How to Keep Oktoberfest Going All Month Long

It’s October, which for beer and brat-lovers means it’s OKTOBERFEST season! Though Oktoberfest technically starts at the end of September and usually finishes the first/second week of October, we rounded up the best ways to keep the celebration going all month long. Let us know if we missed anything!

Hit Up Bohemian or Cobblestones Biergarten

Bohemian Hall Biergarten is of course a classic in Astoria, for good reason. You can sip on German beers like Spaten and Hofbrau year-round, and there will always be giant pretzels on the menu and live music on the stage. Plus, it’s very family-friendly. Also, New York Social Network is hosting a Scavenger Hunt & Oktoberfest Party there this Saturday, October 19. It will explore the history of the over one-hundred-year-old business. Tickets are $15. 2919 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102

Another biergarten worth visiting to get in the spirit is Cobblestones Pub & Biergarten in Forest Hills. They have a mix of local brews on tap as well as some German staples, and their food menu offers more American pub grub and a wide range of sandwiches. 117-18 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Eat Hähnchenschnitzel at Max Bratwurst Und Bier

One of the only German restaurants in Astoria, Max Bratwurst Und Bier promises “authentic German food and beers at a beer-hall-style restaurant.” From schnitzels to bratwursts to heisse liebe, rave reviews promise it’s Oktoberfest all year round here. 4702 30th Ave #1266, Astoria, NY 11103

Tour the Local Breweries

Most local breweries have their Fall beer selection out–which means pumpkin and cinnamon-spiced brews, as well as sturdy German-style ales. Check out our beer tour for where to visit, and some on-theme types that stand out to us are: Big aLICe’s Kings and Queens of Bavaria; Singlecut’s Inexpicably Used Umlaut; and Rockaway Brew Co’s Rocktoberfest.

Attend Bear Mountain Oktoberfest This Weekend

Combine another fall favorite–hiking–with an Oktoberfest weekend at Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, just a stone’s throw from Bear Mountain State Park at Exit 17 off the Palisades Parkway. (If you don’t have access to a car, you can also take the Hudson train line to Peekskill station, and then a 15-minute cab ride to Bear Mountain). Enjoy four party wagons with 16 taps each, mobile food carts, and live German music from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The festival is every Friday from 6 to 10 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 pm, through October 20. Palisades Interstate Pkwy, Bear Mountain, NY 10911