The festivities are currently in full swing over the pond in Munich to celebrate beer, weinerschnitzzle, and all other things Deutsch. But you don't want to miss out on all the fun either. We've got you covered. This weekend and next are bound to be exciting as American Oktoberfests kick off across the country – some of them are an easy walk from campus. So here are the five colleges that will be rocking with a boot in one hand and a Bavarian beauty in the other:
University of Wisconsin – Lacrosse
While their sister school in Madison usually gets all the attention, UW-LAX kids are able to compete at least one weekend a year with the big school festivities. This year marks the 48th anniversary of debauchery by the Mississippi which kicks off this Friday with a parade that weaves through downtown and ends in a park where they tap a Golden Keg. Plus, 175,000 people can't be wrong. Being the only one on the list I've been lucky enough to experience, I can safely say it is an event not to be missed if you have a car and a taste for October roadtripping. It takes place now until October 4th. But try and stay away from the Mississippi river – someone seems to fall in every year.
Check it here.
University of Alabama – Birmingham
When you think Alabama, you don't usually jump to German ancestory. But they're looking to prove you wrong with their annual Freunde Deutscher Sprache und Kultur Oktoberfest celebration where you can eat brats, chug beers, and chow on some apple strudels. Goes on next weekend (Oct 10-11), and they've been doing it since 1969 so there's a good chance you'll get the experience you're looking for.
Check it here.
Torrance, CA
A short drive south of USC and UCLA, you can find SoCal's answer to the Oktoberfest tradition. Authentic beer garden, Bavarian brass band, and pretzel-eating competitions… it will put a little more spice in any weekend adventure. But if you can't make it this weekend, don't feel bad. The thing runs Friday and Saturday from now until the end of October. Now that is doing it right.
Check it here.
University of Oklahoma
In a couple weeks Tulsa will host their celebration which attracts nearly 200,000 people every year for carnival rides, polka, and Bier Barrel Racing (whatever that is). Not a ton of college kids around the town, but if you are in Norman and can make it down – it's supposed to be worthwhile. Fun Fact: one in five people in Tulsa claim German heritage.
Check it here.
University of Denver
Unfortunately, Denver's three week German celebration has come and gone. So you already missed this one. But don't fear. Next weekend (10/9) be sure to drop by the Mile High City for the Great American Beer Festival. It's three days of hop-induced bliss with some of the best breweries in the world hosting free tastes all weekend long. Not completely German, but definitely worth checking out.
Check it here.
Already Missed These
Apparently these people didn't get the memo that Oktoberfest kind of implies "October" being involved.
University of Cinncinnatti
Just outside of campus, you can find what has been called the largest Oktoberfest gathering in America drawing upwards of 500,000 people downtown to the Fountain Square district. Apart from the drinks and food is the "World's Largest Chicken Dance" which in 1994 involved 48,000 people making complete asses of themselves. Maybe next year.
More info.
Ohio State University
This weekend, Columbus will have it's hands full. Not only will the Horseshoe be hosting the surprisingly undefeated Golden Gophers, but unfortunately the downtown will not be crawling with polka and steins. The 43rd annual Oktoberfest celebration happened a couple weeks ago which will make it either a long, sober drive back to the Cities or a kick in the face for Pryor. The city creates a 233-acre German village with live music, cold beer, and one of the biggest parties this side of the Atlantic. There's always next year, Buckeyes. And no - I don't think Minnesota is going to win anything else for the rest of the season.
More info.
