Oktoberfest, South Florida Style
Every September and October, South Florida cultural groups host their own versions of Munich’s popular folk festival of beer, sausages and Bavarian music and dance. Taste authentic wursts, sauerkraut, wienerschnitzel and beers and watch traditional folk dances by children and adults. Even though these events attract thousands of merrymakers, they haven’t lost their homespun charm for young and old. No matter where your family is from originally, everyone knows how to toast and the Chicken Dance. Ein prosit!
Established in 1964, the German American Society of Greater Hollywood celebrates Oktoberfest on Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 in their traditional clubhouse, serving imported Hofbrau beer and holding a Miss Oktoberfest pageant. germanamericanclubhollywood.org
Miami’s German American Social Club, celebrating its 58th anniversary, holds Oktoberfest the two last weekends of October inside their clubhouse and under big tents, with raffles, food and craft vendors and lots of folk dancing. gascmiami.org
The annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest (Oct. 2-3) at Jaco Pastorius Park showcases German entertainment, including musician and singer Sepp Diepolder, the Original Auerhahn Schuplattler Dancers, beer stein races and apple strudel-eating contests and the popular Dachshund Dash. oaklandparkfl.org
