Best Oktoberfest events: Where to celebrate with German food and beer in Atlanta

Lace up your running shoes, load up a plate with traditional German food, and raise a stein full of craft beer this fall season. Atlanta spots are bringing Oktoberfest to life, and there are plenty of options for celebration. Check out our picks:

Oktoberfest Six Flags

Live entertainment and Oktoberfest trimmings will put you in the mood to wash down German cuisine with seasonal and craft brews at Six Flags of Georgia through the fall! Stroll the various eateries and try the German potato salad, Kielbasa or a German chocolate funnel cake. One-of-a-kind drinks include the Wild Leap Oktoberfest lager and the Atlanta hard cider crisp apple.

Location: Six Flags Over Georgia; Website: sixflags.com; Dates: Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 14-Nov. 3; Times: noon to 10 p.m.; Admission: $29-$99

New Realm Brewing Oktoberfest 5K

New Realm’s Oktoberfest celebrations will be off with a running start! Runners get race t-shirts and a free New Realm beer. Stick around for Oktoberfest festivities after the race.

Location: New Realm Brewery; Website: runhorizon.com; Date: Sept. 21; Time: 8:30 a.m.; Admission: $25-$40

Cheers to Oktoberfest race

Whether you’re looking for a one-mile run with your family or you want to try your legs at a half marathon, this run has an option for nearly everyone - including those who want a virtual option. Welcome fall with a race that unites the whole community.

Location: Peachtree Creek Trail; Website: runsignup.com; Dates: Sept. 21; Time: 7:30 a.m.; Admission: $30-$45

Oktoberfest Field Day

Compete with a partner against other teams to complete challenges. Last year’s games included keg bowling, balloon toss, word search and a beer hat relay. While you’re at it, enjoy a cold beer!

Location: Roundtrip Brewing Company; Website: allevents.in/atlanta; Date: Sept. 21; Time: 11 a.m.; Admission: $25-$48

Centennial Park

One of Atlanta’s hottest Oktoberfest spots will present the ultimate Bavarian experience beginning in late September. From stein holding contests to pig roasts, you’ll be sated with great food and drink, and the beer prices can’t be beat at $13 liters. See the king and queen of Oktoberfest and ceremonial keg tapping, too!

Location: Der Biergarten; Website: centennialparkdistrict.com; Dates: Sept. 21-Oct. 26; Time: noon-9 p.m.; Admission: Free

Cultivation Brewery

Raise a stein full of authentic German beer, and enjoy live music at this Norcross microbrewery. A full slate of festivities awaits - specifics TBA.

Location: Cultivation Brewery; Website: facebook.com; Date: Sept. 28; Time: noon; Admission: free

Hobtoberfest

Find $7 beer specials alongside food specials all week at all Hobnob locations - Atlantic Station, Dunwoody/Perimeter, Brookhaven, Peachtree City, Halcyon and Vinings. Try the Bavarian pretzels and beer cheese, and brats and buns as you turn up a cold brew!

Location: Hobnob (all locations); Website: hobnobatlanta.com; Date: Sept. 30-Oct. 6; Time: Hours vary - check website; Admission: Free

Prost to Oktoberfest - Woodstock

Get your card stamped at each participating pub and be in the lineup for giveaways along the way! The grand prize is $100 in downtown dollars. You’ll also find sweets and non-alcoholic beverages.

Location: Downtown Woodstock; Website: visitwoodstockga.com; Date: Oct. 5; Time: 2-6 p.m.; Admission: Free

HartOber Fest

Live music, great food and a beer garden with - you guessed it - brews of the season! Find it all on Carolina Street in Hartwell, Georgia for one weekend this fall. Feel like doing a little shopping? You’ll find crafts galore one street over at the Depot Day Festival.

Location: Carolina Street, Hartwell, Georgia; Website: hart-chamber.org; Date: Oct. 19; Times: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (HartOber Fest), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Depot Day); Admission: Free

Oktoberfeast Sandy Springs

Come hungry and get ready to eat well! This event is exactly what it sounds like: amazing Bavarian cuisine like potato pancakes, pretzels, German sausage and apple strudel. Take a polka lesson while you’re at it, and enjoy live music.

Location: Sandy Springs City Green; Website: sandyspringsga.gov; Date: Oct. 19-20; Times: 3-9 p.m.; Admission: Free