Mark Your Calendar for These Local Oktoberfest Celebrations in New Orleans

Some people wonder why New Orleans is known for having one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country. While the original settlers of New Orleans were predominately French, the city also had a large influx of German settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. As a result, the culture of our city has retained many characteristics of its German heritage, including a love for beer.

To partake in local Oktoberfest celebrations in New Orleans, residents of Springs at River Chase and Springs at Fremaux Town Center should mark their calendars for the following events:

1. New Orleans Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Weekends of October 6 – 7, 13 – 14, and 20 – 21
Fridays from 4 – 11 p.m.; Saturdays from 1 – 11 p.m.
1700 Moss St, New Orleans
504.522.8014

This annual event is the city's largest Oktoberfest celebration and takes place over the course of three weekends. Different than some of the other Oktoberfest celebrations in the area, this event is family-friendly and is centered around good beer, traditional German food (brats, sauerkraut, pork loin and cheeses), and an abundance of live entertainment. You can expect to find more than 20 German premium brand beers featured as well as a variety of German wines and liquors. Be sure to register for the festival's 5K run/walk race on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m.

2. Gretna Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 14 at 11 a.m.
German American Cultural Center
519 Huey P Long Ave, Gretna
504.363.4202

Gretna is across the river from uptown New Orleans and offers a rich German history, so it only makes sense that the city throws a large Oktoberfest celebration. In addition to beer, festival-goers can expect to find cooking demonstrations at the Gretna Farmer's Market and live entertainment including a concert at the Riverfront amphitheater.

3. German-Acadian Coast Oktoberfest
Ormond Plantation
Saturday, October 14 at 11 a.m.
13786 River Rd, Destrehan

While the German-Acadian Coast Historical and Genealogical Society meets on a monthly basis, Oktoberfest replaces the October monthly meeting. The event will kick off with a social hour at the Ormond Plantation. Guests will then hear from the president of the organization and lunch will be served. Registration is required, and the cost to attend is $35 per person.

4. Currie's Beer Garden
2038 Front St, Slidell
985.643.9193

Although Currie's Beer Garden is not hosting an official Oktoberfest celebration, you can visit this neighborhood watering hole and create your own German heritage celebration. If you want to pay tribute to German (or German-style) beer, be sure to try one (or more) of these 15 Best Beers to Try This Oktoberfest.

5. Bratz Y'all
617 Piety St, New Orleans
504.301.3222

If you can't make it to any of the city's Oktoberfest celebrations, Bratz Y'all has you covered with authentic German food, baked goods, beer and wine any day of the year. Note that the restaurant is tucked away behind another restaurant in the Bywater and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

How do you plan to celebrate Oktoberfest in New Orleans?