Mountain Creek Resort hosts 42nd Annual Oktoberfest this weekend

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/17/2026

(VERNON, NJ) -- Mountain Creek Resort, the New York Metro Area's premier destination for four-season mountain adventure, is welcoming the arrival of fall with a lineup of signature celebrations that bring together live entertainment, seasonal flavors and activities for the whole family. The festivities begin September 19-20, 2026 with the resort's 42nd Annual Oktoberfest, a long-standing tradition featuring an expanded selection of German beers, authentic cuisine and live entertainment at the base of the mountain.

Following Oktoberfest, Mountain Creek will host its fourth annual Fall Fest every Saturday and Sunday from September 26 through October 25, featuring family-friendly activities, seasonal food and beverages and a variety of autumn-inspired entertainment.

Known as the region's favorite Oktoberfest celebration, Mountain Creek Resort pulls out all the stops for this iconic fall event. General Admission is $25 per person – with free entry for children ages 6 and under – and includes access to live music, family-friendly entertainment and a full slate of seasonal activities. Adults can take part in classic Oktoberfest competitions and fall-inspired challenges, including musical chairs, stein-holding, partner-carrying, hay bale toss, sack races, beer barrel roll, pie eating and the lumberjack challenge. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy their own activity ring featuring tower of steins, mini pie eating, musical chairs and butternut squash bowling, along with sky rides, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, balloon animals and lawn games throughout the weekend.

Guests looking to take in the mountain's brilliant foliage can hop on a free scenic sky ride, or add some excitement with Mountain Coaster rides, available for $24.99 each. For an upgraded experience, VIP Packages are available for $125 and include access to the VIP Tent with buffet and bar service, private restrooms, a commemorative stein with one complimentary fill and assorted event fanfare.

"Oktoberfest and Fall Fest have become some of the most anticipated weekends on our fall calendar, bringing families, friends and our local community together," said Evan Kovach, Resort General Manager, Mountain Creek Resort. "There's something special about creating traditions that people look forward to each season, whether that means competing in an Oktoberfest game, enjoying Fall Fest with the kids or simply spending time together surrounded by the beauty of Vernon Valley. We love being a place where our community can come together, celebrate the season and make memories."

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This year, Oktoberfest is bringing even more to the table, with an expanded selection of authentic food and drinks for guests to explore throughout the weekend. Guests can enjoy over 10 varieties of German and domestic beers, as well as cider, seltzer and canned cocktails, served from a sprawling network of beer trailers and satellite drink stations. Wine will be available at a dedicated wine tent, while the Biergarten will offer a selection of liquors. Foodies can indulge in a variety of festival favorites, including fresh German pretzels, sweets from the Dessert Station and savory bites from the Pickle and Corn Stations. The Main Food Tent will feature traditional German fare such as sliced Sauerbraten sandwiches, grilled Bratwurst, vegan bratwurst, Pork Schnitzel Sandwich and crispy potato pancakes, along with American staples like burgers, pulled pork and French fries. For those looking for dinner and a show, the Show Kitchen and Pitmaster Keith's BBQ offer a wide variety of exotic, seasonal dishes and fan favorites, including Alligator Nuggets, Wild Boar Tacos, Schweinshaxe, Tomahawk Steaks, Crispy Duck Drumettes, Duck Fat Fries, Half Roasted Rabbit, Baby Back Ribs and Smoked Turkey Legs.

The fall fun doesn't stop with Oktoberfest, as Mountain Creek's Fall Fest returns September 26 for another month of seasonal celebrations. Guests can take in the beauty of the Vernon Valley with a $14.99 Sky Ride or upgrade to the $29.99 Adventure Package, which includes the Sky Ride and Alpine Mountain Coaster. Fall Fest weekends will also feature live music, seasonal snacks and drinks, lawn games and family-friendly activities, including Patchy's Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin painting, a hay maze, pumpkin-themed games and more. Guided hikes will be offered at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. with the purchase of a Sky Ride ticket, while guests can also soar above the trees on Mountain Creek's Zip Tours, available Thursday through Sunday, with Night Tours offered each weekend in October.

Mountain Creek Resort is home to a variety of outdoor recreation activities including Mountain Creek Bike Park, Mountain Creek Waterpark and Mountain Creek Zip Tours. Just 47 miles from the George Washington Bridge, Mountain Creek Resort is easily accessible for New York, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania residents looking for a world-class resort experience.

Located in Vernon, NJ, Mountain Creek is the New York Metro area's premier destination for four-season mountain adventure. Just 47 miles from the George Washington Bridge, Mountain Creek is easily accessible for New York, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania residents looking for a world-class resort experience. Adventures at Mountain Creek Resort include skiing and snowboarding, snowtubing, Mountain Creek Bike Park, Mountain Creek Waterpark and Mountain Creek Zip Tours and lodging at the Appalachian Hotel. Mountain Creek is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the US for three years running.