Best Hudson Valley Oktoberfest Celebrations

If you can't fly out to the original Oktoberfest in Munich this year, you can still celebrate right here in the Hudson Valley.  There's plenty of local Oktoberfest events and restaurants serving up all of the authentic German beer, food and music you can handle.

September 5-7 - Germania of Poughkeepsie
It doesn't get much more authentic than the annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Germania festival grounds on Old Degarmo Road in Poughkeepsie.  Every year the German community group welcomes everyone to join them under the big tent to enjoy delicious homemade German food, beer and live music.  It's a party for the whole family, complete with a playground area for the "kinder" and plenty of music and dancing for everyone to enjoy.

September 5-7 - Gus' Tavern in New Windsor
This is the 24th annual Oktoberfest at Gus' Tavern right off Route 9W in New Windsor.  Every year Gus' parking lot is magically transformed into a German biergarten complete with live music.  Under the tent you'll also find bratwursts, schnitzel and more of the delicious German food that Gus' has become famous for.  Of course, the beer truck will be on hand with plenty of imported German beers too.

Weekends September 27 through October 19 - Hunter Mountain
Every weekend during Oktoberfest season Hunter Mountain puts on a celebration in a setting that is about as close to the German Alps as you can get in the Hudson Valley.  Authentic German and German-American entertainment, beer, crafts for the kids and more make it a fun day for the whole family.  Admission is free and hours are 11 to 6:15 rain or shine.

Weekends September 13 through October 26 - Bear Mountain
Another great substitute for The Alps of Germany is Bear Mountain State Park.  Their Oktoberfest weekends go on through the entire month of October, including Columbus Day and have become a yearly tradition for many.  Live entertainment includes a full lineup of Bavarian and polka music.  Visit their website for the whole schedule.

September 20 - Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
While not technically an Oktoberfest, one of the greatest beer festivals in the Hudson Valley just happens to fall on opening day of the celebrations in Munich. The Hudson River Craft Beer Festival takes place at Riverfront Park in Beacon, overlooking the Hudson River.  Plus, Black Forest Flammkuchen will be in attendance again with their traditional Alsatian and Black Forest flatbreads. There may even be a local DJ running around wearing his German Lederhosen.

October 11 - The Sugar Loaf Fall Festival, Sugar Loaf NY
Word is that there is an all-new Oktoberfest celebration coming to Sugar Loaf this year.  It's being planned to coincide with the 45th annual Sugar Loaf Fall Festival.  Check back for details as soon as they are announced.

The Mountain Brauhaus, Gardner NY
Located in the shadow of the Shawangunk Mountains, the Mountain Brauhaus tops pretty much everyone's list for best local German Food, and for good reason. Run by the Ruoff family since 1955, this place is the real deal. Traditional German dishes made from scratch and innovative specials including venison, kangaroo loin (really) and rabbit never disappoint. Even the servers' German clothing is all hand sewn by the owners.  It's a must visit for the true German food and beer lover.

The Gunk Haus, Clintondale NY
German Short Ribs, Jager Schnitzel, Goulash, Bratwurst and the Haus Burger (served on a pretzel bun) are just some of the menu items you can look forward to at The Gunk Haus.  This restaurant and biergarten is a great place to have your own private Oktoberfest celebration.  You should note, however, that they will be closed this year from September 2 through 9, so be sure to plan ahead.

Schatzi's, Poughkeepsie NY
An oasis in the middle of the City of Poughkeepsie, Schatzi's outdoor biergarten is the perfect place to celebrate with friends.  German sausage, hot pretzels with bier fondue, kartoffelpuffer and an incredible beer list are all the ingredients you need to magically transport yourself to Munich.  Recently celebrating their one-year anniversary, creative twists on classic dishes like the sauerbraten meatballs keep people raving about this great newcomer.

Did we miss an event or restaurant?  Let us know in the comments section below.