So you can’t make it to Germany for Oktoberfest. Don’t sweat it. There are plenty of places in America where you can celebrate. Check out our list.

1. Fredericksburg, Texas

On October 2-4, Fredericksburg will host its 29^th Oktoberfest. To celebrate they’ll erect three covered stages that will feature bands such as the Jodie Mikula Orchestra, the Fredericksburg Filharmonic, The Sound Connection, and the Swingin’ Dutchmen. Beginning in its inaugural year, the Fredericksburg festival uses its funds to support student scholarships and to help support local arts. More than 45 artisans are expected to attend to showoff their work.

This festival also has arguably the most eclectic food offering, with everything from Cajun varieties to fajitas. They’ll be more than 30 different domestic and imported beers and admission is a paltry $6.

2. Newport Waterfront, Rhode Island

This one has a lot to offer you. For example, there is The Big Taste Grill, which is 65 feet long, weighs 53,000 pounds, and will feature 45 gallons of ketchup, 12 gallons of mustard, 98 pounds of onions, 105 pounds of sauerkraut and 154 quarts of pickle relish. The Grill will crank out 2,500 bratwursts per hour. You can also look forward to the International Biergarten, featuring both international and local beers, including Sam Adams, Spaten, Narragansett, and Hoegaarden.

3. Hofbrauhaus, Las Vegas

This is one serious Oktoberfest, lasting from September 30^th to the end of October. You’ll experience magic shows, live music, special keg tappings, and stein holding contests. Their Hofbräu beer, which includes an Oktoberfestbier, Hefe Weizen and Maibok, is brewed from the original recipes by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria, (over 400 years ago) and imported from Munich, Germany. Besides, it’s an Oktoberfest in Sin City. You can’t go wrong.

http://bigbear.us/octoberfest.html " target="_blank">4. Big Bear, California

This will be the 39^th annual Oktoberfest celebration at Big Bear and is currently taking place on weekends from September 19^th to October 31^st. They’re serving Warsteiner Pilsner, Dunkel, and Oktoberfest, along with King Ludwig Hefeweisen, Red Hook Blonde and Jack’s Pumpkin Spice. It also boasts the country’s only stein-carrying contest and the Safe Slam beer drinking contest. Best of all, there’s a free shuttle for if you drink too much and need a ride home.

http://www.tripsmarter.com/travelinfo/panama-city-beach/events/oktoberfest" target="_blank">5.  Panama City, Florida

This event is held in the center of Panama, only a few streets away from the City Marina. Panama expects more than 25,000 people from Oct. 2^nd – 4^th. It will feature accordions, carnival rides, sausage eating contests, and, of course, local beers. Did I mention that it’s in Panama? Few things in life are better than enjoying authentic Oktoberfests on a warm beach.

http://ashevilledowntown.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=379&Itemid=153&Itemid=153&Itemid=153&Itemid=153&Itemid=153&Itemid=153&Itemid=153 " target="_blank">6. Ashville, North Carolina

On October 19^th, downtown Ashville will transform into an infusion of local and German culture. The festival will showcase Ashville’s local brewers, including Green Man Brewery, Asheville Brewing Company, Highland Brewing, Pisgah Brewing, , and French Broad Brewing Company. Many brewers will be there in person to discuss their brews, including seasonal ones specially designed to commemorate Oktoberfest season. Local restaurants will also be on-hand with authentic German food.

http://www.tulsaoktoberfest.org/ " target="_blank">7. Tulsa, Oklahoma

This will be the 31^st year of the Tulsa Oktoberfest, an event that continues to grow in popularity. You’ll be treated to carnival rides, live German and local music, polka dancing, and a huge array of food choices. Take your pick from bratwursts, Weiner schnitzel, potato pancakes, smoked turkey legs, corndogs, and bloomin’ onions. Some of the featured beers include Stella, Beck’s, and Spaten’s Oktoberfest, Optimator, Premium and Pilsner. Runs from October 22-25.

8. Old World Huntington Beach – California

First, this festival lasts from September 6^th – November 1^st, Wednesdays through Sundays. You’ll find German polkas, shots, sauerkraut, strudel, and a beer hall that is filled with authentic German beer and German drinking songs. There’s also a parade and, for children, pony rides and a petting zoo.

9. Paddy Long’s – Chicago, Illinois

An Irish pub might not seem like the most logical place to go to celebrate Oktoberfest. But Paddy Long’s offers a special event that makes it stand out: Pig Roast Weekend. They’ll have three spit-roasted pigs, along with bratwursts, sausages, and Big Al’s Polka Band. You can wash down the roasted pig. Chase the roasted pig with half and full liters of Oktoberfest lagers. The celebrating starts Saturday, October 3^rd and runs through Sunday night.

10. Ocean Beach Park Pavilion – New London, Connecticut

This will mark the 26^th year of this Oktoberfest, which will take place October 2^nd, from 6-9 PM. One of the most impressive features of this festival is the more than 150 different beers you’ll be able to choose from. You’ll also reap the benefits of a chowder cook-off involving 12 different cooks. All funds are used to support Camp Rotary, scholarships, and a playground.