Oh, fall. While many folks get a creeping craving for pumpkin spice lattes this time of year, we’re looking forward to another type of imbibement altogether –  namely the kind that comes in a handsome stein. We can’t think of a better way to ring in autumn – and end the workweek – than with a hearty Oktoberfest celebration.

The original Oktoberfest, held in Munich, Germany since 1810, runs from September 17th – 20th, and most celebrations in the states coincide with these dates so you can get in on the action simultaneously. Another upside to stateside celebrations is that many run beyond a single weekend – Alpine Village in Torrance, CA, for instance, holds an Oktoberfest that spans a full month and a half! (We won’t tell if you make a couple return visits…)

If you’re as ready to get your Oktoberfest on as we are, check out the following list of the best Oktoberfest celebrations this nation has to offer.

Enjoy!

Hello #LeavenworthOktoberfest! Beautiful setting. Biggest Oktoberfest party in the USA. #Prost!!

A photo posted by Chris Brinton (@cjbrinton) on

Where: Leavenworth, WA

When: Oct. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17

What: Said to be one of the largest Oktoberfests outside of Munich, Leavenworth’s festival balances family-friendly fun with adult diversions, plus there’s a Keg Tapping Ceremony with the Mayor every Saturday at 1 PM.

Website: http://www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com/

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3 cuties at #frankenmuthoktoberfest A photo posted by Andrea Newberry (@leche_libre) on

Where: Frankenmuth, MI

When: September 17-20

What: Frankenmuth, billed as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, cuts to the chase on the website: “A German festival with a large wooden dance floor. Good food, drinks, and souvenirs.”

Over 10,000 visitors are expected, many of whom will be imbibing on authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer. Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest is currently nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award for “Best Oktoberfest.”

We suggest following Frankemuth’s Facebook for updates on the event.

Website: http://www.frankenmuth.org/festivals-and-events/festivals/

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Where: Alpine Village in Torrance, CA

When: Sep. 11 – Oct. 31

What: An Oktoberfest close to the Pomades.com headquarters, the Alpine Village Oktoberfest has been held in Torrance since 1968 – the oldest of its kind in SoCal. Whether you go for the exemplary German beer, delicious Bratwurst and schnitzel, or just to check out the girls clad in dirndl (let’s be honest here), it’s a great option if you live in the South Bay. If you want to keep the party going, head to the Alpine Steinhaus for the afterparty at midnight. Tip: Food can be the best souvenir, especially at an event that’s so food-centric. Stop by the Alpine Market for European and Germany bakery goods, imports, and award-winning, locally made sausage.

Website: http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/

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Where: Big Bear Lake, CA

When: Every weekend from Sep. 12 – Oct. 31

What: A historically rooted, more family-friendly celebration of Oktoberfest. German immigrants Hans and Erika Bandows brought the celebration over from their native Munich in 1969 to honor their culture, and it’s been bumpin’ ever since. You’ll find authentic German beer and food (what would Oktoberfest be without apple strudel?) in addition to direct-from-Europe entertainment.

Website: http://bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest/

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Where: Cincinnati, OH

When: Sep. 18 – 20

What: How can you say no to an event that kicks off with the Running of the Wieners? Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest – also called Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – is America’s largest Oktoberfest, with an estimated 500,000 people attending every year. It’s no wonder Cincinnati set the world record for the “World’s Largest Chicken Dance” in 1994 with 48,000 participants (including, coincidentally, the Crown Prince of Bavaria). You can get in on the Chicken Dance action at this year’s event, where they’ll once again attempt to break the world record.

Website: http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/

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Where: Addison, Texas

When: Sep. 17 – 20

What: Our friends in the Lone Star State can expect folk dancing, polka, and of course tasty German fare and entertainment at Addison’s Oktoberfest. Highlights include a German Spelling Bee, Bier Barrel Rolling and Bowling, and a “Dach” Sunday Dash, featuring – you guessed it – wiener dogs. On Saturday, Sep. 19, there will be a 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run to raise funds for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.

Website: http://addisonoktoberfest.com/index.php

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Where: Mount Angel, OR

When: Sep. 17 – 20

What: If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the likes of Bavarian culture, then the Mount Angel Oktoberfest will hit the spot. The bread and butter of the event is the showcase of 125 vendors, who will be peddling Bavarian-themed arts and crafts.

And here’s the kicker: The great grandchildren of Captain and Maria von Trapp will be performing. Our take? This fest is legit.

Website: http://www.oktoberfest.org/

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