Munich is famous for its rowdy Oktoberfest, but you don't have to travel to Germany to join this fall tradition. St. Louis is proud to show off its German heritage at Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the area. Here are my top picks for places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the St. Louis region. Prost!
1. Hermann, Missouri
Photo courtesy Hermann Department of Tourism
Hermann celebrates its German roots all year long, but the small town along the Missouri River really comes to life each weekend in October. Every year, thousands of visitors come to Hermann to enjoy the polka music, German food and local wines. There are Oktoberfest events throughout town, but most visitors head to Hermann's two biggest wineries, Stone Hill and Hermannhof. Stone Hill, Missouri's most award winning winery, sits on a hill overlooking Hermann and is a perfect place to sip wine and take in the fall colors. For a more lively celebration, head to Hermannhof Winery's Festhalle, which has German music, lively crowds and plenty of brats, sauerkraut and other German food.
2009 Oktoberfest: Weekends in October
2009 Oktoberfest: Weekends in October
2. Soulard Neighborhood, St. Louis
The Soulard celebration boasts that it's the fastest growing Oktoberfest in the country and it does seem to get bigger and bigger every year. Musicians from Germany and popular local bands play throughout the weekend, while area chefs serve up German specialties like bratwurst, rotkraut, pretzels and strudel. There is also a Miss Soulard Oktoberfest pageant and a Kids Karneval area with inflatables, face painting, washable tatoos and bingo.2009 Oktoberfest: October 9 - 11
3. St. Charles, Missouri
Following the tradition of the Munich festival, St. Charles hosts its Oktoberfest during the last weekend of September. The festival is held in Frontier Park along the Missouri River. There's live music and dancing all weekend long at the Jaycee Stage and in the Beer Garden, plus a parade, craft booths, antique car show and pumpkin festival. Children can spend their time at a special carnival featuring arts, crafts and kid-friendly entertainment. The St. Charles Oktoberfest grounds are also just a few blocks from Historic Main Street and its dozens of restaurants and shops.2009 Oktoberfest: September 25 - 27
4. Belleville, Illinois
Belleville may be French for "beautiful village," but many residents in the Metro East town are actually of German descent. Like St. Charles, Belleville throws its Oktoberfest party during the last weekend of September. Dozens of vendors set up shop around the public square on Main Street to sell German specialties and many other kinds of food and drink. There's also live music each evening and a kids area with pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo and clowns.2009 Oktoberfest: September 25 & 26
5. Augusta, Missouri
Photo courtesy Mount Pleasant Winery
Augusta's located in the heart of Missouri wine country and it doesn't take long to notice the area's strong German roots. Naturally, October is one of the best times of the year to visit. Although there's not an official town-wide Oktoberfest celebration, there's no shortage of festivities. For example, large crowds head to Mount Pleasant Winery each weekend in October for it's great views and to hear popular local bands. While in the Augusta area, check out the Montelle and Blumenhof wineries, and be sure to try an orginial brew at the Augusta Brewing Company.
2009 Oktoberfest: Weekends in October
2009 Oktoberfest: Weekends in October
