Page 10 - GC-Sept-Oct-Guide-2025

Oktoberfest in Western New York:
A celebration of German heritage and local flavor

Every autumn, Western New York Of course there’s Hofbräuhaus Buffalo,
transforms into a vibrant hub of music, food, modeled after the legendary beer hall in
and festive tradition with the arrival of Munich. It hosts a plethora of lively
Oktoberfest. While the original Oktoberfest Oktoberfest events with live music, German
in Munich, Germany, is the largest beer folk dancing, and don’t forget to check out
he German Citizen, Upstate festival in the world, Western New York’s the NY Stein Holding Championship.
TNew York's German- celebrations bring the same spirit of If you’re looking for a late summer, early
American newspaper, and Buffalo
gemütlichkeit – warmth, friendliness, and autumn scenic drive, head south and catch
Standard Printing Corp., are proud
good cheer – to local communities with their up with the Bergholz German Band at the
to present to you the 2025 Okto-
berfest Guide. own unique twist. Chautauqua Institute or the Polka Boyz in
This year’s guide features Rooted in the region’s rich German- East Aurora, Hamburg and Holley or enjoy
numerous events and sponsors American heritage, Oktoberfest events in the Beer & Wine Festival at Holiday Valley.
that are sure to make you feel Western New York combine authentic If you want to drive north, you can spend
German this Oktoberfest. Make cultural traditions with a distinctly local flair. Columbus Day weekend at the Lake George
sure to check them all out! We at Cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls Oktoberfest.
the German Citizen hope you have and smaller towns such as Batavia, Back in Western New York, the Old Falls
a fun and exciting Oktoberfest – Ellicottville and Wellsville host annual Street Oktoberfest is already turning 15 years
“Prost!” Oktoberfest celebrations that draw thousands old and Schlachtfest continues the ethnic
Interested in news, events, of attendees from across the state and beyond. celebrations in style.
sports, politics, and history of
Buffalo's Oktoberfest offers everything Certainly what started in 1810 with the
German-America and Germany?
from traditional oompah bands and royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of
Why not subscribe to the German
Citizen? 6 issues a year by mail for lederhosen-clad dancers to craft beer tastings Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-
and hearty German fare. Visitors can feast Hildburghausen has evolved into more than
only $26. Call 716-835-9454.
on bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and a horse race and public celebration. It has
pretzels, often accompanied by a stein of spread across the globe into a festival
locally brewed Märzen or pilsner. The highlighting traditions, German beer, hearty
“season” gets underway with the annual fare, and lively music. We hope you enjoy a
Buffalo German Fest not to be missed, at taste of Oktoberfest near you - prosit!
Cheektowaga Town Park on Aug. 22 & 23.