Prost! 5 Festive Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Twin Cities

October 09, 2017

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Twin CitiesMore than 40 percent of Minnesotans claim German ancestry, but it's not a requirement for celebrating Oktoberfest. No matter what your background is, you'll have a blast raising a pint at one of these events and locations near our Springs Twin Cities luxury apartment communities.

1. New Bohemia Wurst and BierHaus
1278 Town Centre Dr, Eagan
651.797.3142
9.3 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

New Bohemia puts a contemporary twist on the traditional German "bier hall" concept. More than 24 different all-natural sausages on the menu are locally-made, while buns and pretzels are made by hand and all condiments are made fresh in-house. Pair your meal with one of 36 top local and international craft beers. New Bohemia is open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. with extended hours until 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

2. Black Forest Inn
1 E 26th St, Minneapolis
612.872.0812
18.3 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

For 52 years, Black Forest Inn has been serving classic German food to hungry Twin Cities customers. The award-winning menu features tasty dishes such as wiener schnitzel, stroganoff and their signature Black Forest torte. Want to host your own Oktoberfest? Their house-made spaetzle, breads and pastries are available for carry-out. Hours are 10:30 a.m. until midnight daily.

3. Fall Sightseeing Cruise
Padelford Riverboats
205 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St. Paul
651.227.1100
17.3 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

The spectacular fall foliage in Germany is one of the treats of Oktoberfest, but it doesn't top the gorgeous colors found here in Minnesota. Padelford Riverboats offers its popular fall sightseeing cruises each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. The two-hour trip down the Mississippi River is narrated, and a full bar and snacks are available onboard. Cruises depart at 2:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids between the ages of 3 and 12.

4. Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit
2300 University Ave NE, Minneapolis
612.781.3860
23.9 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

The name of this popular Bavarian-style bar translates to "cozy and pleasant guesthouse," but their massive Oktoberfest celebration spills out to a tent in the adjoining parking lot. The German-centric menu includes brats, smoked pork chops, sauerkraut and apple strudel. Festivities take place October 13 – 14 from 5 – 11 p.m., with polka dancing from 6 – 10 p.m. Admission is free.

5. New Ulm Oktoberfest
888.463.9856
74.4 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Want to get the full Oktoberfest experience? Plan a weekend outing October 13 – 14 to what has been recognized as one of the top 25 events in Minnesota and one of the top Oktoberfest celebrations in the country. New Ulm's Oktoberfest is so huge that it takes four locations to accommodate the fun. Activities include a parade, live music, brewery tours, keg tapping and grape-stomping. Free shuttle service is available all weekend. Visit the website for a detailed schedule and pricing.

Do you have an Oktoberfest activity to add to the list? Share it with us in the comments!New Call-to-action

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