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From mid-September through the first Sunday in October, crowds fill streets and beer halls to celebrate Oktoberfest with German-style drinks, hearty food and lively music. Cities vary in how well they host the festivities; WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities to identify the top destinations, and here are the seven that stand out. -
Denver ranks seventh among U.S. cities for Oktoberfest appeal. Tied with several other cities for breweries per capita, Denver offers a wide range of beers during the season — from traditional German lagers to innovative local IPAs — and plenty of venues hosting Oktoberfest events.
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Philadelphia holds the sixth spot. The city, which ties with others for pretzel shops per capita, offers plentiful snack options that pair well with beer. Whether you prefer soft pretzels with mustard or a sweeter twist, Philadelphia’s food scene complements Oktoberfest festivities.
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Chicago is fifth on the list. Known for grand celebrations — the city famously dyes its river green for St. Patrick’s Day — Chicago brings energy and scale to Oktoberfest with numerous events, lively beer halls and festive neighborhoods.
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San Francisco shares fourth place with Portland, Oregon, and New York City for German restaurants per capita. San Francisco also ranks high for Oktoberfest events per capita and has relatively low DUI-related fatalities during the season, making it an appealing and safer choice for celebrations.
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Cincinnati ranks third, reflecting its strong German roots. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, shaped by German immigrants, left a lasting influence on the city’s brewing and culinary traditions, making Cincinnati an authentic place to celebrate Oktoberfest.
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Portland, Oregon, takes second place thanks to its abundance of breweries, German restaurants and easy-to-access bars. The state hosts Oktoberfest events across multiple towns throughout the month, so visitors can enjoy a wide variety of celebrations beyond the city itself.
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New York City ranks first among U.S. cities for Oktoberfest celebrations. With many German restaurants and highly accessible bars, the city offers a wide range of events and venues. Visitors should note that beer prices can be higher during festivities, but the variety and excitement make it a top choice.
