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 October 3-4 and 10-11, festivities include keg tapping, stein hoisting, singing and more.

Six Flags Oktoberfest, photo courtesy of Six Flags Fiesta

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Six Flags Fiesta, select dates through October 26, with traditional foods, including bratwurst, potato pancakes and seasonal beers.

For beer lovers, the San Antonio Beer Festival, October 18, offers more than 400 premium and craft beers brewed by over 100 international breweries. The event also has games, food trucks, local vendors and more.

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, October 18 and the Wurstfest in New Braunfels, November 7 to 16.

Put on your lederhosen or dirndl, hoist your stein and "lass die sau raus" (enjoy yourself to the fullest), because it's Oktoberfest time.

Starting as early as mid-September and running through October, with some events trickling into November, towns and cities throughout the South throw a version, small or large, of the celebration that originated in Munich, Germany, in the 1800s.

Here's a quick look at some of those happenings.

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 (October 11-12.) Over at Historic Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof, enjoy German folk music and more performed by the Loehnig German Band on Saturdays. 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, October 3-5. 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, October 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25, featuring three weekends of German food, spirits, music and more, including the Chicken Dance. There is also a 6K on October 11.

Cullman, Alabama

Cullman's three-day Oktoberfest, October 2-4, 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, as well as Bavarian-style servers and entertainment.

And there's more - a walking tour that highlights Cullman’s German heritage (October 3), and the Oktoberfest 5K and 10K (October 4.)

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Amidst the hay mountain and pumpkin spice fudge at Ober Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Fall Festival, September 20-November 3, 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 November 2, 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 Black Forest Cake crêpe at Cloud 9 Bakery.

Beer lovers can purchase an add-on beer pass for $22.99 in addition to general admission tickets. Each pass allows you to savor six 8-ounce pours from local and regional breweries.

Helen Oktoberfest 2021, photo personal collection

Helen, Georgia

Considered the longest-running of its kind in the country, Helen Oktoberfest, through November 2, features plenty of "jovialität" (joviality) and "fröhlichkeit" (gaiety) at Helen Festhalle, with weeks of dancing, food and, of course, beer and wine.

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, October 10-12 and 17-19, 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, October 17-19. The three-day event combines a German celebration and fall festival, featuring food, a beer tent, and more, including carnival rides and arts & crafts vendors.

Hickory, North Carolina

The city's three-day Oktoberfest, October 10 to 12, is filled with a variety of festivities, including three stages of live entertainment and a dedicated Kidsfest featuring 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, October 17-18. 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.