Oktoberfest: 16 Days of Beer in New York
September 20, 2018
While it may not seem like it judging from the oppressively humid weather that has been haunting New York City this past week, Fall is just around the corner. And with the pumpkins and the spices comes a tradition of drinking and more drinking: Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest comes to bless frat boys around the world every dall for two weeks. Between Sept. 22 and Oct. 7 this year, beer, pretzels and schnitzel will fill the bars — and stomachs — of New York in celebration of this 200-year-old traditional Bavarian folk festival.
During these 16 days, New York City will host a couple of day-long events. Zum Schneider NYC will be hosting Munich on the East River, which offers food and beer served by waiters in Lederhosen in a giant tend, accompanied by live music. Oktoberfest at Watermark is another popular event, during which you can not only try some traditional snacks, but you can play giant beer pong, and participate in a beer stein holding competition.
For those willing to take the commute, Coney Island will being hosting an Oktoberfest celebrated on the 22 and 23 of September. However, make sure to purchase a ticket before making the trek. However, if you are looking to save some money this Oktoberfest, try checking out local German pubs with often offer special promotions.
If you want to experience a rather different take on Oktoberfest, you can check out the Frying Pan and Oktoberfest Flushing Style: Sauerkraut & Kimchi. The Frying Pan is a historic U.S. lightship docked at Pier 66, where you can celebrate Oktoberfest on a fully decorated deck outfitted with homemade food and an ever-flowing tap on Sept. 22 to 23.
Oktoberfest arrived in the United States during the 20th century. Walter Schlect, librarian at Goethe Institut New York, said, “Though there was a strong German-American immigrant presence in late 19th Century and early 20th Century, New York … there was not an official Oktoberfest that I know of.”Today many U.S. major cities host Oktoberfest celebrations; However, according to a study conducted by Wallethub, a personal finance company, New York City is 2018’s best city to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Whether you are in the mood for a traditional meal, a Biergarten party or only interested in the beer, New York City will have an event for you. Munich might host the original Oktoberfest, but New York City sure does know how to have fun. Before midterms trap us all in Bobst Library, take this chance to experience a world-famous tradition in the spirit of drinking!
