Raise A Stein To Oktoberfest In Westchester

Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!

Time to don the knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.

In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.

Oktoberfest comes to Westchester's Kingsland Point Park's Kathryn W. Davis Bathhouse pavillion in Sleepy Hollow on October 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Bridge View Tavern will sell beer, non-alcoholic drinks and German food. Admission and parking are free. The GM site path will open again that afternoon to accommodate walkers from the other end of town. There will be free hayrides (just a fun one, not haunted) for kids in the park during the event. Finally, there will be tours of the bathhouse, explaining its history and renovation, starting at 1:30 p.m. 

The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.

Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.

And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.

Glückliches Oktoberfest!

How are you going to celebrate Oktoberfest? Do you have any favorite Oktoberfest foods? 

Like us on Facebook  |  Follow us on Twitter  |  Sign up for our newsletter