Oktoberfest Celebrations in Missouri

Missouri has always had a love of German culture, particularly along Missouri's own "Rhineland"-the Missouri River bluffs west of St. Louis. It should be no surprise, then, that Oktoberfest celebrations can be found throughout this area. Here are three of the absolute best:

Oktoberfest Celebrations in Missouri: St. Louis (Soulard)

If you happen to be in St. Louis this October, check out the city's Soulard neighborhood (and more specifically Lyon Park, located across from Anheuser-Busch) for one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country. Soulard's Oktoberfest is usually held one weekend in early October (for 2010, Oktoberfest will be held on the 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th) and a nominal fee is charged for admission. In addition to copious amounts of beer (both domestic and German) and traditional German foods, the Soulard Oktoberfest also brings in entertainment in the form of German and local bands. This one is definitely a can't-miss.

Oktoberfest Celebrations in Missouri: Hermann

Perhaps the most well-known and arguably the best Oktoberfest celebration in Missouri is Hermann's Oktoberfest. Taking place every weekend in October, Hermann Missouri's Oktoberfest celebrates the town's rich heritage and allows visitors to experience Hermann's German-American culture. While the small town of Hermann, Missouri acknowledges that heritage year-round through the preservation of historic buildings and traditional businesses, Oktoberfest allows the city to really shine. Here you'll find plenty of beer and traditional food to be certain, but you'll also find a community steeped in history and unique culture. Most of the Oktoberfest action in Hermann takes place at the Hermannhof Winery's Festhalle, a large old building situated on the Missouri River.

Oktoberfest Celebrations in Missouri: St. Charles

Though not as big as St. Louis' Soulard Oktoberfest or as steeped in history as Hermann's, St. Charles still throws a worthwhile Oktoberfest celebration. This historic wine community will be celebrating its 24^th Oktoberfest during the last weekend in September. St. Charles' Oktoberfest incorporates the small-town history and charm of Hermann and the entertainment overload of Soulard to create a truly memorable Oktoberfest experience. Check out the St. Charles Oktoberfest celebration September 24^th, 25^th and 26^th in Frontier Park.

For more information about these individual Oktoberfest celebrations, including event schedules, check out their websites below:

Soulard Oktoberfest
Hermann Oktoberfest Schedule
St. Charles Oktoberfest