Oktoberfest NYC at Watermark Restaurant: German Beer, Great Views, and Festive Vibes

What Is 2025 Oktoberfest NYC?

Every fall, New York City brings a touch of Bavaria to the East River with Oktoberfest NYC, a lively festival held at Watermark Restaurant on Pier 15. This seasonal celebration offers everything you could want in an Oktoberfest event, cold German beers, a waterfront breeze, music that makes you want to dance, and views that make the experience unforgettable.

When there aren’t events happening, Watermark Restaurant is already a beautiful spot to enjoy drinks and food while looking out at both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. But during Oktoberfest season, it transforms into a bustling open-air beer garden filled with long communal tables, lively laughter, and the unmistakable smell of pretzels and sausages in the air.

Location and Atmosphere at Watermark NYC

Watermark is located on Pier 15, near South Street Seaport, a convenient spot that’s easily accessible by subway or a scenic walk from the Brooklyn Bridge. The restaurant itself has both indoor and outdoor seating, but during Oktoberfest, the outdoor section steals the show. The panoramic views of Manhattan and the bridges create a perfect backdrop for photos, and as the sun sets, the entire sky glows with soft golden tones reflecting off the water.

Even though the space is large, it fills up fast during the festival. We decided to go on the last day of Oktoberfest, expecting a smaller crowd. Surprisingly, there were still plenty of people. Groups of friends, families, and couples all soaking in the atmosphere. You can try walking in, but I highly recommend making a reservation in advance so you can sit comfortably and enjoy your food and drinks without worrying about finding a seat.

Oktoberfest Food and Drinks at Watermark

Like any good Oktoberfest, the highlight here is definitely the beer. You’ll find a wide variety of German-style beers, from crisp lagers to darker, maltier brews. You can order by the glass, but we decided to go for a pitcher, which was perfect for sharing between two people while enjoying the view.

To pair with our drinks, we ordered some buffalo wings. Simple, but satisfying. The wings were crispy and lightly sauced, a nice snack to accompany the cold beer. While the food wasn’t particularly special or memorable, it definitely served its purpose: something easy to eat while chatting, laughing, and watching people dance to the music.

The menu also offered classic Oktoberfest options like pretzels, sausages, and bratwurst, which you can try if you want a more authentic experience. Everything was served quickly, even though the event was busy, and the staff was friendly throughout.

Entertainment: Music, Games, and Photo Zones

One of the things that makes Oktoberfest NYC stand out is its fun and festive entertainment. Throughout the day, a DJ played upbeat tracks that kept the crowd moving, mixing traditional German tunes with popular pop and dance hits. You could see people standing up, dancing between tables, or just nodding along with their beer mugs in hand.

There were also photo zones set up around the area, decorated with Oktoberfest-style backdrops and blue-and-white flags. It was the perfect spot to capture that classic “beer stein cheers” photo with the Manhattan skyline glowing in the background.

In addition, there were a few simple games available, nothing too competitive, but fun enough to keep guests engaged. You could try your luck at small carnival-style challenges or just enjoy watching others participate while sipping your drink.

Overall, the whole atmosphere was cheerful and communal. Everyone seemed to be there for the same reason, to relax, have fun, and enjoy the last few warm weekends before fall fully settles in.

Upcoming Event: Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark NYC

After Oktoberfest wraps up, Watermark quickly transforms again for the holiday season with Santa’s Winter Wonderland NYC . One of New York’s most magical waterfront winter experiences.

This event turns Pier 15 into a cozy Christmas village filled with sparkling lights, themed cocktails, holiday music, and even an appearance by Santa himself. You can expect heated igloos, holiday treats, and a festive photo zone perfect for capturing holiday memories against the stunning Manhattan skyline.

Just like Oktoberfest, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends when the demand is high. It’s a completely different vibe, from Oktoberfest’s beer and DJ energy to warm cocoa, mulled wine, and twinkling Christmas lights. If you loved the lively fall atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to return for this winter wonderland experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

Let’s be honest the prices at Watermark’s Oktoberfest aren’t cheap. Between the beers, snacks, and possible table reservations, the total can add up quickly. However, considering the location, the view, and the lively event setting, it still feels worth it at least once.

This isn’t your typical German beer hall; it’s a uniquely New York-style Oktoberfest classy, waterfront, and perfectly set against the city skyline. If you’re looking for an authentic Munich-level food experience, you might find it slightly commercialized. But if you just want to unwind, enjoy the atmosphere, and take in the incredible view, it’s a great seasonal event.

The Best Time to Visit

If you’re planning to attend Oktoberfest NYC at Watermark, consider going earlier in the day if you prefer a calmer vibe, or around sunset for the most beautiful atmosphere. As the light changes and the city starts to glow, you’ll understand why so many people love this venue.

The festival runs for several weekends in the fall, typically from mid-September to early October, and each weekend offers slightly different entertainment. Even on the last day when we went, the crowd was lively and the music was upbeat. It was the perfect way to wrap up the Oktoberfest season.

Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest NYC

If it’s your first time going, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

• Reserve your table early. Walk-ins are possible, but the best seats go quickly.
• Bring friends. The event is designed for sharing - from pitchers of beer to large pretzels.
• Arrive before sunset. You’ll get the best views and photos.
• Try different beers. The variety of German brews is one of the highlights.
• Don’t expect cheap eats. It’s more about the experience and atmosphere.

Whether you stay for a few hours or make a whole night out of it, the energy of the event will definitely put you in a good mood.

Final Thoughts on Oktoberfest NYC and Upcoming Events

Even though the food wasn’t particularly special and the prices were a bit high, the overall experience of Oktoberfest at Watermark was absolutely worth it. The festive decorations, lively DJ, and stunning waterfront views made it a fun and memorable night.

If you live in New York or plan to visit in the fall, I’d recommend going at least once. It’s one of those only-in-NYC experiences the perfect mix of culture, celebration, and city charm.

And with Santa’s Winter Wonderland just around the corner, Watermark continues to prove itself as one of the best spots for seasonal celebrations in NYC. Whether you’re clinking beer mugs under the autumn sunset or sipping hot cocoa beneath twinkling lights, there’s always something magical happening at Pier 15.

CHEERS!