Fort Totten is one of the great strange corners of New York - a Civil War-era army post on a peninsula in Little Neck Bay, with a crenellated officers' club in the middle of it - and most of the city has never set foot there. An Oktoberfest on that lawn is the excuse. It is free to get in, and the Society has not run one in over a decade.
What to expect
A compact outdoor community festival on the Castle grounds: German food and beer stands, a live band, and a family-friendly crowd drawn largely from northeast Queens. Expect a few hundred people rather than a few thousand, lawn seating, and a small-organization operation where a little patience at the food line goes a long way.
Good to know
- The Castle is at 208 Totten Avenue inside Fort Totten Park - the Q16 bus runs from Flushing-Main Street, or take the LIRR to Bayside and a short bus or car ride
- Bring cash: food and beverages on site are cash only
- RSVP through the Bayside Historical Society event page in advance, even though entry is free
- It is an outdoor event on a lawn, so dress for weather and consider a blanket or folding chair
- Fort Totten Park is worth arriving early for - the waterfront and the historic post buildings are open to walk
- Parking inside the park is limited on event days, so build in extra time if you drive
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Common questions
Is it free?
Entry is free, but an RSVP is required through the Bayside Historical Society's event page. Food and drink are sold separately on site.
Do they take cards?
No. Food and beverage sales at the event are cash only.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The Society bills it as an outdoor celebration for the whole family, with food, drink and live music on the Castle grounds.
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