The Best Oktoberfest Celebrations
and Events in New Jersey
2023 Edition
Discover New Jersey's Top Oktoberfest Celebrations and Events
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.
Northern New Jersey
2023 Oktoberfests
Germania Park Oktoberfest September 16, 17, 2023
Germania Park
56 Conger Street
Dover, New Jersey
(973) 328-9693
Website
Cost: Entrance fee is $5, cash only. There will be an ATM on the site. Free parking
This event featres 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. The live music will be performed by:
Bud & Linda, Bavarski Boys, and David Batz. Rain or Shine, Covered pavilion that holds over 200 people.
Mountan Creek Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sunday, September 16, & 17th, 2023:
Red Tail Lodge at Mountain Creek
200 Route 94
Vernon,NJ 07462
Website & Reservations
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. We'll be vastly expanding our serving lines with 6 beer trailers and more than a dozen satellite stations with craft beer, seltzer and canned cocktails.
24th Annual Leonia Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 23rd, 2023: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm (rain or shine)
Leonia's Beer Garden in Wood Park (behind Leonia Library)
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.
Annual Oktoberfest Weekend
Saturday, Sunday, September 23, 24, 2023 (Rain or shine)
Chubb Park
290 W Main St
Chester, NJ
Website
Cost:
Admission to the event is $7. Children under 10 are free. Parking for the event is also free.
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. This is a cash event. ATMs are available on site.
All proceeds from this event go to various charities and other worthy causes.
Zeppelin Hall
Oktoberfest
September 26th thru October 15th, 2023; Saturdays from 3pm - 8pm
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 Saturdays.
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
Wednesday, September 27th through Saturday, September 30th
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern
1 East Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Website/Reservations
Special German Menu of traditional favorites! Listen to the LIVE German music of yesteryear Oktoberfest Festivals with a German Polka Band from Esteem Entertainment Wednesday night through Saturday night from 7-10pm while you enjoy German Dinner, and a Beer Garden!
Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest
September 30th & October 1st, 2023: 12 PM - 10 PM
Deutscher Club of Clark
787 Featherbed Lane
Clark NJ
Website
Cost: $10/person. 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!
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 30th & October 1st, 2023
Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave
Hackettstown, NJ
(908) 852-2131
Website
Cost:
Free admission
This street style event will feature activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks and food and more! This Oktoberfest is a family friendly event where vendors will take to Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave. for this street-fair style event. This Oktoberfest is a family friendly event; there will be kids activities and other non-alcohol related activities.
Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park
Saturday, October 7, 2023; Noon - 9pm
Turkey Brook Park
30 Flanders Road
Flanders, NJ
Website
(973) 426-7263
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
Mountain Express will be playing from 12pm - 9pm. 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.
Franklin Lakes Oktoberfest
Friday, October 13, 2023; 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 and honoring Columbia Bank. 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 Fall Festival
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10am - 5pm
Demarest Nature Center
Duck Pond
38 Park St
Demarest, NJ
Website
This event features features a high quality craft show with crafters 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.
The Festival still maintains it's historic "Fest" flavor with German music and German food. Korean food delights are also offered. A bake table as well as other specialty food items can be found throughout the show. There are even canoe rides on the pond.
While at the fair visit the Demarest Nature Center and environmental information tables. All proceeds go to benefit The Demarest Nature Center.
Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge
Saturday, October 14, 2023; 11am - 6pm (rain date October 15th)
11 Reinman Road Warren, New Jersey 07059
Website
Event Cost: $10, children under 10 free.
This event features
entertainment, a live german band, wurst, bier, Bavarian culture, American fare, free parking
Oktoberfest Hosted by Edelweiss Passaic
Saturday, October 21, 2023; 6:30pm - 11:30pm
Pompton Lakes Elks #1895
1 Perrin Ave
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442
Web Site
973-876-5345
Email: [email protected]
The Oktoberfest is an evening full of food, joy, live music, dancing, entertainment and Gemأ╘tlichkei. The event includes Bavarian Entertainment, Schuhplattler, and a Bavarian Buffet.
Oktoberfest at The Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Saturday, October 21, 2023:
2pm to 6 pm
65 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ
Website/Reservations
908-273-8787
Cost: Members $85.00, Non-Members $95.00
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! Sponsored by Peerless Beverage Company, this seasonal fete will feature premium autumnal ales, and Bavarian-style bratwurst, pretzels and side-dishes provided by Barth's Market known for their old-world German dishes. Doppelgأ¤nger, 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!
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.
Central New Jersey
2023 Oktoberfests
Six Flags Oktoberfest Select days - September 9 - October 1, 2023
Six Flags- Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ
Website
Enjoy German inspired cuisine, brews and desserts.
Annual German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sunday, September 23, 24, 2023
215 Uncles Pete's Road
Trenton, NJ
Website
(609) 585-5200
Cost: $10 entry fee each day, food and beer (21+) sold separately. IDs will be checked at the door
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.
The entertainment line-up includes:
Saturday: Philly German Brass Band -The Aqua String Band -The Ruckus
Sunday: Don Bitterlich - GTV Almrausch - Mountain Xpress
Both days: Masskrugstemmen
River Horse Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 23rd, 2023:5:30PM - 10PM
River Horse Brewing Company
2 Graphics Drive
Ewing Township, NJ
Website/Tickets
Cost: $20 – $45
This Oktoberfest celebration features exclusive German beer, as well as the classic River Horse Fall Favorites like Hipp-O-Lantern Pumpkin Ale!
The event will also include a live band performing your favorite tunes to dance and sing along to! In addition to a Brat -Toss competition, a Beer Garden to see the best (and wurst) displays of sausage-y sportsmanship in all of New Jersey, a Stein Holding Contest, a Mr. & Mrs Oktoberfest contest --- dress up in your best dirndl or lederhosen to be chosen as Mr. or Mrs. Oktoberfest. They'll choose the winner by popular applause.
Freehold Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Noon - 6pm
West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street
Downtown Freehold, NJ
Website
This celebration will feature a Beer Garden for all types of Vendors and Food, along with tables and seating. There will be live Music by Swedish Meatballs, WCT Band, and Turnstyles. Enjoy the Games, Crafters and Specialty Items.
Breweries will also be in attendance including: Twin Lights Brewing, Artis Brewery and Birdsmouth Beer.
Annual Asbury Festhalle Oktoberfest
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, October 6, 7, 8, 2023
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.
Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Saturday, October 7th, 2023; 12pm - 7pm (rain date October 8th)
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, stein holding competition, costume contests, and other great entertainment.
New Brunswick's 5th Annual Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 8th, 2023; 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 held in New Brunswick's City Center. 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 fun continues with a music line-up that will keep you entertained all afternoon and feature a combination of performances of a broad mix for all age groups, including Traditional German music! They will be turning on the taps, along George Street and raising our steins, toasting to cold brews with local establishments offering craft and seasonal beers for purchase. No entry fee. Open to the public, rain or shine, food, and beverages are available for purchase.
Hopewell Valley Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 14, 2023: 4 - 10pm
Trenton Cyrus Lodge
131 Burd Street
Pennington, NJ
Tickets
Cost: Adlults $25 - $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.
his family-friendly event is open to all. There will be a live band, corn hole games, pumpkin painting, door prizes, BBQ and pig roast, several beers on tap, wine, and soft drinks. The BBQ is so good you'll be telling all your friends you found the best kept secret! There are several ticket options this year, to make the event even more accessible to the community.
Hamilton Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 15th, 2023, 11am - 5:30pm
Veterans Park,
2306 Kuser Rd
Hamilton Township, NJ
Website
A family Oktoberfest celebration with many family oriented activeities. Family favorite activities include a pumpkin patch, hay rides, corn maze, amusements, crafters and vendors.
Laurita OktoberFest with Food Trucks & Fire Pits
Saturday & Sunday, October 21, 22, 2023
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd,
New Egypt, NJ
Website/Tickets
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.
Southern New Jersey
2023 Oktoberfests
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival Friday, Saturday, September 15, 16, 2023 (Rain or Shine)
Medford's Freedom Park
86 Union Street
Medford, NJ 08055
Website/line-up of performers
Free Admission, All Ages, Free On-Site Parking
Enjoy Great Live Music from several local Rock, Folk, and Blues Bands. The event includes a Beer tent, Three stages of Live Music, Food trucks, German Food, Artisan Ciders, kids fun activities and more.
Oktoberfest ''Bier on the Pier''
Four consecutive weekends: September 15 - 17, 22 - 24, 29th - October 2, & 6 - 8, 2023
Morey's Pier
On the boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Website
This celebration features live music, activities for the little squirts, rides, and of course, Bier on the Pier. With live music, activities for the little squirts, rides, and of course, Bier on the Pier. It wasn't long until everyone was wilkommen ق│╜ kicking back and reclining mit der drinken in der bier garten. Auf Wiedersehen! Raise a glass and tap a toe as bands play all weekend long on the Coca-Cola stage! Daily strolling entertainment!
Doppelganger Performing at Oktoberfest
Sunday, September 17th, 2023; 2pm - 6pm
MudHen Brewing Company
127 W. Rio Grande Ave.
Wildwood, NJ
609-846-7918
Website
Performing a great mix of the most fun Oktoberfest songs and classic American party music. Come join in the fun and raise a glass. Prost!
6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square
Saturday, September 23, 2023: Noon to 10:00pm
Haddon Square Pop Up Garden
51 Haddon Ave
Westmont, NJ
Website
This family friendly celebration features both the Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen for a celebration with a giant tent, blue and white Bavarian decorations, imported tables and benches, giant steins of German bier, a pig roast, and other German specialties, plus live music from Maria and John Band.
Avalon Oktoberfest
Friday, September 29, 2023 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM
The Sandbar Village Beach Bar
125 79th Street
Avalon, NJ 08202
Cost: $0 - $20
Tickets - When you buy a ticket, you'll get a FREE beer included & early bird tickets will also recieve a sand-safe 1/2 L acrylic Stein!
It's time to hoist your steins and break out the lederhose. Gobble up German favorites like giant pretzels & bratwurst while you sip on some quality brews. This event is also family-friendly so no need to hire a sitter! The kiddies will stay entertained with fun live entertainment and games like Corn-Hole, Jenga, & a kid's craft activity.
Oktoberfest in Cape May
Saturday, September 30th, 2023; 9am - 6pm ( rain date Sunday Oct. 1st)
located on Carpenter Lane between Ocean & Perry and continue down Jackson Street to Beach Ave.
Cape May, NJ
Website
609.884.5508
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition in Cape May. Stroll along Jackson St, Carpenter Lane and Decatur St enjoy browsing the artisans tables selling their crafts, collectibles and antiques.
Smithville Oktoberfest
October 7th, 8th, 2023; 10am - 5pm (rain or shine)
Historic Smithville and Village Green
Smithville, NJ
Website
This festive event features an Oktoberfest celebration with 100 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!
