The cultures that have drifted across the wide ocean to the Big Easy are aplenty, but one of my favorites is German. Why, you ask? Well, during the month of October, almost every single weekend is taken over by Oktoberfest celebrations, which means lederhosens and dirndls, beer, bratwurst, and spicy sausages that go oh-so-well with a generous helping of libations.
There are Oktoberfest celebrations going on every single weekend in October except for the very last weekend, only because (I surmise) everyone will be too tired to lift their hand to sip one more beer. Here’s all the information you need to get grooving NOLA-German style:
Some of the amazing costumes from 2010 to be seen again this year!
French Quarter Oktoberfest at Broussard’s
You might know Broussard’s restaurant from its iconic French Quarter location, delectable contemporary Creole food, and gorgeous courtyard, but did you know that the owners are German? Consider yourself enlightened, because a master chef cooking German recipes in our very own New Orleans is what we live for. Broussard’s Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 1, from 11 AM ’till you-can’t-eat-anymore-food, say about 9 PM.
In addition to the smorgasbord of German food available for purchase (picture a perfectly plump Bratwurst with ketchup), there will be live German music and a costume contest.
And how could I forget? Broussard’s will be offering a slew of German brewed beers as well as German-inspired American craft beers.
Where: Broussard’s Restaurant, 819 Conti Street
When: 11 AM – 9 PM
Admission is $10 for a full day of German goodness
Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest
The Deutsches Haus has been celebrating NOLA-German heritage since 1928, so it’s no surprise that they’ve spread their Oktoberfest celebrations over two full weekends: October 14-16 and October 21-23. Count them: that’s six days of German heritage festivities right here in the Big Easy.
Their menu features such specialties as Schnitzel Sandwiches and Flammkuchen (German Pizza), and in true New Orleans style, they’ll have an outstanding beer and wine menu and tastings on both Saturdays, so you can get the full German experience.
For families in search of kid-friendly activities, Deutsches Haus will have puppet shows and face painting.
Deutsches Haus just moved their head offices from Mid City to Metairie, so if you’ve ever attended their Oktoberfest before, make sure you journey out to Rivertown in Kenner (where Williams Blvd meets the river).
Where: Rivertown, Kenner, LA. (Where Williams Blvd meets the Mississippi River)
When: Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16
Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23
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