Prost, Y'all! Oktoberfests in the South
Best known for having a vibrant Latino community and as the birthplace of Tex-Mex, many are surprised to learn that San Antonio, Texas, also has a strong German influence, as evident in the King William District, an area of the city settled by Germans in the 1800s.
German culture is on full display throughout San Antonio, with various Oktoberfest celebrations, such as the one hosted by Beethoven Männerchor, one of Texas' oldest German singing societies. On Oct. 3-4 and 10-11, festivities include keg tapping, stein hoisting, singing and more.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Six Flags Fiesta, select dates through Oct. 31, with traditional foods, including bratwurst, potato pancakes and seasonal beers.
Round out the San Antonio experience with a visit to the Guenther House. Built in 1860 for German settler and founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, Carl Himar Guenter, it is now a brunch spot sitting along the banks of the river. The restaurant features a museum and a store that sells items, including the restaurant's renowned biscuit mix.
Don't forget about the celebrations happening over 30 minutes from San Antonio, such as the Boerne Barktoberfest on Oct. 17 and the Wurstfest in New Braunfels from Nov. 5 -17.
However, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country aren't the only places getting into the Oktoberfest spirit.
Starting as early as mid-September and continuing through October, with a few celebrations stretching into November, towns and cities throughout the region put their own spin on the centuries-old Munich tradition.
So, put on your lederhosen or dirndl, hoist your stein and lass die Sau raus (enjoy yourself to the fullest), for it's Oktoberfest time in the South.
Here's a quick look.
Addison, Texas
Named as one of the authentic Oktoberfests outside of Germany, Addison Oktoberfest, Sept. 17 -20, features games, live music, cold bier, a Kidsgarten and more, including the Dachshund Dash.
Cullman, Alabama
Cullman's three-day Oktoberfest, Oct. 1 -4, kicks off with a parade and tapping of a keg. Festivities that follow include biergartens, games, glass-blowing workshops, a vendor market featuring artisan crafts, live German music, and traditional contests such as brat-eating, stein-hoisting (for those 21 and over) and costume competitions. There is also the Hofbräuhaus Experience, featuring a covered biergarten that serves Hofbräu München beers, along with Bavarian-style servers and entertainment.
And there's more - a glass blowing workshop (Oct. 2 - 3), and the Oktoberfest 5K and 10K (Oct. 4).
Hermann, Missouri
It's all about celebrating German heritage during the four weekends in October in Hermann. Some of the events include a Stein Hoisting Contest (held every Saturday of Oktoberfest) and an Arts and Crafts Festival (Oct. 10-11).
Over at Historic Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof, enjoy German folk music and more performed by the Loehnig German Band on Saturdays in October. Additionally, local wineries, breweries and distilleries host live music and other events during this time.
And don't forget about the authentic German food, either. Options to indulge include seafood spätzle at Tin Mill Restaurant, Thuringian-style brats at Swiss Meats & Sausage Co., and the all-you-can-eat wurst breakfast (every Saturday and Sunday) at Hermann Wurst Haus.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Soak in the "gemütlichkeit" at Fredericksburg's three-day Oktoberfest, Oct. 2 -4. The Polka Capital of Texas celebration features five stages of live music and festivities, ranging from the Chicken Dance to a dirndl-and-lederhosen contest.
Then there is the food, which includes a German menu with options such as a German taco, Oma & Opa with kraut, and more. For those who aren't daring, there is also an American menu.
New Orleans
Of course, a city like New Orleans, known for its festivals and celebrations, won't miss out on Oktoberfest. The event, presented by Deutsches Haus, takes place on Bayou St. John, across from City Park, Oct. 9- 10, 16- 17 and 23- 24, featuring three weekends of German food, spirits, music and more, including the Chicken Dance. There is also a 6K on Oct. 10.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Amidst the hay mountain and pumpkin spice fudge at Ober Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Fall Festival, Sept. 25 -Nov. 1, you'll also find German-inspired bites like Ober Dunkle Brats and Pretzels with Yee-Haw Dunkel Beer Cheese. Oh, and don't forget about the beers that include Hofbräu and Spaten, among others.
Through Nov. 1, the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta entices you with its sweeping views of Gatlinburg and the Smokies, as well as its food lineup, which ranges from the Pork Schnitzel plate at Cliff Top Restaurant to the Bavarian crêpe at Cloud 9 Bakery.
Beer lovers can purchase a $22.99 add-on beer pass in addition to general admission tickets. Each pass allows you to savor six 8-ounce pours from local and regional breweries.
Hickory, North Carolina
The city's three-day Oktoberfest, Oct. 9 -11, features a variety of festivities, including three stages of live entertainment and a dedicated Kidsfest with a petting zoo, inflatables, and more. There are also crafters to browse and ample food (over 20 vendors) to enjoy.
Richmond, Virginia
Dance with the Oktoberfest Chicken and do the Bobsled at the Richmond Oktoberfest, Oct. 16 -17. The two-day event offers something for both "Kinder und Erwachsene" (children and adults), with entertainment, parades, a dedicated Kinder Corner and more. Be sure to check out the food, beer and wine offerings.
Miami, Florida
The German American Social Club of Greater Miami held the first Oktoberfest Miami in 1958, making the annual event Florida's original and longest-running Oktoberfest.
The celebration, Oct. 9 -11 and 16 -18, is considered the city's largest German beer and culture festival. Festivities include live music, Bavarian dances, audience contests (is anyone up for yodeling?), and family-friendly activities.
Of course, it isn't a proper event without food, and Miami Oktoberfest doesn't disappoint in this aspect. Enjoy everything from bratwurst to schnitzel to strudel and more.
Walhalla, South Carolina
Get your phone out to record your family, friends, or yourself doing the Chicken Dance at Walhalla Oktoberfest, Oct. 16 -18. The three-day event combines a German celebration and a fall festival, featuring food, a beer tent, carnival rides, and arts-and-crafts vendors.
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