Oktoberfest New York 2024

The German fall festival is celebrated in NYC with copious beer drinking, lederhosen, pretzels, and traditional dancing. For six autumn weekends, Watermark Bar at Pier 15, South Street Seaport, transforms into a Bavarian-style festival.

Festival Highlights

Authentic German beer will be flowing, paired with traditional Oktoberfest food and fun for the whole family. Each day, attendees can enjoy not only the finest beer but also music, contests, and games like beer pong, cornhole, and stein-holding competitions—everything you’d expect from a classic German celebration.

Food

Visitors can look forward to traditional Hofbrau, Weihenstephan, and Radeberger beers, along with brats, giant pretzels, and more. One-liter steins are available for $15. In addition to traditional fare, festival-goers can indulge in oysters, crispy coconut shrimp, grilled adobo chicken tacos, Mexican street corn on the cob, truffle fries, grilled lobster tail, chocolate molten cake, or sorbet for dessert, and a wide range of cocktails.

Schedule

This year’s Oktoberfest in New York will run from September 16 to October 27. The festival hours are as follows: Monday to Wednesday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Thursday from 4 pm to 12 am, Friday from 2 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 11 am to 12 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm.

Entrance

Admission to Oktoberfest is free, though it requires a ticket. While entry is free, attendees can purchase beer, steins, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Getting There

Visitors can reach Watermark Bar by taking the NYC Subway to Fulton Street or Wall Street stations or by bus to the Water Street & Maiden Lane stop. For those preferring to walk, head southeast towards the East River via Maiden Lane, John Street, or Fulton Street. Once at South Street, cross and walk under the FDR Drive Overpass onto the waterfront walkway. Proceed to PIER 15, directly across from Fletcher Street. Watermark Bar is located at the farthest east pavilion on the pier.

Rules & Restrictions

Anyone under 21 will not be allowed to consume beer. Additionally, individuals under 21 without a parent will not be granted entry, with no exceptions. Prohibited items include outside food, beverages, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, weapons, illegal drugs, chemicals, fireworks, and more. All bags will be subject to search upon entering the event. Pets are also not permitted at Oktoberfest New York.

Other Celebrations

Other Oktoberfest celebrations occur at various beer gardens, beer halls, and parks throughout NYC. The biggest one is held in Central Park in mid-September at Rumsey Playfield Summer Stage (Entrance at East 72nd Street). Thousands of people gather to wash down bratwurst with a few pitchers of beer, listen to German bands, and dance the polka. The entertainment also features the annual National Masskrugstemmen Championship, sponsored by Hofbrau Bier.