4 Oktoberfests to Try in New Jersey
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Put your passport away: Oktoberfest is coming to you this year. Check out these fairs and festivals in NJ for more food, live music and a few pints. Many offer activities for the kids so they can celebrate the season, too.

September 17 – October 10

Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers

Mariner’s Pier, Wildwood

This fall, guests can enjoy four consecutive weekends of German-themed revelry, live entertainment, kids “Rootbier Garten” activity area, and more. A full line-up of bands will rock the Coca-Cola stage at Mariner’s Pier near the Giant Wheel during the Oktoberfest weekends. Musical performances are scheduled for Fridays from 6:30pm-10:30pm; Saturdays from 1:00pm 5:00pm, then again from 6:30pm-10:30pm; and Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

September 25-26

37th Annual Mountain Creek Oktoberfest

Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon

This fest is more than just 100 varieties of beer and cider and authentic German food. Think pony rides, a petting zoo, reptile and bird shows, a bounce house, sack races and more for the kids, plus a lumberjack contest, hay bale toss, stein holding contest and more for adults (in addition to Mountain Creek’s regular attractions like the Mountain Coaster).

Hackettstown Oktoberfest

Main Street, Hackettstown

Czig Meister Brewing Company, Man Skirt Brewing and Bea McNally’s Irish Pub and Eatery will host activities, contests, craft vendors, music, drinks and food. This Oktoberfest is a family friendly event; there will be kids activities and other non-alcohol related activities. Hours are 12  – 8 pm on Saturday and 12 – 6 pm Sunday.
215 Uncle Pete’s Rd., Trenton
The German-American Society is proud to present Mercer County’s largest German event featuring beers by Samuel Adams as well as many German beers. Guests will enjoy music, a pig roast, traditional German food, vendors and crafts, bounce castles, kid activities and family fun including a stein holding competition. $5 admission, children 12 & under free and individuals in full traditional German attire get in free! Part of the proceeds benefit the Jeremy Fund.

September 26

22nd Annual Leonia Oktoberfest

American Legion Hall, Leonia

Make sure you try this fest’s biergarten and chow: brats, pretzels, schnitzel and more. There’s plenty of entertainment and fun for the whole family. Plus, kids 12 and under are free.

October 2

Oktobertruck Fest 2021

Our Lady of the Lake School, Verona

This year, in place of the annual Oktoberfest and Kinderfest under the big tents, there will be a Food Truck Festival! As in past years, there will also be a Beer Garden, games for the kids, live music, a 50/50 and a Tricky Tray! Oktobertruck will take place from 12 – 5 pm in the Our Lady of the Lake’s parking lots on Montrose Avenue. This event is family-friendly.

Highlands 20th Annual Oktoberfest

Veterans Park, Highlands

The feel-good spirit of the annual Oktoberfest is modeled after the traditional Munich, Germany Oktoberfest with an emphasis on eating, drinking and being merry while providing something for everyone. Authentic German food, live music, dancing and other great entertainment will be part of the Highlands Business Partnership’s Annual Oktoberfest celebration taking place in Veterans Park on Bay & Shrewsbury Avenues from 2 – 9 pm. Admission and parking is free.

October 2-3

Oktoberfest

Historic Smithville, Smithville

With over 100 crafters, an international food court, music, kids activities and more, Historic Smithville has pulled out all the stops. In addition, the town’s 60 shops, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats and antique arcade will be open as well.

October 9

The Craft Show at Oktoberfest

The Duck Pond, Demarest

This festival mixes traditional German food with Korean delicacies, with all proceeds benefiting the Demarest Nature Center. Kids can enjoy inflatable games or go for a canoe ride while adults sample brews and peruse the craft show.

October 17

Hamilton Township’s Oktoberfest

Veterans Park South Side

Check out Mercer County’s largest German event featuring food, beer and a pig roast. The kiddos won’t be bored either—the crafts, games and music are sure to grab their attention. Lederhosen is recommended, but not required. A portion of the fest’s proceeds will go to charity. Rain date is October 24.