Here in the Hudson Valley there is no shortage of places to celebrate Oktoberfest, and each Bavarian harvest festival is just as much the culture of revelry, food, and music as it is about about frosty steins of beer.

While most places, including Germany, tend to kick off their Oktoberfest celebrations in September, there are still plenty of spots to enjoy hearty German brews and food — and some would argue that spiced beer is better in cooler weather, anyhow! This month, it’s last call for Oktoberfest, and here’s where to celebrate.

 
Free Oktoberfest
 

Weekends through October 16

Celebrate German culture (and beer) throughout the season during Hunter’s famous Free Oktoberfest. Each weekend features a different event, but all four weekends include vendors, free crafts for the kids, and more. Grammy-winning polka artist Jimmy Sturr performs October 8, and the final weekend (October 15-16) features a wine tasting and farmer’s market. Don’t forget to try a tour on the Sky Ride to take in the fall foliage.

Hunter Mountain, 7740 Main St, Hunter.
518-263-4223, Huntermtn.com

 
Bear Mountain Oktoberfest
 

Every Saturday and Sunday through October 30

Visit Bear Mountain’s Anthony Wayne Recreation Area to enjoy an outdoor celebration featuring four party wagons (with 16 taps each), buffet-style German cuisine and other mobile food carts, live music from a different German or Austrian band each day, and VIP options that include unlimited beer, food, a collectible stein, and other revelry.

Palisades Interstate Parkway, Bear Mountain.
845-942-2560, visitbearmountain.com

 
Rennaissance Faire Oktoberfest Weekend
 

October 1-2, 10 am-7 pm

Those who want to add a little fantasy to their Oktoberfest celebration can attend the Ren Faire’s Keg and Barrel Festival — it’s a traditional European Oktoberfest complete with music, dancing, games, craft beer, tastings, and, of course, lots of lederhosen.

600 New York 17A, Tuxedo Park.
845-351-5171, renfair.com

 
Trout Town Oktoberfest
 

October 1, 11 am-5 pm

This brewfest might be just outside of the Valley, but if you’re in the mood for a day trip to the Catskills, join Roscoe Beer Company for their second-annual, family-friendly Trout Town Oktoberfest. You’ll get to taste a newly released Oktoberfest beer, hear live music, and shop local vendors, while the kids get to enjoy hay rides, pumpkin painting, and more.

Roscoe Beer Company, 145 Rockland Rd, Roscoe
607-290-5002, roscoebeercompany.com

 
DeCicco & Sons Oktoberfest
 

October 7, 5-10 pm

This Brewster-based market is known for their immense beer selection, and this year they’ll have a variety of German and American brews on tap. Plus, bring your appetite — $25 will get you all you can eat selection of Bavarian fare, including schnitzel, beer-braised bratwurst, stout-braised cabbage, apple strudel, chocolate stout brownies, and much more.

50 Independent Way, Brewster
845-278-0836, deciccoandsons.com/brewster

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