Oktoberfest has always been a reason to celebrate whether you’re traveling with family or reveling in the fun and sampling German “Bier” without the kids. You can find an Oktoberfest festivity in just about every corner of the world, with festivities borrowing from Bavarian traditions and peppered with schnitzel and sausages. Despite its reputation for sandy beaches and hot weather, Florida is no exception to joining in on the Oktoberfest fun.
Maria Cimini offer some inspired recommendations in VacationDifferently.com’s Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest. Here are some of her Oktoberfest parties worth checking for Florida dwellers, and she promised that lederhosen are optional.
Orlando, Florida
Maria recommends heading over to Oktoberfest at Orlando Brewing for a full day of celebrating in mid-September, with activities that include an official beer tapping, German food trucks, live music and the official crowning of “Mrs. and Mr. Oktoberfest.”
Next, get outdoors and head to downtown Orlando for an event of its own at the area’s “Blocktoberfest” street party with plenty of German drinks, European cuisine and classic Oktoberfest polka music. Guests must be 21 and over.
Looking for discounts to Orlando theme parks and attractions? Check-out the Orlando Flex Ticket.
Panama City Beach
There’s no stop better stop than Hofbrau Beer Garden to celebrate Oktoberfest in Panama City Beach. Attracting locals and tourists alike, this October festival honors German customs through 50 specialty booths, showcasing a variety of tasty German beers, delectable Bavarian-style dishes and music worthy of an authentic biergarten in the center of Munich.
Jacksonville Beach
Florida Family Holidays and Family Travel Forum have some of our own recommendations for your Florida Oktoberfest adventure. Jacksonville Beach is home to the largest Oktoberfest in Florida with nearly 55,000 attendees attending annually.
The festival promises family friendly performances, a 110 ft Ferris Wheel, arts and crafts, games and activities. And of course there are plenty of Bavarian-themed food trucks and beer stands. Events kick off on October 14th through the 16th at the Jacksonville Beach Sea Walk Pavilion.
Miami
Miami welcomes the longest continuously-running Oktoberfest in the U .S. and largest German cultural event in South Florida. Now in its 59th year, Miami Oktoberfest takes place on the second and third full weekends of October at the German American Social Club on Miller Drive. Live German music, German food and folk dancing entertain crowds of all ages. Kid-friendly entertainment includes plenty of bounce houses, magicians and a field to burn off energy.
Can’t wait for Miami Oktoberfest? Luckily there’s another one. Oktoberfest in Marlin Park opens its doors on October 1st with beer, live music and carnival rides and games. Take the kids to both, and see which one makes you say em>Guten Appetite!
Ready to book your Oktoberfest celebration? Visit WyndhamVacationRentals.com for great places to stay.
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