Samantha Bequer
Oktoberfest originated in Germany in the early 1800s. It now runs annually during a 16 to 18-day timeframe in Munich, and it ends the first weekend of October.
With German being the most frequently reported European ancestry according to the U.S. Census, it’s no wonder that Orlando is rated the 5th best place in the United States to celebrate Oktoberfest according to WalletHub, a personal-finance website.
To determine the best cities for celebrating this beer festival extravaganza, WalletHub took the percentage of German population, the number of beer gardens per capita and the average price for Oktoberfest festivals in that specific area before compiling the list.
Orlando was recognized for its high amount of authentic restaurants and number of pretzel shops. The City also tied with Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Buffalo for most pretzel shops per capita.
Here in Orlando, there are several ways to celebrate. Events like Casselberry’s Oktoberfest, which is hosted by the German American Society of Central Florida, is the most authentic celebration in Central Florida. From Oct. 1 – Oct. 22 visitors can experience a replica of the original festival in Germany and enjoy German food and beer on tap.
Downtown Avalon Park will also be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration the weekend of Oct. 7-8. Entrance to this festival is free, and it will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Overall, if you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest authentically, you can stay right here in The City Beautiful. With recognition from WalletHub and organizations such as the German American Society of Central Florida organizing events, you’re guaranteed a unique experience.
Oktoberfest Fun Facts:
-The first Oktoberfest was held Oct. 12, 1810 in Munich to celebrate a royal Bavarian wedding.
-7.1 million people attended Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration in 1985, making it the record for highest attendance.
-1.9 million gallons of beer is consumed during Oktoberfest.
-510,000 whole roast chickens, 240,000 sausages and 50,000 pork knuckles are consumed each Oktoberfest.
-72 percent of Oktoberfest attendees are locals from Bavaria and 19 percent of attendees are visitors from abroad with 14 percent of foreigners coming from the United States.
-The estimated cost for an American to attend in Munich is $5,000.
-In the United States, 80,500 bratwursts are consumed during Oktoberfest celebrations.
-In October 1989, Samuel Adams OctoberFest debuted, and it is available from August through October each year.
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