Oktoberfest In New York City 2016: Five Best Places To Celebrate The German Beer Festival

Beer drinkers rejoice: The moment you've all been waiting for is finally here. But since you likely haven't traveled to Munich to partake in Oktoberfest's annual celebration of beer in Germany, you may be looking for some options that are a bit more local to you.

Well look no further, as various New York City establishments and organizations have been brewing up a full slate of events to mark the occasion. To find out where in the Big Apple you can grab an oversized stein filled with your favorite Oktoberfest golden ale, keep reading.

The festivities officially begin Saturday, and one event in particular is being offered for free over the next three weekend, according to Oktober-Fest New York. Beer drinkers are invited to indulge in food, games and especially beer at 78 South Street from 12 noon until midnight this Saturday and Sunday, the weekend of Sept. 24 and 25 and the following final weekend of Oct. 1 and 2. General admission is free and only requires an online reservation. Beer tasting, however, will set you back at least $60. Click here to find out more.

Another outdoors option is to participate in Saturday's German-American Steuben Parade, which is also being called Oktoberfest In Central Park. Beer enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy "a pitcher or two and great entertainment featuring “Spitze!”, the Polka Brothers and many other bands, as well as the 8th annual National Masskrugstemmen Championship sponsored by Hofbrau Bier," according to the website. Only German beers will be served, with admission costing $30. Click here to find out more.

Since we are talking about liquid here, perhaps you'd rather spend your time consuming fine German beers on water instead of on land. If so, the city's Circle Line cruise line has you covered on the weekend starting Sept. 24 and running through Nov. 6. Onboard Oktoberfest is a cruise lasting two-and-a-half hours which takes beer fans up the Hudson River with "German food and beer specials plus some good ol’ oom-pah music" before arriving at Bear Mountain Park, where people can embark on a leisurely hike, ride a paddle boat and more. You can make a reservation by clicking here.

Zum Schneider Oktoberfest will hold its annual Munich on the East River event starting Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. and describes itself as "an unforgettable and traditional München Oktoberfest experience." Its Oktoberfest tent will be pitched at 24-20 FDR Drive Service Road Exit, with admission ranging from $25 to $100. Click here for more information.

Lastly, if you're looking for a more traditional Oktoberfest event, you can find it at Bierhaus, which is located at 712 Third Ave between 44th and 45th streets in Midtown Manhattan. Oktoberfest festivities there officially get underway Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and they run through Sept. 30. Representatives from Bierhaus will be offering parade-goers Saturday coupons for authentic Oktoberfest pretzels before the bar hosts a German pig roast once the parade ends. Click here for more information.