The Most Authentic Oktoberfest in the USA is Right Here in Texas
The Oktoberfest celebration that holds the title of "most authentic" in the United States takes place right here in the Lone Star State. Fredericksburg is located southeast of San Angelo, north of San Antonio, and is a short drive west of Austin. This scenic little town has a lot of heritage to share.
This year's three-day celebration is slated for October 6-8, 2023. This will mark the 43rd annual Oktoberfest for the city of Fredericksburg. As they say in Fredericksburg, "Willkommen to our 43rd Oktoberfest, a true celebration of our German heritage in the Polka Capital of Texas. Oompah at its best with music, dancing, food, and drink to your heart's content."
The City of Fredericksburg was settled in the mid-1800s and has managed to preserve its German heritage, which is on display just about everywhere you look. You'll find it at the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum. Then there's the newly created Pacific War Museum which features a well-documented WWII exhibit including a recreated combat zone.
Fredericksburg was founded on May 8, 1846 by German immigrants under the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. John O. Meusebach chose the location for the second of the Society’s colonies four miles north of the Pedernales River between two creeks. He named the settlement Friedrichsburg (later changed to Fredericksburg) to honor Prince Frederick of Prussia.
Source: City of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg has several wineries, and lays claim to the title of "Most Authentic Oktoberfest In America" according to Travelmag.com.
Every year on the first weekend in October this tiny German town comes to life when the city rolls out the red carpet welcoming guests to Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg-style, as you'll see in the video above.