Did you know the original German tradition was to kick off Oktoberfest in September? Crystal Springs’ Oktoberfest returns from 9/20 – 9/21 at Mountain Creek Resort (200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ).

The largest Oktoberfest in New Jersey attracts over 12,000 people annually and features dozens of German beers and sausages, spit fire roasted whole animals, live music and games for kids, young and old. The festival welcomes special guest, famed chef and author Francis Mallmann, who will help kick start the festivities on 9/20.

During Oktoberfest festivities (9/20-21) guests will enjoy  pit on the main lawn. Outdoors, Food, including German classics like bratwurst, knockwurst and weisswurst, as well as whole calves, rabbit, lamb and chicken cooked in a fire, can be purchased a la carte from stands and two dozen German beers will be available on draft. For $15 (or $19 at the door), the Hobrau Premium Feast at the Red Tail Lodge will offer a buffet with sliced pork, bratwurst, knockwurst, sliced beef, potato pancakes, pulled pork, red cabbage, German potato salad, corn on the cob and soft drinks. I was a guest at the VIP tent ($99) last year and it was THE way to enjoy the festival with premium seating and an all-you-can-eat Oktoberfest buffet from 1pm – 5pm. VIP ticketholders also receive a souvenir t-shirt and 1 liter beer stein.

On 9/20, Chef, author and Argentinian legendary grilling and open-fire cooking expert, Francis Mallmann, will be signing copies of his new book, Mallmann on Fire, starting at 1pm. At 5pm, he will also host “Mallmann on Fire Dinner” in the Chef’s Garden at Grand Cascades Lodge he’ll serve food family-style inspired by recipes from his book. The food will be paired with wines from Bodega Garzon in Uruguay ($95 plus tax & gratuity, includes a pre-release copy of the book).

Oktoberfest hours are Saturday 9/20 from 11am – 9pm and Sunday 9/21 from 11am – 6pm. Admission is $7 per person (children 5 and under: free) and food and drinks are priced separately. General parking is $5, preferred parking $20.

For tickets, which go on sale soon, and more information: www.OktoberfestNJ.com

Cheers,

Veronique