The Best New Jersey Oktoberfest Celebrations
Discover the top 2024 New Jersey Oktoberfest Celebrations and Events. Features German celebrations of Bavarian traditions with huge amounts of beer, food, German music, singing, and traditional Bavarian costumes.
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.
Northern New Jersey
2024 Oktoberfests
Germania Park Oktoberfest September 21, 22, 2024
Germania Park
56 Conger Street
Dover, New Jersey
Visit their site to learn more
This event features a celebration of German heritage with live German music, beer, food, and the Steuben Parade.
Germania Park has been dedicated to preserving German culture since 1895.
Mountan Creek Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sunday, September 21 & 22, 2024
Red Tail Lodge at Mountain Creek
200 Route 94
Vernon,NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Experience Oktoberfest in Vernon, New Jersey with live music, a wide variety of german, domestic and seasonal beers, ciders, & more, authentic german food, and activities for kids and adults alike.
Annual Oktoberfest Weekend and Car Show
Saturday, Sunday, September 28, 29, 2024 (Rain or shine)
Chubb Park
290 W Main St
Chester, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This family friendly event has something for everyone! Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Oktoberfest with an incredible array of delicious craft beers and authentic German cuisine! The menu caters to everyone's taste, including bratwursts, kielbasa, chicken schnitzel, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and more! Kid-friendly options like hot dogs and giant soft pretzels that will delight the youngest guests. Live music and dancing will be happening all weekend, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 28th, 29th, 2024
Main St., Valentine St. and Grand Ave
Hackettstown, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost:
Free admission
This street style event will feature activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks and food and more! Oktoberfest is a family friendly event; there will be kids activities and other non-alcohol related activities.
Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest
October 5th & 6th, 2024
Deutscher Club of Clark
787 Featherbed Lane
Clark NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Open to the Public
This event will feature live music by Bernie's Orchestra and others, a Masskrugstemmen (stein holding contest), traditional German food and beer, a pig roast, and more!
Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park
Saturday, Sunday, October 5, 6, 2024
Turkey Brook Park
30 Flanders Road
Flanders, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost:
$5 per person ages 18+. 17 & Under FREE
This family event features live music, food & Brew. Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue will be selling beer as a fundraiser. For kids there will be Inflatable Slide & Obstacle, Pony Rides, Connect 4, Flying Chickens, Corn Hole, Yatzee, Jenga & Axe Throwing for the Adults
Edelweiss-Passiac Dancers will be performing throughout the day.
Attendees are urged to bring Chairs, blankets & a smile! There will be seating under the pavillion An ATM will be onsite under the pavillion.
Oktoberfest Hosted by Edelweiss Passaic
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
Pompton Lakes Elks #1895
1 Perrin Ave
Pompton Lakes, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The Oktoberfest is an evening full of food, joy, live music, dancing, entertainment and Gemand food. The event includes Bavarian Entertainment, Schuhplattler, and a Bavarian Buffet.
Oktoberfest at The Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Saturday, October 5th, 2024:
2pm to 6 pm
65 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Celebrate as they Put the 'PUB' in Public Garden and transform the Arboretum into a beer garden with All you can eat & drink, lawn games and live music! This seasonal fete will feature premium autumnal ales, and Bavarian-style bratwurst, pretzels and old-world German dishes. Music will include a 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!
This event is a fundraiser for the Arboretum. Admission includes bottomless beer and German fare. You must be 21 or older to attend. Reservations are recommended since attendance will be limited.
Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge
Saturday, October 12, 2024; 11am - 6pm (rain date October 13th)
11 Reinman Road Warren, New Jersey 07059
Visit their site to learn more
Event Cost: $10, children under 10 free.
Open to the public
This event features
entertainment, a live german band, wurst, bier, Bavarian culture, American fare, free parking
Franklin Lakes Oktoberfest Annual German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest Freehold Oktoberfest
Friday, October 18, 2024
McBride Field
813 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The Annual Oktoberfest is hosted by Tony & Phyllis Chernalis and The Market Basket and honoring the Hovey Family. Enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest celebration underneath the big tent! Festivities include German food and beer, live Oompah music, a game tent, and a beer stein-hoisting competition! The Nerds will be rocking the stage for a night that you won't want to miss!
Central New Jersey
Six Flags Oktoberfest
2024 Oktoberfests
Select days - September 7 - November 3, 2024
Six Flags- Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Features German inspired cuisine, brews and desserts.
Saturday, Sunday, September 28, 29, 2024
215 Uncles Pete's Road
Trenton, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The German-American Society of Trenton, NJ, the largest German Club of Central New Jersey, is hosting
this family friendly celebration featuring German Beer and Traditional Food, live German Music, Ethnic German Dances, best dressed Bavarian style & Steinholding contests, crafts, with lots of family fun.
Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Saturday, October 5th, 2024; 12pm - 7pm (rain date October 6th)
Veterans Park
Bay and Shrewsbury Ave
Highlands, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
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 is a highlight of this famous festival. There will be live Oompah, and polka music and performances throughout the day.
Sunday, October 6th, 2024; Noon - 6pm
West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street
Downtown Freehold, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This street Oktoberfest celebration will feature a beer garden, german music, food, games, crafters and specialty Items, along with stables and seating.
Southern New Jersey
Oktoberfest ''Bier on the Pier''
2024 Oktoberfests
Weekends Between Sept. 13 and Oct. 13, 2024
Morey's Pier
On the boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This celebration features activities for the little squirts, Bier on the Pier, with live music, traditional German fare, and all the games and rides you know and love at Morey's Pier.
Doppelganger Performing Oktoberfest Music
Saturday, Sunday, September 14th, 15th 2024
MudHen Brewing Company
127 W. Rio Grande Ave.
Wildwood, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Performing a great mix of the most fun Oktoberfest songs and music. Come join in the fun and raise a glass. Prost!
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Friday, Saturday, September 20th, 21st, 2024 (Rain or Shine)
Medford's Freedom Park
86 Union Street
Medford, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Free Admission, All Ages, Free On-Site Parking
Enjoy this festive Geman celebration with a beer tent, three stages of live music, German food, dancing, kids fun activities, and more.
Annual Oktoberfest on the Square
Saturday, September 28, 2024: Noon to 10:00pm
Haddon Square Pop Up Garden
51 Haddon Ave
Westmont, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This family friendly celebration features a celebration with German bier, German food, and German music.
Oktoberfest in Cape May
Saturday, September 28th, 2024; 9am - 6pm (rain date Sunday, Sept 29th)
located on Carpenter Lane between Ocean & Perry and continue down Jackson Street to Beach Ave.
Cape May, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition in Cape May. Carpenter Lane will be transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. Visit the Beer Gardens and Food Courts browse the artisans tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles.
Smithville Oktoberfest
October 5th, 6th, 2024; 10am - 5pm (rain or shine)
Historic Smithville and Village Green
Smithville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This festive event features an Oktoberfest celebration with 150 juried crafters, an International food court, live music, kids activities, non-Profit organizations and more for Oktoberfest. All of this food and fun plus The Villages 60 Shoppes, Train and Carousel Rides, Paddle boats, 7 Eateries, and Antique Arcades! kind food!
