Have you always wanted to experience Oktoberfest and revel at Bavaria’s world-famous annual beer and carnival festival, but Germany just seems so far away? Well, don’t worry; there’s a city in Michigan that’s got you covered. Venture with us to the Wolverine State to celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth, Michigan!
You might not know this, but Frankenmuth, Michigan, is home to the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations. If you’re looking for great food, ice-cold German beer, and great-looking locals dressed in lederhosen, get involved with lots of other fellow Bavarian enthusiasts and celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth.
First established in 1845 by only fifteen Franconian region colonists, today, Frankenmuth provides visitors with a genuine Bavarian experience on U.S. soil in the heart of Michigan. Here, you can discover the charming streets of Frankenmuth adorned with its stunning Bavarian architecture and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions for an authentic German experience.
Known as ‘Michigan’s Little Bavaria,’ this fantastic city certainly knows how to party. So, if you’re looking for an entertaining getaway in the fall, you must celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth as the Germans do back home.
As the first official Oktoberfest to ever be sanctioned outside of Munich, Frankenmuth has truly enhanced the event and made it its own. Wandering around Frankenmuth, you’ll pass delicious Bavarian food stalls, locals and visitors dressed head-to-toe in lederhosen, and, of course, a few beer tents along the way.
When you come to celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth, be sure to head over to Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park, as it’s the festival’s focal point. Grab a bratwurst and soft German pretzel in preparation for the mayor of Frankenmuth, also known as ‘Burgermeister,’ to tap the first keg of beer of Oktoberfest each year.
If you’re airing on the wackier side of things, you should check out Frankenmuth Oktoberfest’s great wiener dog races in a bid to crown the fastest wiener in town. With fantastic live music and incredible German traditional dancing, these authentic Bavarian bands and dancers carry on long into the night during Oktoberfest.
While Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth is a seasonal attraction, the city still welcomes guests all year round. One of Frankenmuth’s newest attractions is the PedALE Trolley, a superb pedal-powered trolley bike that runs 2-hour circuits of the city. Here, you and up to 15 friends can jump on board and get a tour of Frankenmuth, stopping off at local shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Alternatively, if you’d like a more relaxing and scenic tour of Frankenmuth, the locals have that covered, too. Head over to meet the crew at the Bavarian Belle Riverboat experience and explore the city with a riverside view from the Cass River as it passes through Frankenmuth.
So, even if you’re not visiting to celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth, you can still find plenty of authentic German cuisine and local brews served year-round. Delightful venues such as the Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan’s oldest microbrewery, offer traditional Bavarian experiences in a friendly atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.
When you get hungry while in Frankenmuth, drop in to try the Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie’s German Heritage samplings for a taste of continental European cuisine. Or, if you and the family are looking for something light, stop in and meet the team at Pasty Haus for a baked pasty and a ‘snow ice’ dessert.
Whether it’s your first Oktoberfest or your twentieth, if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, then join the locals as they celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth.
Enjoy steins of Bavarian beer while tucking into some quality German cuisine as you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Oktoberfest‘s sights and sounds. After an enjoyable day of festivities, ensure you get a restful night’s sleep to recharge for the following day by staying at the Best Western Plus of Birch Run/ Frankenmuth.