Since its first festival in 1810, Germany’s Oktoberfest remains an annual tradition celebrated throughout the world. Today, many New Jerseyans partake in the yearly event’s activities, experiencing first hand Bavarian culture, cuisine, and of course––beer. From keg squatting to biergartens, NJ Oktoberfests are the best way to celebrate the tastes and tempos of autumn. This fall, grab a crisp Marzen lager and discover the depth of German authenticity at these NJ Oktoberfests.
Oktoberfest Bar Crawl | Hoboken, NJ
To celebrate the marriage of the crown prince on October 12, 1810, the royal family invited 40,000 citizens to a five day public festival. Maintaining tradition, Munich’s Oktoberfest spans two weeks and places lager at the forefront of the activities.
Admittedly, a two-week-long party may seem daunting. If you’re interested in celebrating the historical significance of Oktoberfest without the marathon, visit Hoboken’s Oktoberfest Beer Crawl on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Your ticket grants access to multiple venues, free entry to top bars, an after party, and discounts on drinks and food. Enjoy live Oompah bands, DJs, and authentic German beer. A photographer will be on-site to capture the fun. Don’t miss out—get your tickets now!
Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park | Mount Olive, NJ
Even in Germany, Oktoberfest is currently celebrated in September. In favor of temperate weather, Munich altered the festival dates for a more inviting atmosphere. However, the Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park perpetuates the festival’s original inception, celebrating the event on Oct. 8.
The park hosts a variety of activities for guests of all ages. For kids, inflatable slides, flying chickens, corn hole, and hayrides are a few of the many attractions. Meanwhile, adults can try their hand at axe throwing or visit Jersey Girl Brewing for on-site drinks. Oktoberfest runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 5 and until 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, featuring live music and a variety of vendors.
Hamilton Oktoberfest | Hamilton Township, NJ
On Oct. 20, indulge in everything Bavarian at Hamilton’s Oktoberfest. Hosted at Veterans Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event sees thousands of New Jersey residents each year, all eagerly cheering to the arrival of fall.
Along with a range of food and drink vendors, Hamilton’s Oktoberfest offers a day full of fall activities and excitement. The event will feature family favorites like amusements, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a corn maze. Whether you’re there for the pumpkins or the sauerkraut, this Oktoberfest captures the spirit of tradition.
Morey’s Pier’s Oktoberfest | Wildwood, NJ
To kick-off the start of Oktoberfest in Munich, the Mayor enters the oldest beer tent and taps the first keg. For the next two weeks, everything from chicken dances to gingerbread necklaces follow. Mimicking this tradition, Morey’s Pier’s Oktoberfest, ceremonial tapping of Warsteiner beer commences the festival. Beginning on Sept. 13 and running for four consecutive weekends, this event largely simulates an authentic Oktoberfest.
Enjoy live music, traditional German fare, and favorite games and rides at Morey’s Pier. Each weekend features musical entertainment, including bands on the Coca-Cola Stage and daily performances by the Oompah Delics. Food vendors offer authentic Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, German potato salad, schnitzel, and more for a complete NJ Oktoberfest experience.
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest | Vernon Township, NJ
Experience Oktoberfest at Mountain Creek this fall, September 21-22, from noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, a variety of beers and ciders, authentic German food, and activities for all ages. Highlights include sky rides, lawn games, a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, and balloon animals. Additionally, you can participate in stein holding contests, keg holding contests, a wife-carry relay, and more. For the kids, there are bounce houses, face painting, and a pumpkin patch.
Feature image courtesy of Kazuend.
Six Flags Great Adventure Oktoberfest | Jackson Township, NJ
Grab your lederhosen and dirndl dresses! Then, sip and savor a variety of craft and seasonal beers paired with German-inspired cuisine. Celebrate Oktoberfest with Six Flags on select days from August 26-November 5. Get the full experience by getting the Taste of Oktoberfest Sampler, which features bratwurst, sauerbraten with mashed potatoes, apple crumb cake, pretzel ice cream and more. Finally, immerse the whole family in German culture through unique music and entertainment.
Cape May Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest | Cape May, NJ
Celebrate Bavarian tradition in Cape May on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival will transform Carpenter Lane between Ocean & Perry and Jackson Street into a vibrant German promenade with authentic music and food. Explore the Beer Gardens and Food Courts, and browse artisan tables featuring crafts, antiques, and collectibles.
Jaycees Florham Park Oktoberfest | Florham Park, NJ
Join the Florham Park Jaycees on September 21 at 1 p.m. for a lively Oktoberfest celebration in a beautiful park-like setting. Here, you can enjoy traditional German food, beer, music, and games, including a Bavarian stein-holding contest. Grab a pretzel, sip on a lager or root beer, and show off your dance moves. Additionally, the first 150 people to register will receive a special edition 2024 pilsner beer glass. Don’t miss this chance to savor authentic German flavors and festive fun!
German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest | Trenton, NJ
Look forward to a fun-filled weekend of beer, food, and music from September 28 to 29. The event features great tunes, delicious food, and tasty beers, with festivities running Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Moreover, attendees can look forward to traditional German fare, vendors, crafts, and activities for the entire family!
Avalon Oktoberfest | Avalon, NJ
Get ready for Avalon Oktoberfest at ICONA Resort! On Friday, September 27, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sandbar Village will feature live entertainment, German favorites like giant pretzels and bratwurst, and a full bar menu with cocktails and seltzers. Plus, tickets include your first beer and a sand-safe 1/2 L acrylic stein. This kid-friendly event also offers games like cornhole and Jenga, plus a craft activity.
Edelweiss Passaic Oktoberfest | Pompton Lakes, NJ
Edelweiss Passaic’s Oktoberfest has their own version of the famed Munich festival. It takes place on Saturday, October 5, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event offers live music from a German Band “Bernie’s Orchestra”, authentic German entertainment, Bavarian dancers, and Schuhplattler and Volkstanz performances. Attendees can indulge in traditional Bavarian fare, cake, and coffee. Don’t miss out!
Have you visited any NJ Oktoberfests? Tell us about it in the comments!
