The best Oktoberfest events in NYC this year

Both of Black Forest’s Brooklyn locations are hosting Oktoberfest fêtes on weekends from September 19 through October 24.

Head to the backyard in Cobble Hill or the sidewalk seats in Fort Greene for beer, oompah bands, costume contests, food and feats of strength. The kick-off parties on Saturday, September 19 will also feature a traditional keg tapping ceremony so you can fill your steins with super-fresh suds. Tickets start at $35, and include guaranteed reserved seating, your first full 1-liter stein of Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer and gratuity. Upgrade to premium for $83 and get a $40 food and beverage credit to boot.

Get autumnal near the water with skyline views at Watermark on Pier 15. Watermark’s OktoberFest features steins of German beer (expect traditional Hofbräu as well as Weihenstephan and Radeberger brews), with mini kegs available for order. 

Don't miss the brats and supersized pretzels synonymous with the season in NYC. Enjoy it all in the open air from September 10 through October 31. Lederhosen are encouraged and reservations are recommended. You can RSVP for free, or opt for one of two $33 tickets: VIP or Fast Pass.

What’s better than drinking a pumpkin beer at a biergarten modeled after a classic German pub? Using that beer to wash down soft pretzels and sausages galore.

Loreley Beer Garden’s Oktoberfest season celebration gets underway from September 19 through October 31 with beer keg tappings and pig roast tastings every weekend. Plus, you can expect pretzel, sausage and beer specials every day. There's even seasonal ciders (craft and warm) and sangria to be had.

With communal wooden benches, vibrant décor and an impressive beer menu, Reichenbach Hall offers a slice of Munich in Midtown. The Oktoberfest festivities will kick off on September 19 and run through the month of October with polka music, games, savory sausages and mouthwatering schnitzels.

The sprawling beer garden is led by Willy and Keith Reichenbach (also of Hop Devil Grill and David Copperfield's) honoring the beer-loving siblings’ German heritage.

While every day feels like Oktoberfest at Zum Schneider's, this party takes the celebration to the next level. The festival, running from September 26 through October 5, has been known to draw more than 7,000 people in past years with its imported beer, traditional Bavarian food, and oompah band that festival founder Sylvester Schneider plays in. 

This year's event will be held in Brooklyn in a decked out tent at 12 Franklin Street in Greenpoint. There are a bunch of different ticket options with VIP seating, reserved tables, and all-inclusive packages.

Mark your calendar for The Tasting Room's Oktoberfest celebration on Monday, September 29. It's $15 to enter their stein-holding contest, which includes your first beer. Admission to the brewery's Oktoberfest event is otherwise free. Plus, their Oktoberfest menu is not to be missed.

Bring the flavors of Oktoberfest home with this Oktoberfest gift pack from Schaller & Weber’s Upper East Side butcher shop. You’ll get Weisswurst, Knackwurst, Bratwurst, German Delicatessen Sauerkraut, and Bavarian sweet & spicy mustard all in a branded wooden crate for $59.99.