From Bavaria to the Garden State: A Rich History of Oktoberfest and New Jersey's October Zest
Every year, as the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, people around the world gather to celebrate Oktoberfest. This iconic German festival has a history dating back to the 19th century and is a vibrant tapestry of culture, beer, and merriment. But you don't have to travel all the way to Bavaria to experience the joy of Oktoberfest. Northern New Jersey hosts a plethora of local October zests, bringing the essence of this German tradition to our own backyard. In this blog post, we'll delve into the history of Oktoberfest and explore the exciting Oktoberfest events in Northern New Jersey for 2023.
The Origins of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest, or "Wiesn" as the locals call it, traces its origins back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To commemorate this joyous occasion, a grand public celebration was organized in the fields near the city gates of Munich. Little did they know that this celebration would grow into the world-famous Oktoberfest we know today.
Over the years, Oktoberfest has evolved into a 16-18 day extravaganza filled with live music, traditional German food, and, of course, an abundance of beer. The festival has become a global phenomenon, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. But if you're in Northern New Jersey and can't make the journey to Munich, fear not, for there are plenty of local October zests to enjoy right here.
Northern New Jersey's Oktoberfest Celebrations
Germania Park Oktoberfest Date: September 16-17, 2023 Location: Germania Park, Dover, NJ Cost: $5 entrance fee, free parking
Kick off your Oktoberfest journey in Germania Park, where the celebration of German heritage has been a tradition since 1895. Enjoy live German music, authentic food, and, of course, beer. Rain or shine, this event offers a covered pavilion and an ATM on-site for convenience.
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest Date: September 16-17, 2023 Location: Red Tail Lodge at Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ
Experience Oktoberfest in Vernon, New Jersey, with live music, a wide variety of German and domestic beers, authentic German food, and activities for all ages. With expanded beer offerings and ample entertainment, this event promises a great time for the whole family.
24th Annual Leonia Oktoberfest Date: September 23, 2023 Location: Leonia's Beer Garden in Wood Park, Leonia, NJ
Join the Rotary Club of The Palisades for a family-friendly celebration of German culture. Enjoy German food, beer, kids' activities, and competitions in this fall extravaganza.
Annual Oktoberfest Weekend
Date: September 23-24, 2023 Location: Chubb Park, Chester, NJ Cost: $7 admission, free for children under 10
Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Oktoberfest with craft beers and authentic German cuisine. With live music, dancing, and activities for kids, this family-friendly event is a must-visit. All proceeds go to various charities and worthy causes.
Zeppelin Hall Oktoberfest Date: September 26 - October 15, 2023 (Saturdays from 3 pm - 8 pm) Location: Jersey City, NJ
Experience authentic European-style Biergarten in Jersey City, where you can enjoy live German bands and a variety of drinks and cuisine in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
These are just a few of the Oktoberfest celebrations happening in Northern New Jersey in 2023. Let's explore more options.
Ho-Ho-Kus Oktoberfest Date: September 27 - September 30, 2023 Location: Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Savor traditional German favorites while enjoying live German music at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern. This event features a special German menu and a cozy atmosphere to celebrate the season.
Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest Date: September 30 - October 1, 2023 Location: Deutscher Club of Clark, Clark, NJ Cost: $10/person, open to the public
Get ready for live music, traditional German food, beer, and even a pig roast at the Deutscher Club of Clark's Oktoberfest. This event promises joy, entertainment, and Gemütlichkeit.
Hackettstown Oktoberfest Date: September 30 - October 1, 2023 Location: Main St., Valentine St., and Grand Ave, Hackettstown, NJ Cost: Free admission Website
This street-style Oktoberfest event in Hackettstown offers activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks, food, and more. It's a family-friendly event with plenty to do for everyone.
Oktoberfest at Turkey Brook Park Date: October 7, 2023; Noon - 9 pm Location: Turkey Brook Park, Flanders, NJ Cost: $5 per person (18+), free for 17 & under
Join in on the family fun at Turkey Brook Park with live music, food, brew, and a variety of activities. This event is a fundraiser, so your attendance supports a good cause.
Franklin Lakes Oktoberfest Date: October 13, 2023; 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: McBride Field, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Experience an authentic Oktoberfest celebration with German food, drink, and Oompah Band entertainment. This event benefits Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children.
Oktoberfest Fall Festival at Demarest Nature Center Date: October 14, 2023; 10 am - 5 pm Location: Demarest Nature Center, Demarest, NJ
Enjoy a high-quality craft show with handmade crafts, German music, German food, Korean delights, and even canoe rides on the pond. All proceeds benefit The Demarest Nature Center.
Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge Date: October 14, 2023; 11 am - 6 pm (rain date October 15th) Location: Warren, New Jersey
This event features entertainment, a live German band, wurst, bier, Bavarian culture, American fare, and free parking. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the season.
Oktoberfest Hosted by Edelweiss Passaic Date: October 21, 2023; 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm Location: Pompton Lakes Elks #1895, Pompton Lakes, NJ
Experience Bavarian entertainment, Schuhplattler, and a Bavarian Buffet at this evening full of food, joy, live music, dancing, entertainment, and Gemütlichkeit.
Oktoberfest at The Reeves-Reed Arboretum Date: October 21, 2023; 2 pm - 6 pm Location: Summit, NJ Cost: Members $85.00, Non-Members $95.00
Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Reeves-Reed Arboretum with all-you-can-eat and drink, lawn games, live music, and more. Enjoy premium autumnal ales and old-world German dishes.
These celebrations in Northern New Jersey offer a taste of Bavaria right in your neighborhood. But the Oktoberfest journey doesn't end here.
Central New Jersey's Oktoberfest Offerings
Six Flags Oktoberfest Date: Select days - September 9 - October 1, 2023 Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
Six Flags brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to its theme park, offering German-inspired cuisine, brews, and desserts on select days throughout September and October.
Annual German American Society of Trenton Oktoberfest Date: September 23-24, 2023 Location: Trenton, NJ Cost: $10 entry fee (food and beer sold separately)
Enjoy German beer, traditional food, live music, and dances at this family-friendly celebration hosted by the German-American Society of Trenton.
River Horse Oktoberfest Date: September 23, 2023; 5:30 PM - 10 PM Location: Ewing Township, NJ Cost: $20 - $45
River Horse Brewing Company hosts an Oktoberfest celebration with exclusive German beer, River Horse favorites, live music, and exciting competitions.
Freehold Oktoberfest Date: October 1, 2023; Noon - 6 pm Location: Downtown Freehold, NJ
This celebration features a beer garden, live music, games, crafters, specialty items, and breweries like Twin Lights Brewing, Artis Brewery, and Birdsmouth Beer.
Annual Asbury Festhalle Oktoberfest Date: October 6-8, 2023 Location: Asbury Park, NJ
The Jersey Shore's authentic Oktoberfest celebration takes place in a Munich-style, tented Biergarten rooftop. Enjoy food, beer, merchandise, and live polka bands.
Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands Date: October 7, 2023; 12 pm - 7 pm (rain date October 8th) Location: Highlands, NJ
Modeled after Munich's Oktoberfest, this event in Highlands offers authentic German food, children's activities, crafters, live music, contests, and more.
New Brunswick's 5th Annual Oktoberfest Date: October 8, 2023; 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Celebrate Oktoberfest in New Brunswick with local and traditional food, craft brews, German beers, vendors, music, games, and Stein-holding competitions.
Hopewell Valley Oktoberfest Date: October 14, 2023; 4 pm - 10 pm Location: Pennington, NJ
Enjoy live music, beer on tap, a pig roast, cornhole, pumpkin carving, and more at this family-friendly event in Trenton Cyrus Lodge.
Hamilton Oktoberfest Date: October 15, 2023; 11 am - 5:30 pm Location: Hamilton Township, NJ
A family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration in Hamilton features pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, amusements, crafters, and vendors.
Laurita OktoberFest with Food Trucks & Fire Pits Date: October 21-22, 2023 Location: New Egypt, NJ
Experience gourmet food truck offerings, wine, fireworks, live music, and more at Laurita Winery's Oktoberfest celebration.
Southern New Jersey's Oktoberfest Extravaganza
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival Date: September 15-16, 2023 (Rain or Shine) Location: Medford's Freedom Park, Medford, NJ
Enjoy live music, beer, food trucks, German food, artisan ciders, kids' activities, and more at Medford's Freedom Park.
Oktoberfest "Bier on the Pier" Date: Four consecutive weekends - September 15 - October 8, 2023 Location: Wildwood, NJ
Wildwood's Oktoberfest offers live music, activities for all ages, rides, and, of course, Bier on the Pier. Experience the spirit of Oktoberfest by the beach.
Doppelganger Performing at OktoberfestDoppelganger Performing at Oktoberfest Date: September 17, 2023; 2 pm - 6 pm Location: MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood, NJ
Join the fun with Doppelganger's mix of Oktoberfest songs and American party music at MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood.
6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square Date: September 23, 2023; Noon to 10:00 pm Location: Westmont, NJ
Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen join forces for a grand celebration with giant steins of German beer, a pig roast, live music, and Bavarian decorations.
Avalon Oktoberfest Date: September 29, 2023; 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM Location: Avalon, NJ
Raise your steins and indulge in German favorites at the Sandbar Village Beach Bar in Avalon. This family-friendly event features food, brews, and entertainment.
Oktoberfest in Cape May Date: September 30, 2023; 9 am - 6 pm (rain date October 1st) Location: Cape May, NJ
Celebrate the Bavarian tradition in Cape May with artisans, crafts, collectibles, antiques, and a festive atmosphere on the streets of Cape May.
Smithville Oktoberfest Date: October 7-8, 2023; 10 am - 5 pm (rain or shine) Location: Historic Smithville and Village Green, Smithville, NJ
This festive event includes 100 juried crafters, international food, live music, kids' activities, nonprofit organizations, and more. Explore Smithville's shoppes and attractions.
Oktoberfest is a celebration that transcends borders and brings people together in the spirit of merriment and tradition. Whether you're in Northern, Central, or Southern New Jersey, you can find an Oktoberfest celebration nearby that offers a taste of Germany and a whole lot of fun. So, don your lederhosen and raise a stein to the rich history of Oktoberfest and the vibrant celebrations happening in the Garden State this fall. Prost!
