15 best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in NYC
After two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, the legendary Oktoberfest returns to Germany. While it may not compare to the massive, two-week celebration in Munich, New York City offers many of the same attractions—beer, traditional food, and live music. Ahead, find 15 spots to celebrate the iconic festival, from a month-long event on Pier 15 to German beer gardens throughout the city.
Image courtesy of the Watermark
The Watermark at Pier 15
78 South Street, South Street Seaport
September 2 to October 31
After a two-year hiatus, one of the city’s most coveted Oktoberfest celebrations is returning. Hosted at the Watermark bar on Pier 15 in the South Street Seaport, the hopping celebration runs for eight weeks, offering customers German classics like authentic German beer, food, and activities. Food options include giant pretzels, turkey legs, and sausage. Come enjoy the food, drink, and festivities alongside the East River. Reservations can be made here.
Image courtesy of Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall
16 West 36th Street
September 14 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Clinton Hall’s Midtown location is hosting a special Oktoberfest kickoff event, full of German beers and “over-the-top” German-inspired dishes. After the event’s opening day on the 14, every Clinton Hall location will host Oktoberfest celebrations from September 17 to October 17.
Circle Line’s Oktoberfest Cruises
September 17 to October 15
Circle Line, one of New York City’s most prominent sightseeing cruise lines, is offering customers an exclusive 50-mile cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park in celebration of Oktoberfest. Guests will take in the beautiful autumn foliage as they venture up the river and enjoy food, drinks, and live Polka music. Tickets range in price depending on the day and can be purchased here.
New York City Oktoberfest
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
September 17
Hosted by the German American Committee of Greater New York, Central Park’s Oktoberfest is a massive celebration of German culture right in the heart of Manhattan. This year’s event will feature live music by SPITZE and the Lenny Coyne Memorial Hofbrau US National Masskrugstemmen Championship 2022.
Blocktoberfest 2022 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 63 Flushing Avenue
October 1
Located at the Navy Yard right behind Building 77, the Blocktoberfest event is an annual fall festival celebrating New York City breweries and giving them a platform to show their products. This year, some of the city’s best-known breweries are scheduled to set up shop, including 18th Ward, Talea, Torch & Crown, and many more. In addition to the beer selections, there will be a number of food trucks on site. General admission tickets cost $55 for entry and there will be beer samplings from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Zum Schneider NYC’s Oktoberfest Tent
3 Dollar Bill, 260 Meserole Street
September 30 to October 9
Zum Schneider’s acclaimed Oktoberfest celebration which “brings Munich to Brooklyn” is returning after three years. Hosted within their classic Oktoberfest tent, Zum Schneider offers patrons an authentic German setting, food, drinks, and music. Food items include giant pretzels, bratwurst, roasted chicken, cheese spreads, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.
Image courtesy of Kenneth Sterling for Black Forest Brooklyn
Black Forest Brooklyn
September 17 to October 15
Black Forest Brooklyn is hosting Oktoberfest celebrations at its two locations in Fort Greene and Boerum Hill. Each celebration will feature authentic German decorations, live music, beer, and food. There will also be a mug-holding competition and costume contest with a chance at winning prizes. There are three separate ticket options for the event, including a $45 per person three-hour unlimited beer package, and a $35 per person family-style bavarian feast special. Regular admission is $15, and tickets can be purchased here.
Image courtesy of The Bronx Brewery
The Bronx Brewery
856 East 136th Street
September 17
Returning this year is the Bronx Brewery’s renowned Oktoberfest celebration. This year’s event at the Bronx Brewery will be split into two sessions, the first running from noon to 5 p.m. and the second from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. There are two online ticket options this year, with $15 getting you entry and a beer, and $30 getting you entry, a stein, and a 16oz draft pour of the brewery’s signature Das Bronx lager. Tickets at the door cost $20 for general admission. There will be live music to accompany the festivities, with the Street Beat Brass Band playing during the first session and DJs Brownboi and Nique playing during the second session.
The Bronx Night Market
1 Fordham Plaza
Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Bronx Night Market is returning for the fall season, offering a wide variety of food and drink supplied by beloved local vendors on select Saturdays. There will also be a rotation of arts and crafts merchants at each event, as well as live music. The event is free, but tickets can be acquired here.
Image courtesy of Loreley Beer Garden
Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten
7 Rivington Street
September 15 to October 15
For almost four weeks, the Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten on the Lower East Side is hosting its own Oktoberfest celebration. The festival will be located inside the seasonally decorated restaurant and outdoors in a heated beer garden. There will be a vast selection of both food and drink, including a rotating menu of Oktoberfest beers. Admission is free.
Spritzenhaus
33 Nassau Avenue
This open-style beer garden is a perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest, with both inside and outside dining options. Spritzenhaus has a vast selection of drinks, including wines, ciders, and German pilsners. They also have a cocktail menu, over 30 selections of whiskey, and an expansive liquor menu.
Bierhaus NYC
712 Third Avenue
Bierhaus NYC is an authentic Bavarian-style beer hall serving German food and drink. With 24 beers on tap and six varieties of Hofbräu beer, there is plenty of drinks to choose from. They also have live music at night.
Radegast Hall Oktoberfest
113 North Third Street
September 17, 24, and October 1
Radegast Hall in Williamsburg is hosting its annual Oktoberfest celebration. The event will be accompanied by live music, and plentiful food and drink. There will also be a women’s and men’s mug holding competition, and a ceremonial keg tapping.
Image courtesy of Torch & Crown Brewery
Torch & Crown Brewery
12 Vandam Street
September 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Torch & Crown Brewery is offering patrons unlimited beer for three hours, along with a special Oktoberfest menu, music, and drinking games. For $75, patrons receive three hours of fresh beer in large steins and a giant soft pretzel with IPA mustard to be enjoyed in the brewery’s special Oktoberfest tent. Tickets can be purchased here.
Image courtesy of Greg Holtzman
The Edge
20 Hudson Yards
September 16 and 17 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere. Festivities include an oompah band, traditional German pretzels and beer in steins, long picnic-style tables, and authentic German decor. The live band will be playing from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 16, and from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on September 17. The celebration is complimentary for all Edge ticket holders.
Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
September 29 to October 2
Chelsea Market is hosting its own Oktoberfest celebration in honor of the German folk festival. Participating vendors will be offering patrons authentic German beer, giant pretzels, and a variety of German cuisine, including currywurst. There will also be specials on German beer, both in bottle and draft. In addition to food and drink, live music will be provided by The Swedish Meatballs. The celebration will take place on the 15th Street side of Chelsea Market.
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