For over two centuries, Oktoberfest has been a massive annual folkfest that’s come to spread across the globe. Although its roots come from Germany, there are several cities across America that host Oktoberfest celebrations of their own, and they just get it right. Below are five of those cities.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is an annual volksfest (folk festival) that incorporates high quality beer, dancing and community gathering. Oktoberfest began in 1810 and was initially planned as a royal wedding celebration in Munich. The Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen were to be married, and all of the citizens in Munich were invited to join the party of these newlyweds. The celebrations were held right outside of the city on the Theresienwiese (Therese’s Meadow) and are still held there to this day! The party, especially the major horse race that closed out the events, was so popular and drew in such a crowd that the family decided to have similar events the next year. Then, it started to become an annual celebration as a result of the unwavering popularity and good times to bed had each year.
Fast forward over 200 years, Oktoberfest is renowned and celebrated across the globe, with hundreds of cities all over the world hosting celebrations of their own. Generally, Oktoberfests all over the world are held between Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, October 4th. Keep reading to see which American Oktoberfest celebration you’d like to be a part of!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the biggest in America, with over 800,000 people showing up in 2025. This free-to-enter event is only four days long, but is dense with live performances, beer tents, the famous chicken race, circus performances and more! Held on the riverfront at Sawyer’s Point and Yeatman’s Cove, September 18-21.
Booking your stay
Cincinnati is chock-full of amazing places to stay during Oktoberfest. Short-term rentals near Fountain Square and on the riverfront near the action would be ideal for travellers in town for the festivities. Use Nofie’s search tool to narrow down exactly where you’d like to stay during the largest Oktoberfest in America!
Denver, Colorado
Denver has one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the states as well, but not because it has any German heritage or history. Denver boasts the biggest and best beer scene in the country, making it the perfect destination for Oktoberfest’s higher standard of ale. Denver has more pubs, beergardens, breweries and taprooms than any other U.S. city! Their free Oktoberfest celebration takes place in the Ballpark District over the course of two weekends, September 19-21 and 26-28.
Booking your stay
There is so much of Denver to explore, and staying anywhere near the Ballpark District puts you in a great spot to see the rest of the city too! Staying in Ballpark means a close vicinity to Coors Field, McGregor Square and more! With Nofie, searching for a short-term rental has never been more direct.
Helen, Georgia
Helen’s Oktoberfest is rooted in its own German-like architecture, making it look like a town in Bavaria itself! Thanks to an architect that returned from WWII with an infatuation for such architecture, he redesigned Helen in 1969 to express his love. This immersive celebration spans even longer than the true length of Oktoberfest, with celebrations nightly during the week and all afternoon/night on the weekends! It runs from September 10th through November 1st, and costs $10-25 (depending on the day), half-off for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under, and free for all on Sundays.
Booking your stay
Staying in Helen during Oktoberfest feels like a European vacation. Given Helen’s location at the base of the Appalachians, there are many great cabins available to rent! To get started with your search, use Nofie’s search tool and book today!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants, so it only fits that they would have a massive Oktoberfest celebration. Spanning three nights in the Polka Capital of Texas, this Oktoberfest is brought to you by those who founded the first original. Taking place during the last leg of the true Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg parties from October 3rd through the 5th, for just $15 a person.
Booking your stay
Main Street is the way to go when looking for a short-term rental in Fredericksburg during Oktoberfest. In the middle of the action, main street puts you right near the Marktplatz (where the festivities are held) along with authentic biergartens and boutique shopping. With Nofie, you could find and book your stay today!
Leavenworth, Washington
A hundred years ago, Leavenworth rebuilt itself as a quaint alpine village of a town. Since then, Oktoberfest has been a staple for the community and all those who travel for the festivities each year. This Oktoberfest takes place on the weekends of October 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18 and costs $15 on Fridays, and $30 on Saturdays.
Booking your stay
Leavenworth is a Bavarian themed town in the Pacific Northwest and is in the Cascade mountain range, so you can enjoy a trip full of amazing views of nature, Oktoberfest celebrations and outdoor activity. Use Nofie’s search tool to find the perfect vacation rental for you!
Booking Oktoberfest travel can be stressful, but not with Nofie.
Nofie’s direct booking model connects you with property hosts directly, cutting out the middlemen and fees you may be accustomed to.
Brody Samson
Writer
About the Author
Brody, a recent Colorado State University undergrad, spent his time in Fort Collins studying Journalism & Media Communication. He interned at College Avenue Magazine and also received a minor in Global & Environmental Sustainability. His lifelong passion for writing drove him to pursue a career in journalism.
In his free time, he can be found hiking, biking or swimming outdoors. He fiercely enjoys competition in sports along with reading, and playing music on the guitar.
