The Most Iconic Oktoberfest Celebrations in the US

There's nothing quite like celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany but you don't need to visit Europe to experience this lively fall tradition. In case you didn't know, America knows how to throw a party and these domestic Oktoberfest celebrations are guaranteed to have you requesting a refill.

Where: Fredericksburg, Texas

When: October 4-6, 2019

Three days of unrivaled Oktoberfest revelry returns to the Polka Capital of Texas this fall for the 39th annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Fredericksburg. Highlights of this year's event will include OkTUBAfest, the Kraut Run, Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, Samuel Adams Beer Stein Hoist, 42 domino tournament and Lederhosen Contest, among other festivities.

Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma

When: October 17-20

Linde Oktoberfest has been celebrating authentic Bavarian culture in Tulsa for more than four decades and returns to River West Festival Park in 2019 with more bratwurst, German beers, Bavarian cheesecake and music than you ever thought possible. Family Free Day runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 18.

Where: Denver, Colorado

When: September 20-22, 27-29

The highly anticipated Denver Oktoberfest will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall, attracting hundreds of thousands of people over the final two weekends of September. Revelers can partake in stein-hoisting and keg bowling competitions as well as silent disco, costume contests and much more.

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio

When: September 20-22

The nation's largest Oktoberfest celebration returns to Downtown Cincinnati this September with a slew of can't-miss events and festivities, including the world's largest chicken dance and three days of Sam Adams Stein Hoist Competitions. Visitors can look forward to as many as five different beer gardens and four fest tents with live music all weekend long.

Where: La Crosse, Wisconsin

When: September 26-29

The longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest returns during the final weekend in September so get your lederhosen ready. A four-day pass will only cost you $10 in advance. Guests can expect a variety of fun, including parades, carnival rides and a medallion hunt.

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

When: October 10-13

More than 250,000 people are expected to attend the 40th annual Nashville Oktoberfest in the heart of the Music City. The Germantown tradition will feature tons of world-class food and beer along with awesome live music and one-of-a-kind events such as the Dachshund Derby and Tennessee's second-largest 5K run.

Where: Torrance, California

When: October 4-27

The oldest Oktoberfest in Los Angeles kicks off during the first weekend in October. The annual fall celebration in Torrance has been voted one of the nation's top 10 by USA Today and offers the ideal party atmosphere for families with children. Partake in the excitement during Family Days every Sunday in October.

Where: Helen, Georgia

When: September 6-October 27

Travelers with a tight schedule should consider the 49th annual Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. This alpine village can certainly party and there's no shortage of dates to choose from this fall. German music, dancing, food, drinks and games will take place every weekend in September and daily from September 26 through October 27. Did we mention that admission is free on Sundays?

Where: New Ulm, Minnesota

When: October 4-5, 11-12

The 38th annual Oktoberfest returns to New Ulm, Minnesota for the first two weekends in October. The entire town gets into the spirit here so head to the historic downtown, Schell's Brewery, Morgan Creek Vineyards or the Best Western Plus to show your pride. The Germanic-American Day Parade kicks off the fun and the festivities culminate with music, games and much more downtown.

Where: San Francisco, California

When: September 20-22

For the "Best Oktoberfest in the West," head to San Francisco's Pier 35 this September. Oktoberfest by the Bay features not one or two but four lively sessions over the course of three days. The highlight of the weekend is the world-renowned 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band that's guaranteed to have you moving your feet.

Where: Leavenworth, Washington

When: October 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19

If you can't make it to Munich this fall, Leavenworth might just be the next best thing. This annual Oktoberfest celebration features four venues offering guests live entertainment, food and plenty of beer. It's one of the few places where you can experience the Bavarian tradition of "tapping the keg" without a passport.

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When: October 4-6

Milwaukee Oktoberfest may only be in its 10th year but there's no denying the fact this event has only gotten better each fall. "Rain or shine, we will be clanking steins" is the motto, admission is free and the event is even pet-friendly. Oh yeah, and sports fans will be happy to know that the big screen will be showing Brewers, Badgers, and Packers games throughout the weekend.

Where: Mount Angel, Oregon

When: September 12-15

Few destinations in the U.S. have been celebrating Oktoberfest as long as Mount Angel. This year marks the 54th celebration and first-time visitors will be hard-pressed to remember that they're not in Germany. That's because delicious food, beer and music will be accompanied by memorable events such as Webertanz (May Pole dance) by local school children.

Where: Frankenmuth, Michigan

When: September 19-22

The annual Oktoberfest celebration in Frankenmuth, Michigan is the only outside of Germany to be sanctioned by both the Bavarian Parliament and City of Munich. The four-day party at Heritage Park features wiener dog races, live bands, incredible food, souvenirs and authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer.

Where: Ketchum, Idaho

When: September 20-21

Idaho's Sawtooth Brewery will host an epic Oktoberfest celebration in Sun Valley this September. This two-day event at Ketchum Town Square is an absolute must for foodies and beer lovers. Sample a local take on German tradition in the Sawtooth Valley Gathering Munich Helles Lager and pair it with a mouthwatering Bavarian soft pretzel or Bratwurst while you enjoy live music, beer pong, giant Jenga and so much more. Book your weekend stay at Hotel Ketchum to keep the party going and find out why this property was named a 2019 Certificate of Excellence award winner on TripAdvisor.

Where: Addison, Texas

When: September 19-22

Addison not only puts on one of the nation's best Fourth of July fireworks shows but also throws an incredible Oktoberfest celebration. Guests can anticipate dozens of polka bands, a plethora of amazing food and drinks and truly once-in-a-lifetime events such as Friday night's Bier Belly Contest (all that time spent not doing sit-ups finally paid off).

Where: Big Bear Lake, California

When: Weekends, September 7-November 2

Southern California's Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is now in its 49th year and will feature four bands direct from Germany for the first time ever. This mountain town has established its own unique traditions in the nearly five decades since the start of this event but hasn't lost its authenticity. Guests will enjoy the same beers poured at Munich's famed Oktoberfest.

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: September 13-October 26

Sin City knows how to put on a party and Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas isn't just a good time but an authentic experience as well. The Oktoberfestbier is imported directly from Munich and celebrity keg tappings help keep the energy high. Purchase a special VIP package to enhance your fun.

Where: Hermann, Missouri

When: October 5-28

While you might not have heard of Hermann it stakes a claim as the most beautiful town in Missouri, especially come autumn. Located on the Missouri River just 90 minutes west of St. Louis, this small town does German tradition big every weekend during the month of October. Come see what you're missing.