Oktoberfest might have started in Germany, but the party has made its way across the Atlantic in a big way. Today, the U.S. celebrates this beer-filled tradition in dozens of cities, from small towns to big metros. You don’t need to fly to Munich to enjoy bratwurst, live oompah bands, or giant steins of beer.
If you’re looking to join the fun this fall, here are some of the best places in the USA to celebrate Oktoberfest 2025. Each one brings its own flavor, but all are packed with food, music, beer, and Bavarian-style cheer.
Leavenworth, Washington
This tiny town looks like it came straight from a German postcard. Wooden alpine buildings, mountains in the background, and locals in lederhosen. Leavenworth goes all in for Oktoberfest.
The festival usually runs over three weekends in September and October. Expect live polka music, keg tappings, dance floors, and lots of beer from German and local breweries. There are family-friendly zones too. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, and root beer floats.
Everything here is walkable, and the whole town gets into the spirit. Make sure to book your hotel early. Leavenworth fills up fast during the festival.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is one of the largest in the U.S. In fact, some years it even beats out Munich in attendance. The city has deep German roots, and you can feel it in the energy of this event.
The party takes over downtown with music stages, food stalls, and massive beer tents. You’ll find schnitzels, sauerkraut balls, and soft pretzels bigger than your head. Local breweries join the fun alongside German imports.
One of the highlights is the Running of the Wieners. That’s right — a dachshund race where the dogs wear tiny hot dog costumes. It’s silly and awesome. You don’t want to miss it.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg was settled by German immigrants in the 1800s. Today, it still carries that strong heritage.
The town’s Oktoberfest happens downtown and feels like a true community event. It’s not too big, but it’s full of charm. You’ll find traditional German music, folk dancing, and lots of local wine and beer.
Fredericksburg also has great food. Expect bratwurst, strudel, and pork schnitzel served with German potato salad. The vibe is laid-back, and the scenery is beautiful with vineyards and rolling hills all around.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee knows beer. It has a rich brewing history, thanks to its early German settlers. So of course, it throws a great Oktoberfest.
One of the biggest events is Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Bierhaus. This venue has a giant outdoor beer garden, live German bands, and people dancing on benches. You can rent a dirndl or lederhosen at the door if you want to dress the part.
Another option is the downtown Milwaukee Oktoberfest. It’s free, and right on the waterfront. You’ll see keg rolling contests, stein-hoisting competitions, and maybe even a yodeling battle or two.
Helen, Georgia
This little town in the North Georgia mountains is styled like a Bavarian village. Its buildings, food, and even shop signs look straight out of Germany.
Helen hosts the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S. It kicks off in mid-September and keeps going until the end of October. That’s six weeks of beer, bands, and bratwurst.
The main action takes place at the Festhalle, a big open space where bands play polka and people dance the chicken dance in big groups. There are also parades, craft markets, and beer tastings. And outside the event, the whole town keeps the festive mood going.
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s Oktoberfest is loud, fun, and full of life. It happens in the historic Ballpark neighborhood and brings together locals and tourists for a big street party.
The festival includes keg bowling, stein hoisting, and a long list of craft and imported beers. You’ll see traditional German dress mixed with modern flair. It’s a mix of authentic and wild, with lots of music and high-energy fun.
You can bring kids too. There’s a kid zone with inflatables and games. But if you’re coming with a group of friends, this one’s especially great for social vibes and dancing.
New Ulm, Minnesota
New Ulm calls itself “the most German town in America.” That’s a big claim, but once you visit, it makes sense. The town has a giant glockenspiel, a German-style brewery, and locals who take Oktoberfest seriously.
The celebration here feels old-school. Traditional bands, classic German food, and events at historic venues like Schell’s Brewery and the downtown center. The crowd is friendly and family-focused.
If you want something less wild and more cultural, New Ulm delivers. It’s a great way to enjoy Oktoberfest without the big crowds.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago hosts several Oktoberfest events throughout the city, but one of the biggest is in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. This area has strong German roots, and it shows during the festival.
Expect rows of tents, live bands, German craft beer, and tons of food vendors. There’s also a Kinderfest area with games and activities for kids.
Another good one is the Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus Church. It happens outside a historic church with multiple stages, lots of beer choices, and a big local crowd. If you’re in Chicago in September, you’ll have no shortage of places to grab a stein and a sausage.
Mount Angel, Oregon
Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest is Oregon’s largest. It was started in the 1960s and has grown into a four-day celebration. The whole town joins in.
The event includes music halls, dance performances, parades, and over 50 food booths. It’s not just German food either. You’ll find everything from sausages and beer cheese soup to Filipino lumpia and local wine.
There’s also a ton of cultural pride here. Locals dress up in dirndls and lederhosen, and many families come back year after year. It’s got a small-town feel with a big heart.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas might not seem like a place for Oktoberfest, but it actually throws a great one. The Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas brings the Munich vibe to life. It’s a replica of the original Hofbräuhaus in Germany.
The celebration runs for several weeks with nightly parties, celebrity keg tappings, and live German bands. The beer is imported straight from Bavaria, and the food is as authentic as it gets.
This is a great choice if you’re already planning a trip to Vegas and want to mix the Oktoberfest spirit with the city’s wild energy.
Pick your favorite
No matter where you are in the U.S., there’s a good chance there’s an Oktoberfest near you. Whether you want a quiet small-town vibe or a huge downtown bash, 2025 has options.
Grab your stein. Pull on some suspenders. And get ready to sing, eat, and toast with strangers who’ll feel like friends after a few rounds of beer and polka. Oktoberfest in the U.S. might not be Munich, but it’s got its own kind of magic.
