About
NYC's biggest Oktoberfest takes over Central Park's Rumsey Playfield right after the Steuben Parade — steins, brats and oompah bands.
An Oktoberfest inside Central Park is a once-a-year collision: stein-hoisting and oompah brass surrounded by elms instead of a Munich tent. The crowd arrives in costume fresh from the parade, which gives it a festival authenticity most NYC beer halls can't fake. If you love Oktoberfest season but dread the trek to a warehouse venue, this park edition is your shot.
What to expect
A ticketed, gated festival at Rumsey Playfield with live German music on the SummerStage, long communal-table energy, and lines for beer and bratwurst that build through the afternoon. Expect a mixed crowd of German-American families, parade marchers still in traditional dress, and Oktoberfest-curious New Yorkers.
Good to know
- Enter Central Park near Fifth Ave and 69th St for the shortest walk to Rumsey Playfield
- Buy tickets in advance — it follows the parade crowd and fills up
- Bring ID if you plan to drink
- Kids are welcome and have their own low-cost admission tier
- It runs rain or shine on an open field, so dress for weather
- Best paired with watching the parade first on Fifth Avenue
Common questions
Do I need a ticket for the Central Park Oktoberfest?
Yes — general admission is ticketed, with cheaper entry for kids and a VIP tier that includes seating, catering and beer.
Is it connected to the Steuben Parade?
Yes, it's the parade's official after-party at Rumsey Playfield, with gates opening as the parade wraps up on Fifth Avenue.