4 U.S. Oktoberfest Events for Families to Enjoy

Oktoberfest is not all about beer. Although beer does play a major role, many of these German-themed fall festivals include activities fun for the whole family. You don’t need to travel to Munich to enjoy the oom-pah bands, lively dances, colorful Bavarian dress and traditional German foods; you can find them in almost all regions of the United States this October. Here are some good choices for families:

Fredericksburg, Texas (Oct. 6–8, 2023)

The heritage of the German settlers who founded this town in the Texas Hill Country is kept alive in its museums, architecture, foods and culture. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg features a tuba concert, yodeling contest, traditional dances and other events at the five performance stages, as well as a KinderPark full of children’s games, face painting and activities.

Helen, Georgia (Sept. 28–Oct. 29, 2023)

It wasn’t a historic German heritage that inspired the little Blue Ridge town of Helen to have one of America’s biggest Oktoberfests. It was a local artist who had lived in Germany and saw this as a way to revitalize the little Appalachian town. He designed a new face for Main Street, one filled with typical Bavarian architecture, and in 1969, Helen began the month-long celebration of all things German. Look for German and Alpine souvenirs in the shops and plenty of German pastries in the cafés. Kids will like the alpine mountain coaster and the zipline.

Leavenworth, Washington (Oct. 6–7 & 13–14, 2023)

Like Helen, Leavenworth is a product of rebranding to revitalize and save a town. Main Street buildings were refashioned into Alpine-style chalets with carved balconies and painted murals, restaurants serve Bavarian specialties and shops sell traditional dirndls and lederhosen, along with German crafts and foods. The Kinderplatz features games, bouncy houses and a Ferris wheel.

Big Bear Lake, California (Weekends through Nov. 4, 2023)

Begun by German immigrants in the 1960s, the Oktoberfest at Big Bear Lake is held indoors, but includes all the traditional music, dancing, foods and joviality of the outdoor events. Along with carnival games, young kids can compete in the pretzel toss and mug-holding contests (filled with water), and older ones can participate in log-sawing contests.