Willkommen to Oktoberfest in the USA

I have to say that when I first saw this Yahoo! article I thought for sure that my neighboring city of New Braunfels would have made the list since they celebrate this festival for half a month! But they did not...Here are the cities that made the cut. 

Leavenworth, Wash

For the past 15 years, the streets of Leavenworth, Wash., have filled with Bavarian cheer, not to mention beer. This Oktoberfest takes place in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, about 115 miles east of Seattle, and expects 35,000 visitors this year. Entry tickets cost $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday; food and beer cost extra. 

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Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati hosts what's billed as the world's second-largest Oktoberfest celebration, after Munich's own. Perhaps even more impressive than its size, you can attend Oktoberfest Zinzinnati for free. Plus, unique Bavarian-inspired events add to its allure. You'll find the fest covering six blocks in downtown Cincinnati.

Glendale, WI

With its history of German immigrants dating back to the late 1800s, Glendale, Wisc., is a natural fit for an Oktoberfest celebration. Located just 10 miles north of Milwaukee, Glendale has hosted Munich-modeled festivities for more than 60 years. The event takes place in Glendale's leafy Heidelberg Park, along the banks of the peaceful Milwaukee River. General admission is $4 in advance and $5 at the door; food and beer cost extra.

Helen, GA

In the late 1960s, the city underwent a massive revitalization and became a replica of a German village, lending it a delightful alpine appeal. Soon after, city leaders organized a popular fall festival. This year, the idyllic locale is celebrating its 43rd Oktoberfest. Tickets cost $8 Monday through Friday and $10 on Saturday. Admission is free on Sunday.

Mount Angel, Ore

Starting Sept. 12, the city will host its 48th Oktoberfest. Expect a full program of Bavarian bands, music and dancing. Alpine food booths, laden with German treats like sausage and wurst, German chocolate cake, pretzels and more will line the streets of Mount Angel. Golden brews like Weihenstephan, Warsteiner and Konig Ludwig will fill your steins. Ticket prices vary from $4 to $14, depending on the time of day, and food and drinks are not included.

Denver, CO

The Denver Oktoberfest will celebrate its 44th year and organizers expect some 350,000 revelers to join the fray. Events like Keg Bowling, the Long Dog Derby and Das Hustlef Hoff 5K truly make this Oktoberfest one of a kind. While enjoying the jam-packed entertainment schedule won't cost you a dime, you will have to buy tickets for your bratwurst and beer. Each ticket costs $6 or you can buy four tickets for $20. 

San Francisco, CA 

Oktoberfest By the Bay — is short-lived, but it crams a full agenda of Spaten beer, Bavarian food and German entertainment into one weekend. While you nosh on soft pretzels and other German delicacies, local bands will provide some German-style tunes. You'll find the party on Pier 48, jutting out onto San Francisco Bay. General admission tickets cost $25, and include entry and access to the entertainment provided. 

Did you know that the Munich Oktoberfest originally took place during the sixteen days up to, and including, the first Sunday in October.