October is not too late for Oktoberfests 2019
Written by Kelsey Cartelli
We have officially left summer behind. But before it’s time to put up those Halloween decorations, there’s one can’t-miss-festival on the horizon: Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest originated in 1810, originally a celebration of the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in Munich, Germany, taking place a bit outside the city gates in the fields. The festival that ensued was open to all townspeople, and was so much fun they requested they do it again. Over two centuries later, not only has this festival sustained, but it’s evolved and spread globally in ways the Prince and Princess could never have imagined.
Today, the original Oktoberfest continues to take place in those same fields (named Theresienwiese after Princess Therese) in Munich, Bavaria. What started off as a one night celebration has become an over two week event, which officially began this year on September 21st and continued until October 6th. It is estimated that 7 million people from all around the globe come to celebrate this festival, and combined they consume one million gallons of Bavarian beer! The main attraction, of course is the 15 extensive beer tents scattered across the fields but Oktoberfest has much more to offer. It has transformed into a full blown carnival, with Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and more!
Don’t worry if you couldn’t make it to Munich this year, there are plenty of variations of Oktoberfest happening all around the United States!
West Coast
Alpine Village- Torrance, California
Oct. 4 – Oct. 27, 2019
This year, the Alpine Village Oktoberfest is celebrating its 51st anniversary. Proudly the oldest celebration in Southern California, and the largest in Los Angeles, this is certainly an impressive mimic of the original. The festival includes imported German beer, a band directly from Germany, and traditional Bavarian food to add to the authenticity of the celebration. In addition to this, Sunday is family day, which promotes a “more reserved environment” where children are encouraged to experience the Oktoberfest culture.
East Coast
Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt – Frederick, Maryland
Oct. 19 – Oct. 20, 2019
This is an annual event on the third weekend in October. Admission is free and the hours are 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday. Enjoy the great food, lively German music, historic demonstrators, and hand-made products from many art and craft vendors hosted by the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum.
South
Fort Myers Oktoberfest – Fort Myers, Florida
Oct. 25 – Oct. 27, 2019.
This event is a premiere. Authentic German music and dancers, smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, and pretzels. Friday 4 pm – 10 pm and continue Saturday 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. Admission is free. River District, Fort Myers.
West
Georgetown Loop Railroad Oktoberfest – Georgetown, Colorado
Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27.
There are lots of opportunities to celebrate Oktoberfest aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which is offering three weekends of festivities on the tracks in historic Colorado. Tickets include a beer (or root beer) tasting and bratwurst or hot dog. Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, 1-888-456-6777, georgetownlooprr.com
Midwest
Ruttgers Oktoberfest – Deerwood, MN
Oct. 18 – Oct. 20, 2019
The Oktoberfest will have dinner shows, arts & crafts fair, kids activities and polka dancing. The tentative schedule has a harvest buffet dinner show with live music by the Concord Singers and Alpensterne. Saturday and Sunday both start off with a breakfast buffet. On Saturday, over 150 vendors will take part in the Arts & Crafts Fair. Live music and entertainment will happen in two tents and there will be children’s activities in the Kids’ Kamp building. Eat dinner at the buffet featuring German music and end the evening with a free admission polka dance. Held at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, which has been inviting guests to the lake and their resort for five generations of the Ruttger family since it opened in 1898.