Thousands of beer-loving tourists swarm to Munich's to enjoy steins of German beer, sausages, and the lederhosen accompanied for their yearly Oktoberfest starting on September 22. Munich's celebration is the largest in the world with more than 6 million visitors celebrating with good beer and traditional beirgarten food for the 16 day festival.
For those who can't make the trip to Germany to celebrate at the source, a number of U.S cities have their take on fun-loving festival. Here are five of the best:
Held on the iconic and idyllic Pier 48, the four day Oktoberfest by the bay celebration event from September 23-26 boasts a hearty German beer selection and traditional German fare. Tradtional German brass bands and dancing ladies add to the event.
For 42 years Helen, Georgia has been celebrating Oktoberfest with a festival that runs from September 16 to October 28. The beautiful backdrop of Helen in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is a re-created Alpine village with cobblestone alleys, makes for an ideal setting to drink beer and eat brats. Long rows of tables promotes communal beer drinking and german bands and polka dancing are all part of the festivities.
Colorado's biggest Oktoberfest is in Denver's Larimer Square. The festivities go from September 17-19 and 24-26. With days filled with beer, food and music, it's the ideal place to spend Oktoberfest.
Every weekend from mid-September through October, Big Bear Lake throws its annual Oktoberfest in the San Bernandino Mountains. With fun activities like a stein-holding contest, bands and dance performances, the festival is also kid friendly.
The small town in Washington bursts with more than 10,000 visitors for Oktoberfest. With live music, German food and beer the Bavarian town is an ideal place to celebrate with four venues of live entertainment and free shuttles.
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