Oktoberfest in New Jersey

2017 Oktoberfests, 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 Oktoberfests 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 world wide festival. Today the largest Oktoberfests 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 Oktoberfests 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 considered to be. 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.

Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.

Northern New Jersey 2017 Oktoberfests

Germania Park Oktoberfestآ
September 16, 2017
56 Conger Street
Dover, New Jersey
(973) 328-9693
Website
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

Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
Wednesday September 20 - Saturday, 23, 2017
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern
1 East Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Website
This celebration features an authentic tented biergarten on their outdoor heated patio, with Oktoberfest brews, traditional German fare. Authentic German Musical Oompah bands performing Friday & Saturday, 7 -7-10pm. No reservations required.

Annual Pig and Prince Oktoberfest
September 23, 2017; Noon - 8pm
Pig and Prince Restaurant
1 Lackawanna Plaza
Montclair, NJ
Website
This celebration is hosted by The Pig and Prince Restaurant and Gastrolounge featuring authentic German food and seven local craft breweries. Live music all day.

Leonia Oktoberfest
September 23, 2017; 2pm until 9pm
American Legion Hall
399 Broad Ave
Leonia, NJ 07605
Website
Admission: $5, Children Free
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 to support the Weekend Snack Pack Program at local schools.

Mountan Creek Oktoberfest
September 23-24, 2017
Red Tail Lodge at Mountain Creek
200 Route 94
Vernon,NJ 07462
Website & Reservations
This event features a weekend full of authentic german food, refreshing drinks, live music, activities galore and a great time for adults and kids alike.

19th Annual Chester Lions Oktoberfest Weekend
September 23rd and 24th, 2017; noon to 8pm
Chubb Park
Route 24 West
Chester, NJ, 07930
Website
Keeping with tradition, the Oktoberfest will focus on celebrating traditional music, native dress and a special Oktoberfest beer only available for a short time. A carnival atmosphere pervades Bavariaقs biggest party and Chesterقs Oktoberfest will not be outdone. Authentic German foods including bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut and smoked pork chops will be offered along with tasty apple strudel, delicious beehive cake, authentic plum cake, and more. The weekend long event will offer non-stop entertainment. All proceeds go to charity.

Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 29, 30, October 1 2017; 12pm-8pm
Czig Meister Platz
106 Valentine St,
Hackettstown, NJ
908-850-5004
Website
Hosted by Hackettstown BID and local breweries: Man Skirt Brewing, Czig Meister Brewing and Homebrew University. Each of the breweries will host festivities at their Platz through their regular operating hours. The celebrations include Oktoberfest-inspired craft beer and food, costume contest, live music, vendors, games. Some games are not alcohol-related. Families welcome. Begin the fun with a celebratory keg tapping at 12 PM, then enjoy a packed schedule of activities.

HNT Oktoberfest Festival
September 29, 30, & October 1, 2017
Horseneck Tavern
11 Bloomfield ave
North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
Web Site
Contact: Rich Salfenmoser, Phone: 973-287-6850, Email: rsalfenmoser@hotmail.com
Event Cost: Free admission plus cost of menu items and beer
The event features an outdoor tent w/tables, live music all weekend, famous German beers, Oktoberfest menu plus a whole roasted pig, and a beer stein.
Live music will feature Vinnie Ferrone on Friday, and Ed's Oktoberfest Oompa band on Saturday

Oktoberfest At Pilsener Haus & Biergarten
Fridays & Saturdays from September 29 until October 28, 2017
422 Grand Street
Hoboken, NJ
Website
A month-long celebration of beer, food and music menu specials, rocking polka bands and mug-holding contests. Parking is available in a parking garage around the corner

Our Lady of the Lake Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 30, 2017; 6pm - 11pm
Our Lady of the Lake Parish
32 Lakeside Ave.
Verona, NJ 07044
Website (tickets) Advanced tickets $65 until September 29th. Tickets the night of the event, if any remain, will be $75
The event takes place under a grand tent and includes authentic German cuisine, local fare, beer, wine, a variety of non alcoholic beverages, live music, raffles, and more! The Oktoberfest festivities begin with a ceremonial beer tapping, followed by German music, great food and other live entertainment.

Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest
October 7, 2017: 12 PM - 10 PM
Deutscher Club of Clark
787 Featherbed Lane
Clark NJ
Website
Open to the Public - Tickets: $5 / Free for children under 12.
This event will feature live music by Bernies Orchestra and Doppelgänger, a Masskrugstemmen (stein holding contest), traditional German food and beer, a pig roast, and more!

12th Annual Oktoberfest @Circa High Bridge
October 8, 2017; 1pm - 6pm
Circa Restaurant
37 Main St.
High Bridge, New Jersey 08829
Website
Contact: Ruddy Alvarez, Phone: 908-638-5560, Email: ralvarez6027@yahoo.com
Cost: $5 at the door
Spend the day in beautiful High Bridge where visitors can enjoy miles of casual hiking/biking trails that are perfect for enjoying fall foliage. Finish your day at Circa's outdoor party featuring Neshaminy Creek beers, CC Coletti Band and German fare.

Franklin Lakes Oktoberfest
Friday, October 13, 2017; 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
McBride Field
813 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417آ
Website
This event features a night of traditional German food, drink, and Oompah Band entertainment.
The fun takes place under "the big tent" with German food and beverages and entertainment! This year we will be honoring The Wyckoff Family YMCA with the Patricia McLaughlin Spirit of Oasis Award for their long-time and generous support of Oasis and Carl's Kids Summer Camp.

Duck Pond Oktoberfest
Saturday October 14, 2017, 10am - 5pm
Demarest Nature Center
Duck Pond
38 Park St
Demarest, NJ
Website
This event features a craft show in a festive German atmosphere with German music, German food, inflatable games and canoe rides.

Forest Lodge Oktoberfest
October 14, 2017 (rain date: Sunday, October 15th).
Gates Open 11am - 5pm
Forest Lodge
11 Reinman Road
Warren, NJ
Website
The admission for adults is $7.00 pp. Children under 10 years old - Free! Admission fee to Oktoberfest includes access to the Vendor Fair, and Live Music & Dancing in the main pavilion.
This family event will have all day entertainment, including traditional German dances, Cow Bell Ringing, Alp Horn demonstrations, German food, German beer, a vendor fair, and kids activities. There will be hearty menu of German-American foods, as well as e scrumptious German cakes & strudels! Oktoberfest is great fun for the children as well. Kids will keep busy with Amusement Rides, Carnival Booths, Inflatableقs and other activities. The Festhalle will have all day entertainment including Traditional German Dances, Cow Bell Ringing, and Alp Horn demonstrations too!

Passaic County Oktoberfest and International Food Festival
Ocrober 14, 2017; 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Garret Mountain Reservation
8 Mountain Ave
Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Website
Contact: Patrick Alexander, Phone: 973-881-4405, Email: patricka@passaiccountynj.org
Event Cost: $5 Per Person to enter the festival.
This event will feature the food and heritage of Germany, as well as food from cultures that make Passaic County so diverse. No Oktoberfest would be complete without quality beer. The Oktoberfest will feature only craft beers from local sources. Guaranteed to find a beer and some food you have not yet tasted.
ID must be shown at the entrance of the Pat Dianni Boat House on Garret Mountain Reservation for access to the beer garden.

Central New Jersey 2017 Oktoberfests

Oktoberfest at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
Saturday, September 23 through Sunday, October 22, 2017
Munich-style Strasse Fest; from 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
527 Lake Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
732-997-8767
Website
This month long celebration Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten continues for 4 weeks.
The highlight of the Oktoberfest is the Munich-style Strasse Fest (street Fest) with beer, food and music. Attendees will get to enjoy Oktoberfest beer dinners, rocking polka bands, mug-holding contests, and more.

8th annual German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest
September 24, 2017: 12 noon - 7:00 pm.
215 Uncles Pete's Road
Trenton, NJ 08691-3733
Website
609-585-5200
This celebration features German beers with music by the Austrian Boys and German Dance performances by the GTV Almrausch. The event will also feature a pig roast, traditional German food, vendors and crafts, bounce castles, kid activities and family fun!
94.5 PSTwill boadcast the event live from 2 pm ق 4pm hosting a Stein holding competition.
$5 admission, children 12 & under free and individuals in full traditional German attire get in free! Part of the proceeds benefit the Jeremy Fund.

2nd Annual Oktoberfest
September 30, October 1, 2017; 11 am - 6pm
on the Boulevard between Webster Ave and Dupont Ave.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Contact: Kathy Bullock, 609-758-5400, Email: kathy@gpsinc.net
Website & Tickets
Admission to the festival is $5.00 for anyone 12 and older (cash only at the gate). Kids 11 and under are FREE
Craft Beer Tasting Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door (cash only at the gate).
Oktoberfest kicks off with the Tapping of the Keg! The event also features seasonal craft beer tastings, great bands all weekend long, authentic German food, artisans and crafters, beer garden, food trucks, kids zone, and the Oktoberfest Muscle Car Showdown
Tasting sessions options are 12:00 - 2:30 pm and 3:30-6:00 pm each day

17th Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Saturday, October 7, 2017; 12pm - 7pm
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, dancing and other great entertainment.

Belmar Octoberfest
October 8th, 2017; 11am - 5pm RAIN or SHINE
Main St., (between 8th & 10th Ave.)
Belmar, NJ 07719
732-747-4449
Website
This event features a German Beer Garden with Food Vendors, the Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music! Food Vendors include:Pompier Food Truck, The Flying Deutschman, House of Cupcakes, Mary Queen of Pork

Princeton Lodge Fifth annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Saturday October 14, 2017; from 11am to 6pm.
Central Jersey Masonic Center
345 River Road
Princeton, NJ 08234
609-412-7235
Website
Only $10 Admission includes one free meal! The event includes:

This family event features a traditional German Meal including Brezel mit senf, Bratwurst, Schweinebraten mit Jagersosse, Spaetzle, Rot Kohl, Sauerkraut, Apfel Strudel, Deutschland Schokolade Torte • German Music, Dancing, a Liter Lift, Best German Outfit, authentic GermanbBeers including Paulaner, Hacker Pschorr, Franziskaner, and more.

Hamilton Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 15, 2017; 11 AM - 7 PM
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 a concert starts at 4 PM by the Renaissance Orchestra, Amusements, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Corn Maze, Crafters, fire pits, a Jack 'O Lantern Carving Contest, and the grand finale fireworks at dusk

OktoberFest with Food Trucks & Fire Pits!
Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd, 2017
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd
New Egypt, New Jersey
Website & Registration
Cost: $8 per person Saturday or Sunday. Guests under 21 are free, children are welcome!
Admission includes: Parking, shuttle service to and from the event, Souvenir Laurita Wine Glass, entrance to the vent featuring live entertainment, country line dance area, vineyard tours, and of course the Food Trucks! There will also be kids activities including our huge playground, bounce house, face painting, and Fireworks Saturday Night!!

Southern New Jersey 2017 Oktoberfests

Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Saturday Sept 16th 2017; 11 am till 7 pm (Rain or Shine)
Medford's Freedom Park
86 Union Street
Medford, NJ 08055
Website
Free Admission, All Ages, Free On-Site Parking
Three Stages of Live Music with Food Trucks, a Beer Garden The line-up of performers includes:
MACH22 | COLD ROSES | DEAL CASINO ? SHERRY LYNN | GINA ZO | KICKING SUNRISE THE DIRTY BOHEMIANS | PEACE AND THE CITY GREASE DINO PETACCIO AND THE INTRUDERS | THE FIFTH SIDE BOULEVARD EXPRESS | NO ONE YOU KNOW WINCHESTER TREATY | CAMILLE PERUTO ANDREW MOORER | THE DEATH OF SAUL JAKE GUSSMAN AND THE BROKEN BRANCHES THE PITCH PINES | RACHEL MAYA ?

Oktoberfest in Cape May
Saturday, September 30, 2017; 10am - 5pm
The city blocks off Jackson Street between Carpenter's Lane and Beach Drive
Cape May, NJ
609.884.5508
Website
This festival features a bustling block party filled with food, crafts, antiques and art. Dance the polka to a German American Band! Chow down on bratwurst. And lest we forget... there's beer. And lots of it!

Smithville Oktoberfest
October 7, 8, 2017
Historic Smithville and Village Green
Smithville, NJ
Website
This festive event feature music, kids activities, international food court and over 100 Juried Crafters in addition to the year round Village activities

Avalon Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 14, 2017; 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Avalon Brew Pub
125 79th Street,
Avalon, NJ
Website & Tickets
This Oktoberfest celebration will feature a large variety of excellent beers, giant Bavarian pretzels, sausages, & live music from a German Oompah Band to get everyone feeling festive! The party will take place in the Brew Pub & outside at the Sandbar Village. Feel free to bring the kids! There will be root beer, cotton candy, games & fun for the little ones too.

Atlantic City Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 21 - Sunday, October 22, 2017
Resorts Casino
Ocean Ballroom
1133 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
Website & Booking
This two day celebration features a German festival with authentic food specialties, a shopping marketplace and non-stop traditional entertainment direct from Germany, Canada and the U.S!
Sponsored by Amerika Woche and Eine Reise mit Musik

Sea Isle City Octoberfest
October 21, 2017; 11am-3pm
Excursion Park
Sea Isle City, NJ
609-263-9090
Website
The family celebration will feature live German music, vendors, free hayrides on the beach, magic acts, pumpkin painting, children's entertainment and a fantastic Pie Baking Contest.

Follow Us: