Oktoberfest originated in Germany to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Since 1810, Oktoberfest has been an important part of Bavarian culture and is held in late September or early October. Additionally, Oktoberfest in the United States is a celebration of Bavarian culture, traditions, music, food, and of course beer. With our list of the top 5 US cities for Oktoberfest, readers just might discover a new favorite festival where they can raise a beer and sing along to Oompa and His Band.
The art of brewing beer can be traced back to 3500-3100 BC by archaeologists and researchers. According to ancient historical records, beer was considered safer to drink than water because harmful microorganisms were boiled out during the brewing process and it contained additional calories. So it’s no surprise that beer is featured heavily at the world’s largest fall Volksfest.
German beer is the traditional drink of Oktoberfest and is usually served in 1 liter sized jugs or steins. German-style lager, the world’s most popular beer, originated in Bavaria more than 400 years ago as a result of a brewing accident, according to a recent study. Researchers say the yeast used to brew cold beer, known as Saccharomyces pastorianus, first appeared at the court of Maximilian the Great in Munich. This was the result of a chance encounter and subsequent hybridization of two different yeast strains. Hybrid yeasts are known to ferment more slowly at lower temperatures, such as in caves or basements.
If you’re worried that your health will be compromised by drinking too much at a beer-based party, don’t worry. A new study has found that hops, which give many types of beer their bitter taste, can help prevent harmful proteins from clumping together in the brain. The results show that Tettnang hops, which are used in many types of lagers and light ales, are the most effective at preventing Alzheimer’s disease-related brain problems. When the researchers separated this extract into fractions, they found that those containing high levels of polyphenols had the best antibiotic and amyloid-β blocking abilities. The research team also found that hops extract increases the body’s ability to eliminate misfolded toxic proteins.
Are you thirsty yet? Then get lederhosen or dirndl and a group of friends. With so many great fall celebrations across the country, we needed a resource to find the best US cities for Oktoberfest. Let us know where you celebrate Oktoberfest in the comments below!
Two women at Oktoberfest in Germany (Photo credit: r.classen)
List: America’s Best Oktoberfest Festivals, According to Travel Experts
1. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Topping the #1 list is Frankenmuth, Michigan. This Oktoberfest is a great example of a big party in a small town. Visit USA Parks explains: “First, we’re off to Frankenmuth, Michigan, one of the youngest festivals on our list. But don’t let age fool you. There’s a reason Frankenmuth is home to the best Oktoberfest in the U.S. This spectacular mid-September weekend festival was sanctioned in its first year by the then Mayor of Munich, Christian Uhde. With this honor, Frankenmuth has been the sponsor of Frankenmuth Oktoberfest since its inception. It was the first place in the United States to import beer from the iconic Munich-based Hofbräuhaus. Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” the town has a quaint main street that’s sure to please. There’s plenty to do and see, and a peaceful atmosphere all year round. ”
Don’t forget to vote for Frankenmuth as “Best Oktoberfest.” @USATODAY At http://t.co/PLx1CTfsTR! #10 Best Choice pic.twitter.com/lM3GDch1TU
— Frankenmuth (@Frankenmuth) September 8, 2015
The Points Guy points out: “The small town of Frankenmuth hosts a small but grand Oktoberfest in mid-September. It is the only destination outside of Munich officially sanctioned by the Bundestag (German parliament) and former Munich mayor Christian Uhde. Thanks to its deep German roots and long-standing dedication to representing Bavaria, Frankenmuth attracts Germans and many tourists seeking an authentic German experience.”
Men’s Journal also praised: “There are many Oktoberfests in the United States, but only Michigan’s Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is so serious that the mayor of Munich has officially given his blessing.” Munich’s famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus, is currently hosting the weekend’s official Sponsored It may not be the original Oktoberfest, but it includes Bavarian cuisine, fresh German bubbly, locals in lederhosen and dirndls, and more. It’s as close to the real thing as you’ll get without it.”
2. Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia hosts a spectacular Oktoberfest every year. Georgia’s mild weather in late September is also perfect for outdoor celebrations. Next Where Surprise Getaways claims: “Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia has one of the longest Oktoberfest traditions in the United States. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town is reminiscent of a traditional Alpine village. You can visit specialty shops selling souvenirs and German products and buy unique travel gifts.
All day, every day. ⏰ From now until the end of the month, the annual Oktoberfest will be held every day: https://t.co/nRRNkcJZTU. [📷: IG, toadstoolturtle] pic.twitter.com/LJQefgYvRg
— Alpine Helen Georgia (@AlpineHelen) October 3, 2022
“If there’s one Oktoberfest to visit in the United States, make it Helen’s Oktoberfest, the longest running in the country. Sponsored by Helen’s Festhalle, this event offers a great time most weekends in September and October. The best feature of Helen Oktoberfest is that the town is actually designed as a German-style alpine village. You can explore the whole town, not just the amusement park like other Oktoberfests. ” says one Scotsman overseas.
Travelmag adds: “Another well-established event, Helen Oktoberfest is said to be the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. Held at the Festhalle grounds on the river in Helen, Georgia, it is a multi-week festival filled with dancing, food, and food. They are usually seen wearing traditional costumes such as lederhosen and dirndl and dancing to authentic German songs or modern popular songs. The event is open to all ages, but is popular with touring and college groups on the weekends, while weekdays tend to be a little more family-friendly.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is tucked away under the shadow of the Cascade Mountains and offers another scenic Oktoberfest destination. Leavenworth is a wonderful small town where attention to detail is admired. Vacasa added: “The town is known for its authentic German atmosphere, which ranges from architecture and the Nutcracker Museum to seasonal festivals. The most famous is the Christmas Village Illuminations, one of the largest in the country. The latter includes a ceremonial barrel tapping, a beer garden, live music, an oompah band, German food, pastries, traditional Bavarian costumes, and souvenir sales.
I think of the journey of discovery as follows.[Enjoy] It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the famous Bavarian architecture that attendees have come to associate with the original festival. It is performed throughout the town, accompanied by music, dance, and long-standing traditions such as the barrel-pounding ceremony. There are three beer gardens serving local beer and his 10,000-square-foot Kinderplatz for kids, featuring a 62-foot Ferris wheel, bouncy obstacle course, root beer garden, face painting, games, and more. ”
“If you want a truly authentic Oktoberfest experience, Leavenworth is the place for you. This picturesque city is located in the Cascade Mountains and is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country,” Lifehacker writes.
4. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati hosts the annual city-wide Oktoberfest Zinjinati. Travelers looking for an expansive list of festivals, look no further. Tasting Table expands on this by saying, “This massive festival, sponsored by Samuel Adams, takes place in downtown Cincinnati in mid-September. The city of Cincinnati has a deep German heritage. , the name ‘Zinzinati’ is not only used for the annual Oktoberfest, but also used by locals to refer to the city due to its German roots and influence.
The countdown to the world’s biggest chicken dance begins. Reach a stage (any stage).
Chicken dance will be performed on all 9 stages from 5pm! #OktoberfestTsinnati pic.twitter.com/eHzE00bEMi
— Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (@OktoberfestZinz) September 21, 2019
Visit Parks USA adds the following details: “Of course, this list would not be complete without America’s Largest Oktoberfest. The city of Cincinnati in southwestern Ohio boasts the title of “America’s Largest Oktoberfest” for its annual Oktoberfest Zinginati celebration. According to the festival’s website, Oktoberfest Zinzinati consumes more than 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut and 80,000 bratwursts each year. ”
“More than 500,000 people attend this celebration in Cincinnati each year. To be honest, this Oktoberfest is most similar to the Munich festival. The event lasts for three days in mid-September and is in full swing. Filled with German food, drinks and music,” Next Where adds.
5. La Crosse, Wisconsin
Wisconsinites know how to celebrate their Bavarian roots. Oktoberfest USA is known as the Midwest’s largest annual sausage fest. Men’s Journal says, “With an estimated 42 percent of all Wisconsin residents claiming at least some German heritage, it makes sense that the state would go all out in celebrating Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest USA, held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is the Midwest’s longest running Oktoberfest (63rd in 2023) and one of the largest. Traditional events include tankard races, barrel rolls, grain tossing, polka dancing, tankard holding competitions, the Festmaster’s Ball, and Sam Adams’ Tapping of the Golden Barrel.
On this day in 1961, the first Wisconsin @Oktoberfest It was held. In early 1960, civic leaders agreed that the city needed community-wide action. Community leaders decided to celebrate Oktoberfest. @naoya0719 #WisconsinHistory pic.twitter.com/LkyJELt2hd
— WIHistoricalSociety (@WisHistory) October 14, 2019
“La Crosse’s Das Best Oktoberfest is without a doubt the best in the state, and probably the best in the Midwest. The first Oktoberfest in La Crosse was held in 1961, and was originally a community-wide festival in the city. As an event, it was organized out of necessity, and given the German-American population, Oktoberfest was a natural choice,” says Tasting Table.
“The town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is where visitors can find one of the best Oktoberfests in the U.S. The festival began at a time when city leaders were considering options for a citywide event. A local German-owned brewery heard the news and proposed hosting an Oktoberfest. Within just a few years, the initiative had become nationally known as “Oktoberfest USA.” , the festival of lacrosse has become one of the most popular and largest Oktoberfests in America,” says Visit Parks USA.
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