Oktoberfest in Louisiana

Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of Oktoberfest, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of opportunities to celebrate the German holiday in the Pelican State. In fact, Louisiana has a strong German heritage, and many of the state's Oktoberfest celebrations reflect that.

Here are some of the top Oktoberfest celebrations in Louisiana:

Baton Rouge Oktoberfest

Baton Rouge, Louisiana hosts one of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in the Southern United States. Each year, Baton Rouge Oktoberfest attracts thousands of people from across the state and beyond to enjoy traditional German food, music, and, of course, beer.

The festival features authentic German cuisine, including sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut. There are also a variety of beers on tap, both imported from Germany and locally brewed in Louisiana. In addition to food and drink, the festival includes live music, dancing, and other entertainment.

The Baton Rouge Oktoberfest takes place at the Parker Coliseum at Louisiana State University (LSU). The festival is usually held in late September or early October, and admission is typically free.

Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest - aka NOLA Oktoberfest

The Deutsches Haus in New Orleans, Louisiana is a cultural center dedicated to preserving and celebrating German heritage in the city. The organization hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration that is one of the largest in the state.

The Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest features traditional German food, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, as well as a variety of German beers on tap. The festival also includes live music and dancing, with performances by local and regional German bands.

One of the highlights of the Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest is the annual Masskrugstemmen competition, in which participants compete to see who can hold a liter of beer aloft the longest. There is also a keg-tapping ceremony to kick off the festival.

The Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest typically takes place in late September or early October, and admission is usually free. The festival has been held at several different locations over the years, but is currently held at the new Deutsches Haus facility on Galvez Street in New Orleans. 

German Fest Louisiana

In Kenner, Louisiana, there is an event called German Fest Louisiana that honors German heritage and culture. Bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German beers on tap are among the traditional German foods and beverages served at the festival.

German Fest Louisiana features live music, dancing, and appearances by local and regional German bands in addition to food and drink. Along with cultural displays and performances, there are traditional German costumes and handicrafts.

German Fest Louisiana is held annually in late October, and admission is typically free. The festival takes place at the Rivertown Heritage Park in Kenner.

The Shreveport Oktoberfest

The Shreveport Oktoberfest is an annual event held in Shreveport, Louisiana, that celebrates German culture, food, and drink. This festival features authentic German cuisine, music, and entertainment, along with plenty of beer and wine to go around. The Shreveport Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone, from traditional German dancers and bands to carnival rides and games for children.

The Lake Charles Oktoberfest

The Lake Charles Oktoberfest is held annually in late September or early October at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This family-friendly event features live music, traditional German food and beer, and carnival rides and games for kids. The festival also hosts various contests such as a stein holding competition and a pretzel eating contest

The Monroe Oktoberfest

Another entertaining celebration of German culture is the Monroe Oktoberfest, which takes place in the St. Matthew's Catholic Church. German cuisine, music, dancing, and lots of beer are all featured at the festival, which typically takes place in late September. Other enjoyable activities like the well-known wiener dog race are available to visitors.

Conclusion

The Oktoberfest events in Louisiana are a fun and festive opportunity to appreciate German culture and take advantage of the fall season, whether you're a native or just passing through. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from larger festivals like the Baton Rouge Oktoberfest and Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest to smaller ones like the Lake Charles Oktoberfest and Monroe Oktoberfest. As a result, grab a beer, don your lederhosen, and join the fun!