Where to pour on the
ESCAPING TO Munich, Germany, where the mother of all Oktoberfest celebrations takes place each year, may not be the most economical or practical way to enjoy pints and brews with your friends. But fear not, New Yorkers, the city has an endless number of festivals and parties where drinking at noon is acceptable and lederhosen are encouraged. Here are a handful of Oktoberfest fetes worth checking out.
BEERGARDEN VOL. II
At North Brooklyn Farms in Williamsburg, BeerGarden Vol. II will offer unlimited beer tastings from breweries across the city and its suburbs for one day only. Samples from LIC Beer Project, Hudson Valley Brewery and many more will be on hand.
Unlimited tasting tickets are $50 per person, $75 for VIP tastings include early entry, food and more. Sept. 30, 4 to 9 p.m. at North Brooklyn Farms, 320 Kent Ave., Brooklyn. Tickets and info on Eventbrite.
DROP IN AT THE WATERMARK
Oktoberfest returns to Watermark bar at the South Street Seaport, complete with fullliter steins of beer, games, entertainment and German fare like brats and pretzels for three straight weekends. Admission is free but tickets are necessary.
Sept. 15-17, Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 2 from noon to midnight. Pier 15, 78 South St. Visit oktober-fest.nyc to reserve a spot.
FOREST AVENUE
A one-day street fair celebrating Oktoberfest will bring German beer hall-style festivities to Staten Island’s West Brighton neighborhood on Oct. 1. The party will include “four blocks of live music, rides, attractions and outdoor dining.” More than 20 restaurants will set up stands in the street and a public beer garden will be constructed for of-age guests.
VIP Beer Garden tickets ($12) get you discounted drinks; children’s VIP tickets ($7, also open to adults who don’t want booze) get you front-of-the-line access to attractions and unlimited soda and juice. Sunday Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Forest Ave. from Hart Blvd. to Bard Ave. Visit forestavenuebid.com/oktoberfest for tickets and more info.