These past couple of years, it hasn’t just been the culture that was cancelled – but your favorite sitcom, peace of mind, and yes, even your travel plans.
But the good news is, the “new normal” is beginning to look a lot like the “old normal” with our favorite festivals and events back on schedule.
And this year we can finally mark our calendars and dust off our favorite beer stein because Oktoberfest is in full swing – and you don’t have to go all the way to Germany to enjoy it!
The legendary beer event, known around the world as Oktoberfest, originated in 1810 in Munich, Germany to celebrate the “marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen,” reports Britannica.
And there hasn’t been a beer event that comes even close to this epic, two-week bash filled with amusement rides, games, famous Bavarian pretzels and – of course – more beer than anyone should probably consume ever since.
And lucky for us, with so many Germans having immigrated to the United States, this beautiful nation has come close to replicating Europe’s greatest folk festival – saving you an incredible amount on airfare.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
You wouldn’t expect an authentic German experience in the middle of Washington State, but in the village of Leavenworth, you get just that!
Every weekend from the end of September through October 15th, you can climb the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains and travel back in time to the Old-World Alpine-inspired village of Leavenworth for the Leavenworth Oktoberfest.
Local vendors, artists, and craftsmen display Bavarian items that will surely get you in the Munich mood.
This event stands out from the others because it offers ‘Kinderplatz’ – where you can drop off the kids and then shop, eat bratwurst, and drink the local craft beer like you deserve!
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
In the south of Arizona near Tempe Butte lies Tempe Town Lake, an artificial reservoir that’s home to Four Peaks Oktoberfest.
For one weekend in October, this town turns into a German-style celebration for the whole family.
Polka dance to the live band, witness Dachshund racing, ride the many carnival rides, and of course, eat brats and wash them down with one (or four!) of Four Peaks’ signature beers.
Linde Oktoberfest
Oklahoma is known for its Native American culture, but what you may not know is it has a booming Bavarian scene during the annual Linde Oktoberfest.
From October 20-23, you can experience a ‘Gemütlichkeit’ (warm & friendly) day with Bavarian culinary masterpieces, arts and crafts, carnival rides, brats, and way too many kinds of beer.
This festival has the best market you’ll find outside of Munich, so get ready for a souvenir that will match the level of fun you’ll have at this event of the year!
And it helps to know that Oklahoma is on Proud American Traveler’s list for affordable travel too.
This list is just a few of the best Oktoberfests in the United States – there are many more like the Zinzinnati Oktoberfest in Ohio and Fredericksburg Oktoberfest in Texas.
These events preserve and pass on a rich part of Bavarian culture, which is not only important, but is also fun and beneficial for the whole family.
And it doesn’t hurt that you get to enjoy a few (or a few too many) craft beers!