EST. 1869
© 2025 Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New york
2025 dates coming soon!
Join us for a day of celebration at Mohonk’s Mountaintop Oktoberfest! Start your day with a Beginners Polka Dance Class and indulge in the Mountaintop Oktoberfest Buffet and Beer Hall, showcasing authentic German cuisine, beers, and liquors, complimented by artisan works from Hudson Valley purveyors.
Raise a stein and join the toasts led by Yard Owl Brewery’s head brewmaster, James Walsh, while the Street Beat Brass Band surrounds you in their “beer barrel polka” style.
Finish the evening with lively music from Polkadelphia!
Day Passes are valid for the entire day, regardless of time slot selected.
Reservations currently unavailable | 2025 dates coming soon
For reservations, call (855) 883-3798
Reservations are currently unavailable. 2025 dates will be released soon. At Mohonk Mountain House gratuities are included in your rate.
Upgrade your Mountaintop Oktoberfest Buffet and Beer Hall experience on Saturday and enjoy unlimited German & Belgian ales during your meal with the purchase of the Mohonk Beer Mug. Mugs will be available for purchase day of only.
An Oktoberfest would not be complete without polka, one of America’s most popular dances! It is a simple dance that anyone can learn – be prepared to have fun. Instructors Candace Woodard-Clough and Gene Eagle will show you both the cardio and non-cardio versions.
Polka your way up to the Pavilion for a fanfare mountaintop celebration! Indulge in a grand buffet showcasing authentic German cuisine, beers, and liquors, complimented by artisan works from Hudson Valley purveyors. Raise a stein and join the toasts led by Yard Owl Brewery’s head brewmaster, James Walsh, accompanied by beer barrel polka music from the Street Beat Brass Band. Prost to a celebration of culinary delights, refreshing libations, and spirited music amidst the backdrop of Lake Mohonk!
Jump into the rich tapestry of one of the world’s most celebrated festivals. Trace the origins of Oktoberfest from its humble beginnings as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 to its modern-day status as a global extravaganza of Bavarian culture, beer, and culinary delights.
Our Beverage Team has you covered for this evening’s festivities with liquor and several German beers for purchase.
Did you miss this morning’s class or need a refresher? Join us before the show for a crash course in polka dancing! Learn the lively steps that will have you dancing through tonight with ease. No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm!
Get ready to groove and parade with Polkadelphia, the oompah band that burst onto the scene in 2013 when a tuba, trombone, trumpet, and accordion stumbled into a Philly bar, craving a jolt of excitement in the polka world. With members plucked from top-notch Philly groups like the Violent Femmes and West Philadelphia Orchestra, they’re anything but your average oompah band. Join them for a lively journey through traditional German and Polish tunes on the Mohonk Mountain “Haus” dance floor, where you’ll never miss a beat!
Twenty two years ago, James and Michelle Walsh combined their shared excitement for the restaurant business and opened Mudd Puddle Café in New Paltz, NY. Fresh roasted coffee, hand crafted food, and a warm community space has been the focus since day one. In 2014, they expanded their passion for fine crafted beverages by opening Yard Owl Brewery in Gardiner, NY. Here, James brews Belgian inspired beers which can be tasted and bought at their restaurant Mudd Puddle Cafe’ in New Paltz.
Benjamin Ickies exuberates joy and masterful music wherever he goes. As an accordionist, he plays a wide variety of styles including Jazz, French, German, Italian, and even Rock & Roll. His journeys have taken him everywhere from Carnegie Hall, to a dog wedding in Tompkins Square Park, as well as Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Zum Schneider Oktoberfest, and the New World Symphony.
Guy Collins, born in Marietta, Georgia to British parents, moved to the UK when he was five. His juggling career took off in the 1980s with street performances in Paris, quickly leading to professional gigs as a Medieval Jester. After honing his skills at circus school, Guy showcased his talents at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and various theme parks across Europe. In 1995, he began performing at Covent Garden market, later moving to Key West in 2001 to become a celebrated “Sunset Celebrity” at the Hilton Hotel. Now residing in Vermont, Guy continues to dazzle audiences at state fairs, resorts, cruise ships, and renaissance fairs, and in 2013, he was named Boston’s best street performer by Penn Jillette and the Travel Channel.
Polkadelphia was formed in 2013 during a lively conversation at a Philadelphia bar, born out of a shared desire to inject fresh energy into the polka scene. This unconventional ensemble combines traditional German and Polish tunes with unexpected covers from artists like Radiohead and Metallica, captivating audiences across the tri-state area. Comprised of top musicians from esteemed Philadelphia groups such as the Violent Femmes, their performances are a testament to their diverse backgrounds and collective talent. From Steelstacks Oktoberfest to TV appearances on Pennsylvania Polka, Polkadelphia’s dynamic presence has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Whether rocking a biergarten or setting the stage ablaze at weddings, they infuse every event with their signature blend of passion and flair.
Street Beat Brass Band, based in the metropolis of New York City yet deeply rooted in the musical heritage of New Orleans, epitomizes the diverse tapestry of brass-based music from across the globe. With notable appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America, NY1, and representing American culture on international tours for the US State Department, Street Beat has earned acclaim for their dynamic performances. Helmed by New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow Jeff Fairbanks, the band is comprised of seasoned veterans of Broadway and esteemed touring bands, infusing their music with a fusion of influences spanning New Orleans Jazz to Polka, Mexican Banda, Gospel, Klezmer, and Funk. From lively strolling performances at parades and processions to electrifying concerts and parties, Street Beat’s acoustic and mobile ensemble delivers an unforgettable musical experience. Fusing familiar melodies with original arrangements and the improvisational prowess of conservatory-trained Jazz musicians, Street Beat creates an immersive spectacle that captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark wherever they perform.
Gene Eagle teaches social ballroom dance and DJ’s in Manhattan and has been dancing ballroom and swing for over 25 years. He has performed at venues including the Waldorf Astoria and the 92nd Street Y, where he was the host and DJ for the 92nd Street Y Ballroom Dance parties. He has DJ’d Lincoln Center’s “MidSummer Night Swing” and “Summer for the City” Ballroom evenings as well as dance studios and private functions in NYC, and continues to host social dance parties as GE Dance, LLC. His eclectic music library includes both traditional ballroom dance music and contemporary pieces ideal for all styles of ballroom dancing.
Candace Woodward-Clough has been teaching ballroom dance for four decades. While living in NYC, she danced in and choreographed Off-Broadway, summer stock, movies, soap operas, and videos, and founded Ballroom Dance at the New York Health & Racquet Club. After marrying and moving to central New Jersey, she has been teaching ballroom dance at Princeton University, Mercer Country Community College, a number of retirement communities, and The Peddie School (where she has also choreographed musicals and ran summer theatre camp for 25 years), while continuing to teach private lessons in her own studio.
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