This weekend is the chance to party like a German — Oktoberfest style! Between sausage tastings and stein-holding contests, it can be hard to pick which party is right for you. That’s where we come in, helping you decide which bretzel and bier spot to head to and break out your favorite lederhosen.
On Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 go to Park Slope for Die Koelner Bierhalle’s annual party. The week-long festival started in late September and this weekend will close out the festivities with German bands, dancers, and stein-holding contests, which test the strength of beer fans by having them hold a one-liter beer stein at shoulder level for as long as they can. Choose this celebration if you fancy a loud, fun time. And slap dancing. Not familiar? Picture grown men playing a complex, full-body version of Miss Mary Mack, but hitting each other.
Two-day Oktoberfest celebration at the Die Koelner Bierhalle [84 St. Marks Pl., between Bergen Street and Prospect Place in Park Slope, (347) 227–7238, [www.thekbh.com]. Oct. 4, 5:30 pm and Oct. 5, 7 pm, Free. Live band and contests.
If you are in Williamsburg on Saturday, Oct. 5, be sure to check out Radegast Hall & Biergarten. The party starts early at 1 pm with the Johnny Koenig Band and the Bad Buka Acoustic band will rock late into the night. The shindig will boast a pig roast, keg tapping, and, you guessed it, a mug-holding contest. Choose this celebration if you’re in the mood for polka and pork.
Oktoberfest celebration at the Radegast Hall & Biergarten [113 North Third St., between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 963–3973, [www.radegasthall.com]. Oct. 5, 1 pm, free. Live band and contests.
If come Sunday, Oct. 6 you are still in the mood to celebrate, Frankie’s Spuntino in Carroll Gardens is throwing a daytime bash from noon to 6 pm. Here you can enjoy Prime-Meats-made bratwurst and burgers as you sit in the crisp autumn air in the backyard beer garden. Choose this celebration if you are more excited about Oktoberfest for the food and drink than the dancing and competitions.
Oktoberfest celebration at Frankie’s Spuntino [457 Court St., between Luquer Street and Fourth Place in Carroll Gardens, (718) 403–0033, [www.frankiesspuntino.com]. Oct. 6, 12 pm, free. Beer tastings and Oktoberfest menu.
And for the stein-tipper who just cannot accept the formal end of the German holiday, there is Buschenschank in Cobble Hill, which is hosting Oktoberfest every Saturday all month long! From boot-drinking and mug-holding contests, to live bands and Oktoberfest cookies, Buschenshank guarantees a good time. Costumes are encouraged.
Oktoberfest Month-Long Celebration at Buschenschank [320 Court St., between Sackett and Degraw streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 237–0325, [www.brooklynbuschenschank.com]. Every Saturday in October, free. Live band and contests.