Oktoberfest Celebrations in United States

The year was 1810. Napoleon was well on his way to conquering Europe. America was a spry 34-years old. And, over in Germany, 40,000 people gathered to celebrate a royal wedding that is now celebrated around the world, known as Oktoberfest. Given that America is one big ol’ melting pot and that we love a reason to have beer and brats, BusRates.com is running down some of the top Oktoberfests and places known for its love of Bavaria that you can still catch this season.

Leavenworth, WA:

Leavenworth, WA, raises the bar when it comes to Bavaria-kitch. All the buildings in the main part of town feature the classic dark wood with white beams, accented with flower boxes. Strolling down the streets during October you’ll find live traditional German music, great bratwurst, cold beer, alongside traditional European shops.

Torrance, CA:

Hundreds of thousands will be flocking to Torrance, CA, throughout October for the town’s annual Oktoberfest, which is the largest in Southern California. There tourists can sample the locally brewed beer and take part in in some friendly competition like pretzel-eating and beer stein-holding contests. For those who think they’ve got the chords, there’s also a yodeling competition.

Tulsa, OK:

If the West Coast is too far, then consider Tulsa, OK. That’s right Tulsa. Apparently the 918 hosts one of Bon Appetit Magazine’s top German food festivals in the US, and USA Today ranked Tulsa as one of the top ten places in the world to celebrate Oktoberfest. Beyond the wiesn and the spatzel, there’s beer barrel-racing, ceremonial keg-tapping and a parade.

Cincinnati, OH:

In other Oktoberfest news that would make Cliff Claven drool, we have learned that Cincinnati, OH holds the largest Oktoberfest in the United States and is second in the world after the one in Munich. Held in September each year, Cincinnati rolls out a good time for all with 800 barrels of beer, 80,500 brats, 56,250 sausages, 24,640 potato pancakes, 23,000 pretzels and more than 16-thousand strudel.

With all this libation, you need to roll out your barrel of buds in style and safety. Check out BusRates.com’s list of coach bus options to plan out your ride and hotel if you’re planning a longer trip. Regardless how far you’re going, let us know where you’ll be lifting a stein and how you’ll be getting there on our Facebook page.