Get Out Of Town

Pumpkin spices are being released into the market again, apple cider donuts are hitting the shelves, and it’s pumpkin picking season for those pies or jack o’ lanterns. Fall is here, which means it’s also time for Oktoberfests. From the brats to the beers, here are some places across New York State we think are worth celebrating.

Lake George — If you want something the whole family can enjoy, head to the Lake George village between Friday, October 11 and Sunday, October 13 for polka bands, a biergarten, authentic German food, the Chicken Dance, an annual cask tapping, local artisans, rides, a keg toss, pony rides, and much more. It’s a free event, rain or shine, with animals (and pets) welcome. Visit www.lakegeorgeoktoberfest.com for details.

Adirondack Pub and Brewery in Lake George will have its festivities Saturday, October 19, between 1 and 5 PM. It will feature several New York State breweries, a biergarten, polka music, traditional food, and games. See how strong you are at the keg toss competition, go lighter at corn hole, there’s also stein hoisting and dancing chickens. There’s also a costume contest. Part of the proceeds will go towards a designated local charity. The event is 21 and older with IDs, not pet friendly. Visit www.adkbrewery.com.

Albany — Head to the state’s capital and over to Wolff’s Biergarten for the 11th annual Oktoberfest Block Party Saturday, September 28, for the whole family. A 5K starts the day at 10:15 AM, then there’s the Mayoral Keg Tap, Dachshund races, keg bowling, food trucks, German beer out of a one-liter stein, and other surprises. Tickets are $20 presale. Visit www.wolffsbiergarten.com.

Hunter Mountain — An Oktoberfest not to be missed, Hunter Mountain in the Catskills hosts four weekends of free fun, with live entertainment, German food, vendors, crafts, and good for all ages. September 28 and 29 will kick off with the Ciders in the Catskills tasting event with cideries in New York State and the Monster Energy Aerial Stunt Show. October 5 and 6 will be Colors in the Catskills, with an off-roading adventure at the mountain. The Das Laufwerk Eurocar Rally will be held October 12 and 13, encouraging European model car owners to showcase their vehicles. Concluding the festivities will be Wine Tasting on the Mountain, October 19 to 20. Learn all about it at www.huntermtn.com.

Bear Mountain — Bear Mountain Oktoberfest in Hudson Valley brings Oktoberfest every Friday through Sunday, September 27 through October 20 at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. There’s an entire band schedule, menu, and list of activities online at www.visitbearmountain.com.

Brooklyn — City Farm Presents: Brooklyn Reserve Oktoberfest Sunday, September 29 and Saturday, October 26 at Industry City in Brooklyn. The celebrations will take place outdoors with live music by Hungry March Band, German beers, raffle prizes, lawn games, food, and more. All ages welcome with 21 and over being $30. Visit www.eventbrite.com to learn more.

Long Islanders — If you can’t go far or prefer to stay on the island, there’s plenty of options of fun.

Out east, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company holds its celebrations Sunday, October 20 with an oompah band, fall beers, and food pairings. Lederhosen wearing is encouraged. See a full list of events at www.greenportharborbrewing.com.

The Mansion at Glen Cove hosts its fifth annual Oktoberfest Saturday, October 5, from 1 to 5 PM. There will be a golden beer from Garvies Point Brewery, music from Louis Pettinele, traditional food, and family-friendly activities like sand art, a pumpkin patch, stein hoisting competition, and more. Visit www.glencovemansion.com.

The Paramount in Huntington gets festive with an all-day Oktoberfest Saturday, October 12, from 3 PM until the beer runs dry. The space will completely transform into a beer garden with live music, German food, decor, and $5 beers. Head to www.paramountny.com.

Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore holds its annual Punktoberfest Saturday, October 19, from 12:45 to 5:30 PM with local craft beers on tap, food trucks with unique takes on German eats, and punk bands The Samurai Pizza Cats, Flak Jacket, Dookie!, Adam’s Atoms, and The Shipwrecks. General admission is $55. Visit www.greatsouthbaybrewery.com.

nicole@indyeastend.com