Oktoberfest is here and alive in New York
What is it?
Oktoberfest was established in 1810, with the marriage of King Ludwig I of Bavaria and his bride, Princess Theresia. The event was particularly unusual because the king invited the public to attend his wedding. The marriage has been celebrated every year in Bavaria ever since and today it is celebrated all over the world.
With the history memorized, where is it we should all hang for events in NYC?
Friday, September 19, 2008 at City Hall Park, the official greeting by Mayor Bloomberg of New York and the Parade Committee Chairman (Starts at 11:30am)
To kick it off and time it with the motherland, Radegast Hall & Biergarten in Brooklyn is kicking off their month long celebration that runs through Oct. 15th. (113 N. Third St., Brooklyn; (718) 963-3973)
Saturday, September 20, 2008 there’s the Parade Church Service at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral with His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan. Starts at 9:30AM at Fifth Avenue and 51st Street, New York
The 51st annual German American Steuben Parade in NYC down 5th Avenue is also on the 20th.
On Sunday, September 21, 2008 Franklin Square is hosting the Ompahfest & Schuetzenfest at the Plattdeutsch. Check out Park Restaurant for Details.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, Shea Stadium is hosting a German Day. Check out their site for tickets and bring out your Red-Yellow-Black
And last the official week for the Oktoberfest starts September 28th and runs through October 12th. Check in with us for the latest spots for a brew and a brat.
Coney Island is kicking of the first of many (we hope) of the Freaktoberfest Boutique Beer & Music Festival on Oct. 3, between 5 p.m.-midnight. Check it out at 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn and hit www.smarttix.com for tickets.
Zum Stammtisch Oktoberfest begins Oct. 13 and runs 4 days through the 16th at 69-46 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, Queens, (718) 386-3014; Check the website for more info.
Still haven’t had enough yet? We we know that Ken Tirado at Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn hasn’t as he’s been keeping the fest going through Halloween. Oktoberfest runs through Nov. at 4254 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island; (718) 984-1202 at Killmeyer’s
Tip em and make sure to get some Bavarian drinking songs memorized before headed out.