Enlarge By Paul Stafford, Explore Minnesota Tourism Oompah-fest: Dancing is part of the fun in New Ulm. (For more local flavor, try "gnome-made" fudge.) Dan Dunn, Imbiber columnist for Larry Olmsted for USA TODAY 10 great North American Oktoberfests. In 1810, Bavarian Prince Ludwig threw a five-day wedding party so epic that locals made it an annual tradition. Two centuries later, Munich is expecting 7.5 million visitors for its bicentennial Oktoberfest . Hotels and flights are packed, but you don't have to miss the fun.columnist for Playboy.com and theimbiber.net , shares withfor USA TODAY 10 great North American Oktoberfests. MAP: Find an Oktoberfest near you MORE 10 GREAT: Themed lists and expert picks Harpoon Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Vermont

Boston and Windsor, Vt.

Harpoon Brewery, one of New England's top microbreweries, hosts Oktoberfests at its facilities in Boston and Vermont on consecutive weekends. "The Vermont version (Oct. 9-10) is smaller than Boston (Oct. 1-2), but it's no less fun," Dunn says. "It's held right at the brewery, so while you're there take a tour." harpoonbrewery.com Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

Kitchener, Ontario

Spanning nine days (Oct. 8-16), this is North America's largest Oktoberfest, with 15 beer tents. It also is later than most, coinciding with Canadian Thanksgiving. Last year, 150,000 visitors came for the opening parade. There's a broad slate of activities. "In the mood for a foursome? Try the Oktoberfest Golf Experience at Whistle Bear Golf Club," Dunn says. oktoberfest.ca New Ulm Oktoberfest

New Ulm, Minn.

Perhaps the best of the small Oktoberfests, Dunn says, New Ulm's is held at a Holiday Inn and throughout downtown (Oct. 1-2 and 8-9), with two stages featuring German music. It is a decades-long tradition in a part of Minnesota influenced by German immigrants. Dunn endorses locally brewed August Schell beer. newulmoktoberfest.com Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Cincinnati

"This is the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S., with more than 80,000 bratwursts consumed," Dunn says. "At the 1994 Zinzinnati festival, 48,000 people did the chicken dance and got into the Guinness Book of Records." The festivities include a "Running of the Wieners" race. The event (Sept. 18-19) draws 500,000 visitors. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com Tulsa Oktoberfest

Tulsa

"Folks in Tulsa like to say you can't spell Oktoberfest without OK," Dunn says. The event (Oct. 21-24) is in its 32nd year and "has the most competitive beer-barrel race of any Oktoberfest in the country," he says. It has a carnival atmosphere with rides and arts and crafts. 918-744-9700; tulsaoktoberfest.org Oktoberfest Denver

Denver

Colorado's biggest Oktoberfest is on Larimer Square (Sept. 17-19 and 24-26), and it is very family-friendly, Dunn says. It replicates the ceremonial tapping of the first keg, substituting Samuel Adams Brewery founder Jim Koch for Munich's mayor. Other touches include 5K and 10K races and a costume contest for Dachshunds. oktoberfestdenver.com Oktoberfest Chicago

Chicago

The Windy City is a serious Oktoberfest destination, thanks to longtime German eateries such as the Chicago Brauhaus, Edelweiss and The Berghoff. Activities include an afternoon children's session known as Kinderfest, but Dunn warns: "Chicagoans love to drink beer during Oktoberfest, making this one of the least kid-friendly festivals in the country." starevents.com Oktoberfest, U.S.A.

LaCrosse, Wis.

Dunn proclaims this "one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S." It is heavily supported by locals, with a parade featuring traditional attire. It's also one of the longest (Sept. 24-Oct. 2), held on the same dates as Munich's event. oktoberfestUSA.com Addison Oktoberfest

Addison, Texas

In another city emphasizing authenticity, Addison's event attracts polka fans and is sponsored by Spaten, one of six Munich breweries allowed to serve at the original Oktoberfest. "It's held in a 30,000-square-foot tent (Sept. 16-19). The yodeling contest is not to be missed. The German Spelling Bee is unique to this festival," Dunn says. Several hotels offer fest specials. addisontexas.net/events/Oktoberfest Vail Oktoberfest

Vail, Colo.

The yin to Denver's yang, this event (Sept. 10-12 and 17-19) is in the alpine-style village at the state's largest ski resort. Beer, bratwurst and pretzel stands wind through the pedestrian zone with a street fair atmosphere — and unusual events. "Two words: keg bowling," says Dunn, summing up the creative festivities. There's also a bratwurst eating contest and yodeling demonstrations. vail-oktoberfest.com Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more