest. Activities, contests, craft vendors, and live entertainment are just some of the many things to do at this festival. There are also kid-friendly activities, making this a fun choice for the whole group. No tickets are required for this event.
St. Mary’s Oktoberfest at St. Mary’s Church | 17 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley
September 29th | 6:30PM – 10PM
This adults-only celebration will feature access to a glass beer stein, a German-style buffet, beers, beverages, pretzels, and apple strudel. For live entertainment, a German band will play music and German dancers will perform. Tickets are required and can be purchased online now.
Oktoberfest at Cape May | Carpenter Lane, Cape May
September 30th | 9AM – 6PM
Carpenter Lane between Ocean, Perry, and Jackson Streets in Cape May will be closed off and turned into a family-friendly Oktoberfest environment. Music, food + beverages, and other fun activities will be featured at the event. Artisan tables will be lined up on the street where visitors can buy crafts, antiques, and collectibles. Tickets aren’t required for this event.
5th Annual Oktoberfest at Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
September 30th | 1PM – 10PM
This microbrewery in Montclair will be bringing back its annual Oktoberfest, featuring craft drinks, competitions, live music, and food. The drink menu will have German-style brews like Blue Stripe, Black Mamba, and the brewery’s staple MB Lager. Non-alcoholic options will be available too, like the MB Craft Root Beer and Pineapple Ginger Beer. Visitors are welcome to wear German-inspired Oktoberfest attire and have the chance to participate in a costume contest. This is an adults-only event and tickets can be purchased here.
Kane Oktoberfest at Kane Brewing Beer Garden | 1750 Bloomsbury Avenue, Ocean Township
September 30th | 2PM – 6PM
Kane Brewing Beer Garden will host Oktoberfest outside in its garden. Upon ticket purchase, guests will receive a souvenir ceramic mug, a choice of beer pours, and a pretzel. This event is only for adults 21 and over and tickets are required.
Oktoberfest at Grove Square | 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
September 30th | 5PM – 11PM
This is an Oktoberfest-themed pub crawl for those 21 and up. Participants must pre-register. Food and drink specials can be found at these spots and live music will be played. Tickets can be purchased here.
Oktoberfest Party at The Biergarten AC | 2701 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
October 7th | 12PM – 4PM
Visitors will have the chance to indulge in authentic German drinks and food. Classic dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut will be served. While munching on German eats, Accordionist Ryan Schubert and The Lenahan Band will play live music. Adults are welcome at this event and can purchase tickets here.
Oktoberfest Fall Festival at The Duck Pond | 38 Park Street, Demarest
October 14th | 10AM – 5PM
As a unique spin to Oktoberfest, this festival will feature a craft show highlighting handmade crafts. Besides the craft show, food and drinks will be available for purchase. Festival goers can also enjoy other activities such as canoe rides, birdhouse building, and square dancing. No tickets are required and all are welcome to enjoy.
4th Annual Hopewell Valley Oktoberfest at Trenton Cyrus Lodge | 131 Burd Street, Pennington
October 14th | 4PM – 10PM
Although the event is an Oktoberfest, festival-goers can expect to experience other fall-related activities. Cornhole games, pumpkin painting, door prizes, BBQ, and a pig roast are set to be a part of the lineup. The festival will also feature wine and beer. Families are welcome to this event and can purchase tickets here.
Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge | 11 Reinman Road, Warren
October 14th | 11AM
Visitors will feel like they’re actually in Munich, Germany since the Forest Lodge decks out its space to feel like Germany. German entertainment and decor are found at this event. Foods like spaetzle, brats, and knödel are some of the classic German dishes for visitors to try out for themselves. Everyone is welcome to join this event and can purchase tickets here.
Tenafly Oktoberfest at Tenafly Classic Diner | 16 West Railroad Avenue, Tenafly
October 14th | 11AM – 4PM
Historic downtown Tenafly will host its first-ever Oktoberfest event, organized by Main Street Pops. Local artisan vendors will sell their creations. Seasonal foods will be sold and other fall activities like a corn maze, train ride, and pumpkin decorating make up the lineup. Families can get a pass to this free event here.
Hudson County’s Oktoberfest 2023 at The BLVD | 3167 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, North Bergen
October 14th | 12PM – 9PM
The Hudson County Oktoberfest celebration is a family-friendly celebration with face painting, pumpkin painting, kids activities, live music, and food trucks. Tickets are available online now, and children under ten are free. The celebration will take place at The BLVD, located at 3167 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen.
New York Events
Oktoberfest at Pier 15 | 78 South Street, New York City
Ongoing until October 29th
Pier 15 has an extended celebration of Oktoberfest. It started on September 8th and ends on October 29th — making it a month-long event than the normal two weeks it actually lasts for. Also, it happens to be open to the public seven days a week, so everyone has a chance to attend. German beer, brats, and giant pretzels can be enjoyed. All ages are welcome to attend this free event as a general admission member. However, VIP admission does require a fee through this link.
Oktoberfest Street Festival at Stone Street | Stone Street, New York City
September 30th, October 7th, + October 14th | 12PM – 11PM
For four Saturdays (the first one has already passed), Stone Street Financial District will close off to make room for an Oktoberfest Street Festival. This is one of New York City’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations. German beer will be served in traditional German glassware, food, live music, and games can be enjoyed. To add a special German touch, staff at the event will be dressed in traditional dirndls and lederhosen. The event is free to attend but food + drink vendors are a separate fee on-site.
Handcrafted Oktoberfest at Dutchess County Fairgrounds | 6636 US-9, Rhinebeck
September 30th | 10AM – 6PM + October 1st | 10AM – 5PM
For two days, families will be able to join in on the Oktoberfest festivities. Besides beer and polka dancing, this event is known for the concept of being handmade by inviting local makers and artisans. There will also be live musical performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, pumpkin carving, and a seasonal grub. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased here.
Oktoberfest at Sleepy Hollow | Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
September 30th | 1PM – 5PM
For one day only, Sleepy Hollow will be converted into an Oktoberfest-themed celebration. Everyone of all ages is welcome to join and enjoy the food and live entertainment planned. The event is free but parking comes as a separate cost. The parking fee for all vehicles is $10 and for Sleepy Hollow residents it is only $5.
Oktoberfest Celebration at Long Lot Brewery | 153 Johnson Road, Chester
September 30th – October 1st | 1PM – 8PM
Guests will be able to enjoy live music, food, and Biergarten games at this event. In their music lineup, Bryan Gordon, Carols Colin’s + The Grind, and Sons of Hudson will be performing. There will be a costume contest where one best-dressed man and woman will receive a prize. Admission to this event is free and can RSVP through a Facebook link here.
Oktoberfest at Bait + Hook | 231 2nd Avenue, New York City
September 30th | 6PM – 11PM
This is an Oktoberfest-themed pub crawl from organizer Pubcrawls.com. Participants must register to receive a wristband, which will enable access to a digital map for the event, drink specials, and more. Drink + food specials, a costume contest, DJs, and entry to various venues are included in the admission. This event is for adults 21 and over and tickets can be purchased here.
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain | 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter
September 30th – October 15th (weekends only)
Starting at the end of September, Hunter Mountain is bringing back its annual Oktoberfest. In this family-friendly event, there will be German-themed live music, beer tents, food trucks, and games specifically for kids. This event is free for general admission members. If looking to upgrade to a VIP package, a fee will be included, and tickets can be purchased here.
See More: Your Guide to Breweries + Outdoor Beer Gardens in Hudson County
Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain | Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain
September 30th – October 22nd (select days)
Adults and children alike will enjoy all of the activities planned at Bear Mountain’s Oktoberfest. Children can take part in activities like bounce castles, bean bag toss, and pony rides. Adults can dance the afternoon away with volksmusic, play corn hole and ring toss, and shop from the various local vendors at the festival. Admission to this event is free but guests can upgrade to a VIP admission and buy parking passes at a separate fee on the website here.
Oktoberfest on the Water at Pier 36 | 99 South Street, New York City
Ongoing until November 25th (weekends only)
For a unique off-land experience, Event Cruises NYC is bringing Oktoberfest to the New York Harbor. Views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline can be admired when on a cruise. There will be a live accordionist playing Alpine folk music. As for food, Spatzle and Bratwurst Hot Dogs will be available for purchase. Adults 21 and over can purchase tickets here.
