As temperatures cool and leaves start their fiery fall transformation, there’s a festival feeling in the air. Before setting out to your favorite pumpkin patch as the season marches on, it’s a great time to explore unique Oktoberfest celebrations across the U.S.
In preparing to indulge in beer, brats, and Bavarian culture, let’s take a moment to toast how Oktoberfest originated. In October of 1810, a multi-day public event was held in fields just outside Munich in German Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. These fields are now known as Theresienwiese (Therese’s Meadow). This end-of-September/early-October festival, featuring horse races and food, quickly became a tradition. By the late 20th century, beer halls had become part of the festivities and are now a staple feature.
While Munich remains the heart and hub of Oktoberfest, the festival has spread across the globe as a celebration of German culture and heritage. We’ve put together this list of unique destinations in the U.S. where you can book a Casago vacation rental, throw on your lederhosen or dirndl, and join in!
Unique Oktoberfest Celebrations
Big Bear Lake, CA
Oktoberfest in Big Bear Lake has been a popular fall tradition for over 50 years. Running each weekend from September through early November (Yes, every weekend!), visitors can expect alpine mountain charm combined with authentic German traditions and live entertainment.
Mt. Angel, OR
Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, known primarily for its vineyards, this mid-September Oktoberfest has gartens galore for all to enjoy. This is the largest folk festival in the Northwest. It’s known for family-fun, music, food, and, of course, beer. Enjoy over 60 years of Oktoberfest traditions in the heart of Oregon!
Sunriver, OR
Also in Oregon, and with 2025 as its inaugural year, the late September Oktoberfest in Sunriver brings together community, breweries, and markets for end-of-summer fun. Top this off with pretzel-eating competitions, fun runs, and beer stein-holding competitions!
Tempe, AZ
Ever wonder what Oktoberfest would be like in the desert? Check out Four Peaks’ more than half-century tradition of fine steins at Tempe Town Lake on the edge of Phoenix. Time Out ranks this mid-October fiesta as a top contender among best Oktoberfests in the country. Events include Running of the Brats, carnival rides, and, oh yes, beer.
Fredericksburg, TX
German roots run deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Each year, you can find Bavarian traditions on full display for three days in early October. Fredericksburg is also the polka capital of Texas, so you can bet there will be dancing. Oktoberfest here is a celebration of Bavarian culture, food, beer, and entertainment. Head to Texas Hill Country for an Oktoberfest sense of Gemütlichkeit (a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer). Now, that’s hospitality!
Cullman, AL
Just about an hour south of Huntsville, Cullman is renowned as Alabama’s Bavarian town. In early October, the town readily springs into full Wiesn Season (an abbreviated nod to Munich’s Theresienwiese fields). Cullman fully celebrates its German roots with Oktoberfest biergartens, a parade, weiner dog races, and even a Miss Oktoberfest.
Sun Valley, ID
If you’re looking to get your German on, Idaho style, Ketchum is your September destination. For over a decade, the Ketchum Oktoberfest mixes fall colors with local brews, making it an ideal time to dive into a weekend of festivities.
Book an Oktoberfest Getaway
With fall ablaze and the brats and beer calling, these unique Oktoberfest celebrations offer unforgettable ways to mark the season. Casago Vacation Rentals in prime locations can turn your Oktoberfest outing into a full-fledged getaway to the nearest biergarten. Contact us today, and raise your stein. Prost!
