Oktoberfest is a German celebration of Bavarian traditions with huge amounts of beer, food, German music, singing, and traditional Bavarian costumes.
With increased worldwide popularity, New Jersey Oktoberfest’s have become a popular fall event and with Oktoberfest celebrations found throughout the state just a short driving distance of their home.
The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, Germany in 1810 to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. Today it continues in Munich to become the world's largest beer festival. Oktoberfest is an event that takes place during the 16 days before the first Sunday in October. However, this event can stretch to 17 days when the 1st Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1st.
Oktoberfest isn't just for Germans anymore. Oktoberfest has now become a very popular worldwide festival. Today the largest Oktoberfest’s are held in Munich and Cincinnati.
Most of the New Jersey Oktoberfest celebrations are shortened, scaled down versions, and usually occur over a day or two during the traditional Oktoberfest, during the 16 days before the first Sunday in October, although some bar/tavern venues have made it a weekend event stretching to the end of October.
Authentic Oktoberfest’s are celebrated with performers wearing the traditional German costumes with the men dressed in Sennerhut, Lederhosen, and the girls in Dirndl. German attendees are often found wearing Bavarian hats (Tirolerhüte). In the past, the more tufts of goat hair on your hat, the wealthier you are. Though nowadays this is no longer the case as the tufts are synthetic and everybody can look as wealthy as they like.
Oktoberfest attendees can often be seen with a stein of German beer is in one hand and the other holding a wurst or sausage. Additional foods are served in large portions from oxen and whole split roasted chickens to a variety of sausages steamed and served with sauerkraut and onions.
Of course, the big draw is the German Beer. Oktoberfest is more than a celebration; it is also a style of bier. Authentic Oktoberfest bier is brewed very much like the reddish amber Marzen beer that was served at the Crown Prince Ludwig's wedding in 1810. Today, however Oktoberfest biers in Germany tend to be lighter in color and body than the traditional Marzen style. However, American craft breweries have a slightly different style of brewing Oktoberfest biers that are often slightly higher in alcohol, richer in hops aroma and flavor, and redder in hue than the European fest biers.
In The USA, the onset of fall, and especially the winter, will find the better quality, more flavorful beers will begin to replace the lighter, less flavorful beers typically found in the summer.
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.
Oktoberfest Skylands Stadium
September 17, 2022: 1pm - 7pm
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Place
Augusta, New Jersey 07822
Website
Event Cost: $25.00
With more than 25 seasonal beers, traditional German food specials, live music, and games/competitions, this one-day-only, rain or shine event includes admission to the event, a 32 oz. souvenir stein, and one draft fill. For those not interested in the draft beer offered at Oktoberfest, canned and bottled beer, seltzer, cider, and wine will also be available for purchase. And for those who are designated drivers or are sober companions, we offer a designated driver admission.
Also find various games including a stein holding contest, keg squatting, cornhole, kan jam, and giant pong. Live music will be going strong throughout the day with college football playing on the video board. This is a 21+ only event; no minors or pets (service animals exempt) will be allowed entry into the event.
Roselle Park - 4th Annual Oktoberfest
September 17, 2022; 3 - 8pm (rain date Sept 18th)
Michael J. Mauri Park
E Grant Ave
Roselle Park, NJ
Website
Contact: The Casano Community Center at (908)-245-0666
This famiy event features
live music from Bernie's Orchestra, food trucks, and a beer garden. Free activities will also be available for younger children, such as Meltdown, Boulder Dash, and other games.
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 23, 24, 25, 2022
Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave
Hackettstown, NJ
(908) 852-2131
Website
Cost:
Free admission
This family friendly, street style event will feature activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks and food and more! There will be kids activities and other non-alcohol related activities.
Annual Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 from noon to 9pm & Sunday, September 25, 2022 from noon to 6pm (Rain or shine)
Chubb Park
on Route 24
Chester, NJ
Website/Car Registration
Cost:
Admission to the event is $7. Children under 12 are free. Parking for the event is also free.
Sponsored by the Lions Club, this years family event features live music, entertainers, activities, rides, a car show, games, and crafts. The band, dance floor, and dining area is located under large event tents to shield you from the sun and rain..
All proceeds go to charity
Zeppelin Hall
Oktoberfest
September 24th thru October 23rd, 2022; Friday & Saturday afternoons from 3pm - 7pm
88 Liberty View Drive
Jersey City, NJ
(201) 721-8888
Website
Jersey City's authentic
authentic European style Biergarten, with a huge restaurant with both indoor and outdoor spaces where hundreds of guests gather under the trees and stars to drink beer, eat and socialize, will celebrate Oktoberfest with live German bands in the garden on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
Wednesday, September 28th through Saturday, October 1st, 2022
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern
1 East Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Website/Reservations
Special German Menu of traditional favorites to follow… Listen to the Live German music of yesteryears Oktoberfest Festivals with a German Polka Band from Esteem Entertainment Wednesday night through Saturday night from 7-10pm while you enjoy German Dinner!
Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest
October 1, 2, 2022: 12 PM - 10 PM
Deutscher Club of Clark
787 Featherbed Lane
Clark NJ
Website
Open to the Public
This event will feature live music byThe Alex Meixner Band and Doppelgänger, a Masskrugstemmen (stein holding contest), traditional German food and beer, a pig roast, and more!
The Craft Show @ Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10am - 5pm
Demarest Nature Center
Duck Pond
38 Park St
Demarest, NJ
Website
This event features a high quality craft show with up to 75 crafts persons bringing their handmade crafts in many medias. It's a great place for holiday shopping, for gifts, or for items for your own use and enjoyment. There will be German music, German food, water and soft drinks; Korean delicacies; inflatable games.
While at the fair visit the Demarest Nature Center and environmental information tables. All proceeds go to benefit The Demarest Nature Center.
Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park
October 8, 2022; Noon - 9pm
Turkey Brook Park
30 Flanders Road
Flanders, NJ
Website
(973) 426-7263
Cost:
$5 per person ages 18+ / 17 & Under FREE. $5 parking fee per car.
This family event features live music, food & Brew. From pale ales to robust stouts, Hackensack Brewing, Brix City Brewing and Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. will be serving up an array of craft beers to savor. For kids there will be Inflatable Slide & Obstacle, Pony Rides, Connect 4, Flying Chickens, Corn Hole, Yatzee, Jenga & Axe Throwing for the Adults
Mountain Express will be playing from 12pm - 9pm. Edelweiss-Passiac Dancers will be performing between 12:30pm and 4:30pm
Attendees are urged to bring Chairs, blankets & a smile! There will be seating under the pavillion An ATM will be onsite under the pavillion.
23rd Annual Leonia Oktoberfest
October 9, 2022: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm (rain or shine)
American Legion Hall
399 Broad Ave
Leonia, NJ 07605
Website
This is a family friendly event is a fall celebration of German culture with German food and beer, kids activities, and German competitions.The event is a fund raiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of The Palisades.
Franklin Lakes Oktoberfest
Friday, October 14, 2022; 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
McBride Field
813 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Website
(973) 881-8307 x105
The Annual Oktoberfest is hosted by Tony & Phyllis Chernalis and The Market Basket, honoring Leslie and Peter Rubacky. Enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest celebration underneath the big tent! Festivities include German food and beer, live music, a game tent, and a beer stein-hoisting competition!
Proceeds from this event will benefit Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children.
Oktoberfest Hosted by Edelweiss Passaic
Saturday, October 15, 2022; 6:30pm - 11:30pm
Pompton Lakes Elks #1895
1 Perrin Ave
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442
Web Site/Tickets
973-876-5345
Email: [email protected]
The Oktoberfest is an evening full of food, joy, live music, dancing, entertainment and Gemütlichkeit. The event includes Bavarian Entertainment, Schuhplattler, and a Bavarian Buffet.
SACKtoberfest
Saturday, October 15, 2022; 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Atlantic Street Park
102 State Street
Hackensack, NJ
Website
201-498-1690
[email protected]
SACKtoberfest features a mouthwatering selection of foods to suit every taste, ice-cold ales from New Jersey's best craft breweries and live music.
Oktoberfest at The Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Saturday, October 22, 2022:
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
65 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
Website/Reservations
908-273-8787
Cost: Members $80.00, Non-Members $95.00
Celebrate
putting the 'PUB' in Public Garden as it transforms the Arboretum into a beer garden for Oktoberfest.
This seasonal fete will feature premium autumnal ales, and Bavarian-style bratwurst and pretzels provided by Barth's Market known for their old-world German dishes. Doppelgänger, a 5-piece German band featuring an accordion, clarinet, tuba, guitar, drums and vocals will set the mood for this fun afternoon in the garden. Oktoberfest attire is highly encouraged, with special prizes for best costume!
This event is a fundraiser for the Arboretum. Admission includes bottomless beer, bratwurst and pretzels.
You must be 21 or older to attend. Reservations are recommended since attendance will be limited.
Annual German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest
September 24, 25, 2022
215 Uncles Pete's Road
Trenton, NJ
Website
(609) 585-5200
This family celebration features German Beer and Traditional Food, live German Music, Ethnic German Dances, best dressed Bavarian style & Steinholding contests, crafts, with lots of family fun.
Oktoberfest at Village Brewing Company
September 24, 2022;
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Village Brewing Company
Division Street
Somerville, NJ
Website
Cost: $0 - $5
This family friendly celebration features
their house made Craft Oktoberfest Beers and Cider while listening to all day music live music. Indulge in fresh pretzels, made-to-order brats and more authentic German Cuisine. Play some of giant games, enter a stein holding contest, win prizes and even visit a hair braider! Kids activities available.
Laurita OktoberFest with Food Trucks & Fire Pits
Saturday & Sunday, October 1, 2, 2022
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd,
New Egypt, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost:
$12 for 21+ online in advance! $14 at the gate!! 20 and under are FREE!
Experience the trending Gourmet Food Truck offerings while sipping on wine and enjoying a seat to watch the Fire Works! Live music and good friends will make this day special! Fireworks Saturday Night at 8:30pm.
Admission includes: Free Parking! Free Scenic Shuttle Service to and from the parking area to the Vineyard Festival Grounds! Free Souvenir Laurita Wine Glass! Free Kids playgrounds! Access to over 6 Wine Bars (inside and out) and 2 Tasting Tent Areas (available during non-peak hours of the festival) and some of the most scenic views in New Jersey.
Oktoberfest with Melina & the Oompahs
Saturdays, October 1, 8, 2022; 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach
325 Shore Drive
Highlands, NJ
Tickets
Cost: Tickets: $15 online / $20 at the door (while they last), kids 12 and under are free and do not need tickets
This celebration features a variety of German beers at the bar and the food trucks will be serving up their best German specialties like hot pretzels and bratwurst.
Melina & the Oompahs wiil play from 2:30-6:30 PM each day. They will put on a high-energy Oktoberfest show with music from traditional German Oompah to hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's through now. Melina grew up in Germany and resides in NYC. She has put together a program which will take you on a musical ride based on the Original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, where she has performed.
Local favorite bands will perform after Melina & the Oompahs: 4 Flight Rock at 7pm on October 1st Cranston Dean at 7pm on October 8th
9th Annual Downtown Somerville Oktoberfest!
Saturday, October 1st, 2022; 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
North Bridge St, between Main St and High St.
Somerville, NJ
Tickets
Cost:
$0 - $12
This celebration features local craft beers with traditional Oktoberfest brews will be on hand, along with plenty of food from local restaurants and live music from awesome bands throughout the day. Along with our giant beer pong, they will also feature their annual Stein Holding Contest, a live Brews & Brushes painting experience and their custom beer puppeteer setup! Pumpkin & face painting will also available for the little ones.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with Friends of Princeton Open Space
Sunday, October 2, 2022; 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
Mountain Lakes House
57 Mountain Ave
Princeton, NJ
Tickets
Cost $50
This celebration features local craft beer, hard cider, Jammin' Crepes sweet + savory food truck + live music in the beautiful setting of the Mountain Lakes House, overlooking the lake at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, New Jersey. The covered terrace will be available for socializing outside.
Annual Asbury Festhalle Oktoberfest
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, October 7, 8, 9, 2022
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
527 Lake Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
732-997-8767
Website
The Jersey Shores Authentic Oktoberfest celebration in their Munich style, tented Biergarten Roof top. The event features Food, Beer, Oktoberfest Merchandise, and Live Polka Bands.
Hopewell Valley Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 8, 2022; 4pm - 9pm
Trenton Cyrus Lodge
131 Burd Street
Pennington, NJ
Tickets
Cost: Adlults $50.
Under 21 $25. Kids 12 years old and younger Free.
This celebration features
a live band, beer on tap, pig roast, cornhole, pumpkin carving, and more.
New Brunswick's 4th Annual Oktoberfest
October 9, 2022; 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monument Square Park
George St & Livingston Ave
New Brunswick, NJ
732-545-4849
Email: [email protected]
Website
Free Admission
This Oktoberfest event features a fall celebration of music, food, and community. Enjoy a variety of local and traditional food, craft brews, German beers, and vendors that will keep your interest. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of music, games, activities, and so much more! Plus take part in our Stein holding competitions as competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein out in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground, and the last person holding with good form is the winner! Partygoers are encouraged to get into the Oktoberfest spirit by wearing their best dirndl or lederhosen. The music line-up includes a combination of performances of a broad mix for all age groups, including Traditional German music!
Hamilton Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 16th 2022, 11am - 5:30pm; Rain Date Sunday, October 24th
Veterans Park,
2306 Kuser Rd
Hamilton Township, NJ
Website
A family Oktoberfest celebration with many family oriented activeities. Note: Alcoholic beverages will not be served at, nor permitted at, this event.
This family event features, Amusements, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Corn Maze, Crafters, fire pits, and a Jack 'O Lantern Carving Contest.
Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Saturday, October 22, 2022; 12pm - 7pm (rain date October 23rd)
Veterans Park
Bay and Shrewsbury Ave
Highlands
732 - 291- 4713
Website
Admission and Parking is free.
Modeled on the traditional Munich, Germany Oktoberfest with an emphasis on eating; drinking and being merry while providing something for everyone. Authentic German food, children's activities, crafters, live music. Oompa Bands & Dancers, and other great entertainment.