Oktoberfest in New Jersey:
2019 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 2019 Oktoberfests
Germania Park OktoberfestSeptember 21, 22, 2019
Germania Park
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.
Mountan Creek Oktoberfest
September 21, 22, 2019
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.
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest
Wednesday September 25th until saturday September 28th, 2019
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, 7-10pm. No reservations required.
Annual Hoboken Family Oktoberfest
Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28, 2019
On the plaza of Sts Peter and Paul Church
Hudson Street between 4th and 5th Streets
Hoboken, NJ
Website
Admission is free
This annual family Oktoberfest celebration will feature a traditional German celebration with German food, and German brews served in the Biergarten located inside the Ss Peter and Paul plaza. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by live local music, kids activities, a grand 50/50 Raffle, with a kid's village across the street at Stevens Park sponsored by local Hoboken Catholic Academy
Hackettstown Oktoberfest
September 27, 28, 29, 2019; 12pm-8pm
Czig Meister Platz
106 Valentine St,
Hackettstown, NJ
908-850-5004
Website
This annual event hosted by Bea McNally's, Czig Meister Brewing Co., Homebrew University and Man Skirt Brewing will celebrate Oktoberfest with activities, contests, music, drinks and food at their Platz through regular operating hours. This Oktoberfest is a family friendly event; there will also be a variety of non-alcohol related activities. Czig Meister will have a celebratory keg tapping on Saturday at 12:30PM, including a packed schedule of activities.
Signup for activities and contests will be available at each Platz (brewery) corresponding to location. Sign-up begins at 12PM.
PLATZ LOCATIONS: Czig Meister Brewing (106 Valentine St.) Man Skirt Brewing (144 Main St.) Homebrew University (156 Main St.) Bea McNally's (109 Grand Ave.)
20th Annual Leonia Oktoberfest
September 28, 2019; 4pm until 10pm (rain or shine)
American Legion Hall
399 Broad Ave
Leonia, NJ 07605
Website
Admission:$15.00 at the Door. $10.00 in Advance. Children 12 & Under 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.
Our Lady of the Lake Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 28, 2019; 5:30pm - 11pm
Our Lady of the Lake Parish
32 Lakeside Ave.
Verona, NJ 07044
Website (tickets)
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.
21st Annual Chester Lions Oktoberfest Weekend
September 28th and 29th, 2019; 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 Bavaria’s biggest party and Chester’s 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.
Ales 'N Tails Oktoberfest
October 5, 2019; 6pm - 9pm
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
Website/Tickets
Ticket Price: $60 /person and $15 /designated driver
Enjoy a festive evening benefiting the Essex County Parks Foundation. Enjoy the live Oompah Band and sample dozens and dozens of seasonal brews from around the corner and around the world. Don't forget to try samples of wine and spirits! In addition to traditional music and dozens of drinks to sample, there will be local craft and food vendors on site.
Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest
October 5, 2019: 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!
Oktoberfest at the Westin Governor Morris
October 6, 2019: Noon - 4pm
Westin Governor Morris in Morristown
2 Whippany Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
Web Site
Contact Name: Richard Ramos, To purchase tickets, please call 973-451-2619
Email: bluemorel@westinmorristown.com
Event Cost: $38 per person before tax
The event will be a walk around festival featuring local fall beers from several New Jersey top craft breweries, live music as well as traditional German cuisine. The food presented at this event will be a medley of Bavarian classics. Drawing from his Germanic heritage, Chef Thomas Ciszak will be preparing some of his own family recipes in addition to other Oktoberfest staples such as Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, Soft Pretzels, Würstl, Käsespätzle and much more.
All guests are welcome to wear traditional style clothing.
This price includes admission, food, prizes and entertainment., with a cash bar for the purchase of beer.
Free Parking at the Westin Governor Morris.
The Craft Show @ Oktoberfest
Saturday October 12, 2019, 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.
Forest Lodge Oktoberfest
October 12, 2019 (rain date: Sunday, October 13th).
Gates Open 11am - 5pm
Forest Lodge
11 Reinman Road
Warren, NJ
Website
The admission for adults is $8.00 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, Inflatable’s and other activities. The Festhalle will have all day entertainment including Traditional German Dances, Cow Bell Ringing, and Alp Horn demonstrations too!
Annual Oktoberfest @Circa High Bridge
Sunday, October 13, 2019; 1pm - 6pm (rain or shine)
Circa Restaurant
37 Main St.
High Bridge, New Jersey 08829
Website
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 18, 2019; 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
McBride Field
813 Franklin Lake Rd
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417�
Website
The fun takes place under "the big tent" with German food and beverages and entertainment! This year we are proud to honor The Pfeifer Family with the Patricia McLaughlin Spirit of Oasis Award.
Oktoberfest Hosted by Edelweiss Passaic
October 19, 2019; 6:30pm - 11:30pm
Pompton Lakes Elks #1895
15 Perrin Ave
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442
Web Site/Tickets
973-876-5345
Email: edelweissoktoberfest@gmail.com
Event Cost: $40, Ages 13-20, $22, Ages 6-12 $12, Ages U6 Free
The Oktoberfest is an evening full of food, joy, music, dancing, entertainment and Gemütlichkeit. Listen and dance to the music of the Austrian Boys band and watch Schuhplattler and Volkstanz performances by Edelweiss Passaic and visiting dance groups.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest Dinner is served from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Music starts at 7:30 pm. The all-inclusive ticket includes a Bavarian buffet dinner, cake, coffee, and unlimited German beer, wine and soda. Join us and share the Gemütlichkeit with family and friends.
Central New Jersey 2019 Oktoberfests
10th Annual German American Society of Trenton OktoberfestSaturday September 28, 12:00 PM & Sunday, September 29, 2019, 6:00 PM: 12 noon - 7:00 pm.
215 Uncles Pete's Road
Trenton, NJ 08691-3733
Website
609-585-5200
This celebration features Philly Brass Band, the Aqua String Band from Philadelphia, plus a surprise group on Saturday. The event will also feature a pig roast, traditional German food, vendors and crafts, bounce castles, kid activities and family fun!
Part of the proceeds benefit the Jeremy Fund.
Oktoberfest @ Monmouth Park Race Track
September 28, 2019; 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport Avenue,
Oceanport, NJ
Website/Tickets
Enjoy a day filled with live thoroughbred racing highlighted by crafters, food, live music and more! Celebrate with authentic food and drinks plus music from Jingleheimer.
19th Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
Saturday, October 5, 2019; 2pm - 9pm
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.
Harrigan's Pub Oktoberfest and Craft Beer Festival
October 5, 2019; Noon - 5pm
Harrigan's Pub
Parking Lot
703 Baltimore Blvd
Sea Girt, New Jersey 08750
Web Site
Contact: Kasey Harrigans, Phone: 732-449-8228, Email: harriganspub@optonline.net
Event Cost: $20 per person (donated to SGFC)
Enjoy sampling from 12 breweries, German Food, music and awesome giveaways! $20 entry donated to Sea Gift Fire Company. Tickets for beer sampling additional.
Laurita OktoberFest with Food Trucks & Fire Pits
October 5, 6, 2019; Saturday 11:00 am - 9:45 pm & Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
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! Free Firewood to use in our 40 fire pits Access to some of the best Gourmet Food Trucks – Food pricing set by the individual food trucks! 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.
5th Annual Columbus Day Weekend Oktoberfest
Saturday & Sunday, October 12 & 13, 2019
527 Lake Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
732-997-8767
Website
The Jersey Shores Authentic Oktoberfest Celebration in their tented Biergarten Roof top. Continuing the celeberation that began with the Royal Wedding on October 12, 1810 of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen enjoy Food, Beer, Oktoberfest Merchandise, and Live Polka Bands.
3rd Annual New Brunswick Oktoberfest
October 12, 2019; Noon - 5pm
Downtown George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Web Site
Contact: Pamela Stefanek, Phone: 732-545-4849, Email: citymarket@newbrunswick.com
Event Cost: Free
This family event features a variety of local and traditional food, craft brews to German beers and vendors that will keep your interest. Party-goers 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. There will also be plenty of kids activities.
Help support the Janice Lopez Ovarian Cancer Foundation, by purchasing a souvenir mug, you'll help raise awareness and support the fight against ovarian cancer.
(The Janice Lopez Ovarian Cancer Foundation Inc. is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of JLOCF is to raise money, and spread awareness to support ovarian cancer research and patients. Their vision is to help save the lives of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.
Hamilton Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 20, 2019; 11 AM - 5:30PM (rain date: October 27, 2019)
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, a Jack 'O Lantern Carving Contest, and the grand finale fireworks at dusk
Southern New Jersey 2019 Oktoberfests
Oktoberfest ''Bier on the Pier''Four consecutive weekends:September 20 - 22 & 27 - 29 , October 4 - 6, & 11 - 13, 2019
Mariner's Pier
Schellenger Avenue and the boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Website
Features special German themed menus, an outdoor "biergarten," live entertainment, a kids "Rootbier Garten" activity area and much more
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Saturday September 21, 2019; 11am 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
Family fun with Three Stages of Live Music with Food Trucks, a huge Beer Garden under a tent
Oktoberfest in Cape May
Saturday, September 28, 2019; 10am - 5pm ( Rain date Oct 1st)
The city blocks off Jackson Street between Carpenter's Lane and Beach Drive
Cape May, NJ
Website
609.884.5508
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!
Om Pah Band at Riverview Live
October 4, 2019; 3pm - 6pm
Riverview Live
219 High Street
Burlington, NJ 08016
Web Site
Contact Email: marketing@riverviewlivenj.com
E vent Cost: $25.00
Riverview Restaurant’s “Octoberfest” this year isn’t just about great beer and better food (though of course that’s a given). While you socialize and sip, get into the German spirit with an Om Pah Pah Band led by Gene Tirpak, an accordionist who has been entertaining audiences, playing German Festivals, Polish, Italian, Irish, Jewish and special events in the tri-state area for years.
Don’t worry– along with playing everyone’s favorite songs, Gene and the band take requests!
Smithville Oktoberfest
October 5, 6, 2019; (rain or shine)
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 19th, 2019; 1pm - 8pm
The Sandbar Village Beach Bar
125 79th Street
Avalon, NJ 08202
Tickets - Ticket includes a free beer
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.
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