Attending Munich’s famous Oktoberfest is free—but that doesn’t mean you won’t spend a boatload of money on the trip. Simply getting there could easily run a thousand dollars, and hotel prices in and around Munich skyrocket during the festival. Add in the cost of beer and lederhosen, and you might find yourself taking out a second mortgage to finance a weekend of drinking. If you want a taste of Bavaria on a budget, the U.S. is dotted with Oktoberfest alternatives large and small, and one is likely happening just a short drive—or a cheap flight—away.
Denver Oktoberfest (Denver, Colorado), Sept. 20–22 & Sept. 27–29, 2019
This festival claims to be the second-largest Oktoberfest in the U.S., and with attendance estimates at around 250,000, they might just be right. In addition to usual attractions such as traditional music and dance performances, food and—of course—beer, Denver Oktoberfest features an array of unusual competitions, such as keg bowling, stein hoisting and bratwurst eating. And Denver offers extra incentive for budget-conscious boozers: Beers are two for the price of one from noon until 2 p.m.
Columbus Oktoberfest (Columbus, Ohio), Sept. 6–8, 2019
It’s always a bummer to pack up the car, gather the family and drive to a festival—only to have the whole thing rained out. But weather is no problem for the Columbus Oktoberfest; the festival’s held in three pavilions at the Ohio Expo Center. Attendees celebrate the city’s large German population, including music, kids’ events and lots of local beer and food. And if you think you’re the fairest frau of them all, enter the annual Miss Oktoberfest contest.
Nashville Oktoberfest (Nashville, Tennessee), Oct. 10–13, 2019
No surprise for Music City—Nashville Oktoberfest features plenty of brass.
Nashville’s Oktoberfest, held in the city’s historic Germantown neighborhood, draws approximately 300,000 attendees, so book your Nashville hotel early! The massive festival offers German and craft drafts, dozens of food vendors and a 125-foot-long beer slide. Work off those brats on the 5K Bier Run & Race, or cheer on your favorite wiener dog at the ever-popular Dachshund Derby.
International Oktoberfest (East Providence, Rhode Island), 2019 dates coming soon
Beer lovers across the country know that New England is home to some of America’s best craft beer. So it’s no surprise that the International Oktoberfest, held in East Providence (about an hour north from Newport), features one of the best beer lineups around. Book your stay at a nearby hotel so you can sip on one of the dozens of local and German options while enjoying the waterfront views at Bold Point Park. This one-day celebration packs in plenty of entertainment, including live music, stein hoisting contests and competitive beer pong.
Wurstfest (New Braunfels, Texas), November 1–10, 2019
The 10-day Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas, honors the city’s German heritage.
New Braunfels boasts some serious German roots. The town, which sits 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, was founded as an enclave for German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Today, residents honor that heritage with Wurstfest, a 10-day riverfront Oktoberfest celebration. The sprawling festival features music across five stages, beer from both Texas and Germany, and a carnival for the kids. Oh, and brats. Lots and lots of brats. Book a hotel in New Braunfels to stay close to the festivities.
Alpine Village Oktoberfest (Los Angeles, California), 2019 dates coming soon
Held in the Alpine Village in Torrance, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California, this celebration isn’t the biggest or wildest you’ll find. But where else could you drink a Warsteiner just minutes after hopping off a surfboard? Each weekend in September and October, Alpine Village Oktoberfest rolls out the oompah bands and an impressive spread of German food and beer, all just miles from the Pacific Ocean. A German party meets SoCal beaches—what’s not to love?