When newlyweds King Ludwig I and Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (try saying that three times fast) tied the knot, they decided there was only one appropriate way to celebrate: a beer-fueled, five-day party. Over two hundred years later, we continue to celebrate their union in much the same way. It’s called Oktoberfest.
Traditionally, Oktoberfest starts in mid-September and ends the first Sunday in October, but several American festivals run longer (including the first few picks below). Although the original Munich Oktoberfest was canceled this year due to COVID-19, it’s still possible to bust out the lederhosen and hoist a stein at a (mostly) authentic version a bit closer to home. If you’re looking for polka bands, tangy sauerkraut, cold beer, and a good time, you’ll find it at these Oktoberfests.