Fall brings so much fun as we transition from long sunny days to cool crisp air and changing leaves. And along with fall fun comes one of the season’s most popular events: Oktoberfest! There are many family-friendly celebrations of Oktoberfest on Staten Island and nearby that feature games, food, music and more. Check out this roundup to start planning your fun family Oktoberfest outing this fall!
Oktoberfest on Staten Island and Nearby
First, for anyone who’s curious, let’s ask: What is Oktoberfest? According to Britannica, it’s an annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over a two-week period, ending on the first Sunday in October. It originated on Oct. 12, 1810, as a celebration of the marriage of Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival grew from there, and later, booths serving food and drink were added. You can read more about the festival’s deep history on Britannica’s site and other sources.
Today, many places throughout the United States hold Oktoberfest events, including right here in Staten Island. And now, on to our list of family-friendly celebrations of Oktoberfest on Staten Island and nearby!
Psst…Want more fall family fun? Check out these spots for pumpkin picking.
Staten Island Oktoberfest
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-6pm
WHERE: Pouch Camp, 1285 Manor Rd., Staten Island
PRICE: $10; free for ages 12 and younger
Enjoy beer, classic German food, browsing vendors, playing games, rides, a bounce house and more. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Staten Island and Rolling Thunder. Proceeds will support veterans in need. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Oktoberfest at Dekalb Market Hall and Sixpoint Brewery
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-10pm
WHERE: Dekalb Market Hall, 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn
PRICE: Free
Festivities include live music, games, beer, food and more. Paper crafts inspired by German gingerbread cookies for kids will be part of the fun. The Street Beat Brass Band and Shaghorns will perform.
Oktoberfest NYC
WHEN: Monday-Wednesday, 4-11pm, Thursdays, 4pm-12am, Fridays, 2pm-12am, Saturdays, 11am-12am, Sundays, 12-11pm; through Oct. 29.
WHERE: Watermark – Waterfront Bar, Pier 15, 78 South St., Manhattan
PRICE: Free to enter but reservations are suggested as it can get crowded. Prices apply for food and beverages.
Enjoy this celebration featuring traditional German beer, games and music. Sundays are said to be the best days for bringing the family.
Six Flags Great Adventure Oktoberfest Food Festival
WHEN: Select days through Nov. 5
WHERE: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson
PRICE: Check the website for prices.
Enjoy lots of different brews along with a menu of German-inspired food. Options include German potato salad, pickle on a stick, caramel apple crumb cake, Bavarian pretzels and more. The event also features music and entertainment.
Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers
WHEN: Weekends through Oct. 8
WHERE: Morey’s Piers and Water Parks, 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
PRICE: Check the website for information.
When it comes to Oktoberfest on Staten Island and nearby, consider the Jersey Shore–-it’s not just for summer-time fun! Head to Wildwood, one of Jersey’s popular beach spots, for Oktoberfest fun. Enjoy live music, traditional German food and games and rides. Bands will play on the Coca-Cola stage each weekend with daily strolling entertainment by the Oompah Delics.
Turkey Brook Park Oktoberfest
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 12-9pm
WHERE: Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Rd., Flanders.
PRICE: $5; free for ages 17 and younger
Enjoy lots of family fun at this Oktoberfest event in the park. Kids will love the inflatable slide and obstacle, pony rides, hayrides and lots of fun games. Other activities include music and dance performances. Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue will sell beer as a fundraiser.
Tenafly Oktoberfest
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Tenafly Classic Diner, 16 West Railroad Ave., Tenafly
PRICE: Free
Hosted by the Borough of Tenafly and the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce, this fun event will feature seasonal foods, and lots of fun activities for kids including an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin decorating, face painting, lawn games and more. There will also be a biergarten and local artisan vendors on site.
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