Lots and lots of beer drinking and pretzel eating galore can only mean one thing: it’s time for Oktoberfest. The 16-day-long festival that takes over Munich, Germany every fall first took place on Oct. 12, 1810 as a celebration of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Theresa von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. More than 200 years later, the festival has become synonymous with fall. But don’t worry about flying to Europe. New York City’s not-too-shabby Oktoberfest options take place from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Let Long Island Pulse guide you to the best of Oktoberfest 2015.
Beer at the Pier
When: Sept. 18-Oct. 4.
Where: Watermark Bar, 78 South St., 212-742-8200
What: Beautiful views, live music, games and all the beer you could ever want in one place? Sign us up! Watermark Bar will set up Oktoberfest-themed décor for three weekends in a row… and you’ll probably find us there all month. For tickets, click here.
Oktoberfest Night at Citi Field
When: Oct. 2
Where: Citi Field, Roosevelt Avenue at 126th Street
What: Join other Mets fans for pregame beers, pretzels, franks and lots of fun. For tickets, click here.
When: Oct. 2 -11
Where: Zum Schneider, 107 Avenue C, 212-598-1098
What: Expect an Oktoberfest-themed tent, great live music, original beers on tap (think Andechs Festbier and HB Traunstein Festbier), food stands selling gingerbread hearts, cotton candy, roasted almonds and much more. This is clearly where you want to be. For tickets, click here.
9th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair & Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 3
Where: Sunnyside Gardens Park, 48-21 39th Avenue
What: If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, the pumpkin patch at Sunnyside Gardens Park is for you. Indulge in wine, beer and bratwurst in the venue’s picnic grove while participating in some fun arts and crafts activities. The park is usually accessible by members only but will be open to the public just for today.
Revelry by the River Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 7
Where: Under the tent at Solar One, 23rd Street and East River
What: Celebrate Oktoberfest while supporting a good cause. As written on the venue’s invite: “come drink a toast to solar power!” For tickets, click here.
Expect an Oktoberfest-themed tent, great live music, original beers on tap (think Andechs Festbier and HB Traunstein Festbier), food stands selling gingerbread hearts, cotton candy, roasted almonds and much more at Munich on the River. image: zum schneider
The Edible Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 7
Where: Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N 11th Street, 718-486-7422
What: A Bavarian-style feast prepared by Emily Petersen, executive chef at Astor Center, will make this your most memorable Oktoberfest culinary celebration yet. For tickets, click here.
5th Annual Lake George Village Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 9-11
Where: Lake George Village
What: This three-day festivity focuses on all things Bavarian, including food, dancing, arts and crafts activities and games. Bonus points: the event takes place rain or shine (just expect tents in case of rain).