New York is known for its diversity – and for its ability to throw a good party. The city combines those two traits each fall when locals and visitors celebrate Oktoberfest, the traditional German fair. Late September and early October bring German weizenbier and bratwurst to every borough, as citizens embrace the culture of Deutschland.
Lotte New York Palace is located in the heart of Manhattan, just minutes from some of the city’s best Oktoberfest celebrations. With luxurious rooms and suites, onsite coffee and baked goods at Pomme Palais, and several of Midtown’s best bars, the hotel is an ideal home away from home during fall – one of the best times to experience everything the city has to offer.
Enjoy German Beers in NYC
Oktoberfest may encompass the celebration of all things German, but beer is often the main event. New York City boasts some of the world’s best microbreweries and some outstanding German bars – all the more reason to grab a pint of your favorite brew and join the party. Several beer-centric events during Oktoberfest combine German tradition with contemporary New York style, showcasing delicious beers in festive settings.
Oktoberfest New York – Watermark Bar, on the Lower Manhattan waterfront, celebrates Oktoberfest with three consecutive weekends of German beers, games, and décor. The bar’s $60 Oktoberfest brunch and beer tastings include selections from Hofbrau, Radeberger, and Weihenstephan, served in 30-ounce steins. 9/18 – 10/4 – Watermark Bar, 78 South Street, New York, NY 10038 – watermarkny.com
Brewed in Brooklyn – Brooklyn was once home to 48 breweries, and the art of beer is returning to the borough in the form of specialty and craft beer curation. The Brewed in Brooklyn tour begins at Williamsburg’s popular Brooklyn Brewery and winds its way through the streets of the neighborhood, stopping at 19th century buildings that constituted “Brewer’s Row.” 10/3 – Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N. 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Indulge in a Family-Style German Feast
For a month each year, New York’s culinary scene turns its attention to German cuisine. Weisswurst, bratwurst, sauerkraut, pickles and strudel each get their time to shine, as a number of festivals and events showcase Deutschland’s most delicious delicacies. Among the best of these events is The Edible Oktoberfest at the Brooklyn Brewery. This Bavarian-style feast, prepared by Astor Center executive chef Emily Petersen, includes a full menu of German favorites in the spirit of the season. After an arrival snack of pierogi, Black Forest ham, and pickles on sticks, the family-style dinner includes grilled sausages, salt sauerkraut with apples, potato salad, and a hearty dessert of apple strudel. 10/7 – Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N. 11h Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Celebrate at the Ballpark
Baseball is an all-American endeavor, but the New York Mets are devoting a night to Oktoberfest. On Friday, October 2, Citi Field will transform into a mini-Munich with some pre-game pretzels, beer, and wieners during the team’s official Oktoberfest Night. Purchase tickets through the team’s official online store and you’ll receive access to the exclusive party and a limited-edition Mets Oktoberfest Beer Stein. As an added bonus, the Mets are finally fun to watch. The team is 86-67, taking a 7.5-game lead in the NL East into the final weekend of September. Oktoberfest Night is a great chance to catch one last regular season game before the team enters the MLB playoffs. 10/2 – Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Corona, NY 11368
Visit Munich…on the East River
New York’s most authentic Oktoberfest party could be the Munich on the East River celebration hosted by famed East Village bar Zum Schneider. This traditional German ‘kneipe’ hosts a festival along the piers of the East River during two weekends this October. The festivities, which cost $25, includes original German beers on tap – HB Traunstein Festbier, Andechs Festbier, and Paulaner Wiesn, along with others – live German music, food vendors selling roasted almonds, and staff dressed in lederhosen, of course. October 2-4, 9-11 – East River Waterfront, 24-20 FDR Drive Service Road E, New York, NY 10010
Head Out for a River Cruise (Beer Included!)
Circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, enjoying stellar views, delicious food, and a collection of seasonal beers from the open bar. Yachtoberfest about the Zephyr yacht is one of the city’s best Oktoberfest experiences, featuring catering from Certé, beer from Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard, and a live DJ for the duration of the trip. The festive cruise launches from Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport at 6:30 p.m. on October 1 and wraps up at 9 p.m.
Plan your Oktoberfest in New York City today with Lotte New York Palace.