Oktoberfest Virginia Beach

Forget the pumpkins and candy. When autumn hits, it’s time for the adults to go out and play. It’s time for Oktoberfest. While a good many Oktoberfests begin in September, the party isn’t really over here in the states until you turn your calendar to November. With all of October ahead of us, there are endless possibilities for an Oktoberfest near you. Which one should you go to? We got to work uncovering the best fall fests of 2014. And heck, forget top 10 lists. There were so many options to choose from, we decided to give you a top 10 + 1 list. Yeah, you can thank us in November.

Oh, and because every Oktoberfest is a killer Oktoberfest, this list is in no particular order.

1. Newport International Oktoberfest (Newport, RI)
Held on the gorgeous waterfront of Newport, RI, the Newport International Oktoberfest, on Saturday Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, will house three Biergartens and an expanded outdoor courtyard space. The two days are ideal for folks who are looking for “family friendly” and “not-so family friendly.” Event organizers suggest anyone with younger children or strollers (or senior attendees) to come on Sunday, as the Saturday event has more of a college vibe. .

2. Blue Mountain Oktoberfest (Palmerton, PA)
The Blue Mountain Oktoberfest in Palmerton, Pennsylvania benefits from already having one weekend under its belt this year. This 2-weekend fest is back for another round, on Oct. 4th and 5th, and is held in conjunction with the annual Mountain Harvest Festival, making this the ultimate fall-time gathering, including free pumpkin patch hayrides, $5 beer mug refills, and plenty of music. .

3. Harpoon Octoberfest (Boston MA & Windsor VT)
A bit of a cheat here: we’re combining two fests into one. But are you really going to complain? The Harpoon Octoberfest in Boston was the first festival Harpoon Brewery ever organized (back in 1990). It’s been so popular, that why wouldn’t they bring it to Windsor, VT as well? Whether you’re in the mood for keg bowling, Oompah music or tons of Harpoon beer, either festival will feed your fix. Both events take place on Oct. 11th and 12th, so you might as well go to both. & .

4. Das Best Oktoberfest (Baltimore, MD)
Baltimore and Bavaria are Best Buds This Beer Season Because of Oktoberfest (say that five times fast … after going to this event, held on Oct. 11). Not only do you get to sample Maryland’s beers, but you can to take part in some fine wine pairings as well. Beer paired with wine … we think that works fine. Gentlemen – think you have the best beer belly in town? Enter yourself into a competition win cash prizes. Ladies, we didn’t forget you. There’ll also be a Miss Oktoberfest Competition. .

5. Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest (Myrtle Beach, SC)
The Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest is now in its 7th year, and is held from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5. Families who flew south for the fall for a few days can rest assured that this Oktoberfest is A-OK for your kids. There’ll be games, inflatables, face painting, a pumpkin patch and more. And parents/adults, there’ll be the largest selection of beer to hit Myrtle Fest all year long. .

6. Bloktoberfest (Philadelphia, PA)
Sure, some Oktoberfests take over a tent here or there. But Philly opted to go big, rather than go home. The 6th annual Blocktober fest (Saturday, Oct. 11), takes over four blocks of the iconic South Street, from Broad Street to 18th Street. Food, music, beer, and kid-friendly events make this an afternoon/early evening anyone can enjoy. .

7. Acadia Oktoberfest (Southwest Harbor, ME)
While beer, music and food are always front and center at any Oktoberfest, it sure doesn’t hurt to have one of the most gorgeous natural backdrops as your setting. Located in the woods at Smuggler’s Dan Campground, the 20th annual Acadia Oktoberfest – on Oct. 11 – always features the newest brewers in the area and has been named a “top 10 festival in New England” by New England brewery magazines. .

8. Bell’s Brewing Co. Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival (Lundington, MI)
Combine a massive amount of beer, live music, a bike race, a Downtown Chili Walk, and the new Open Fire Cooking Event, and you’ll get a rough idea of how massive this year’s (2nd annual) Bell’s Brewing Co. Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival will be. Held in Lundington, Michigan, the success of last year’s event made it worthwhile to make this year a weekend affair. This year’s festival takes place on Friday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 12. .

9. The Linde Oktoberfest in Tulsa (Tulsa, OK)
This three-day festival (Oct. 16–19) is held at River West Festival Park in Tulsa, OK. But don’t let the US address of OK fool you. This is bonafide Germany, right in the heart of the country. Three authentic German bands are flying in from Germany for the weekend, and Linde features such German favorites as bratwurst, Bavarian cheesecake, the Dachshund Dash, and, of course, plenty of German beer. .

10. Bramwell Oktoberfest (Bramwell, WV)
For 18 years, the border of West Virginia and Virginia has morphed into an Oktoberfest that’s hard to duplicate elsewhere. Why not make it 19 years? This part of the Virginias is breathtaking, and once held more millionaires per capita than any town on Earth. But you don’t have to be rich to hang out at Bramwell Oktoberfest on Oct. 11. You just have to like beer, music, and food. .

And your plus one!

11. Alpine Village Oktoberfest (Torrance, CA)
So, what makes the Alpine Village Oktoberfest so special that it deserves to be your plus one? Oh, not much, other than that Since Sept. 12, and until Oct. 26th, Alpine Village in Southern California has been (and will be) celebrating Oktoberfest. Heck, they’ve been celebrating it since 1968 and have been named by USA Today as one of the best Oktoberfests in the world. If you’re from California, or have it in you to go to a land of endless beaches this fall, you cannot miss the Alpine Village Oktoberfest in Torrance. Here’s a little video to get you motivated.