It's that time of year again, when we lift our steins, munch on pretzels, and chow down on bratwurst!

Oktoberfest was first created in 1810 to honor the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. We've only had one Prince here in the U.S.--and he's gone now--and marriage celebrations are no longer the point anyway. Eating, drinking, dancing and laughing are!

The holiday is being recognized across all five boroughs. Here are some of the parties in Manhattan that we thought looked the best:

Stone Street Oktoberfest, in the Financial district takes place from noon to 11 PM on six Saturdays: September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12, October 19 and October 26. It's a big old street party, with German beer, themed food, stein-holding contests, live music and games, served by folks in traditional dirndls and lederhosen.

Reichenbach Hall's celebration kicks off on September 21st and runs through the end of October, with live polka music, games and fun for the whole family. This midtown beer hall has German festbiers on tap, with sauerbraten, goulash, wursts and schnitzel on hand to chow down on. 

Loreley Biergarten on the Lower East Side will be celebrating Oktoberfest through Halloween. An indoor and heated outdoor beer garden awaits you here, with specialty items available every day of the week, like rotating Oktoberfest craft beers, seasonal craft ciders, and soft-baked pretzels. On the weekend, check out their pig roasts and keg tappings.

Sit outside at Watermark Bar at Pier 15 in the Financial District daily through October 27th and chug a liter of beer for $15, scarf down ginormous pretzels and brats, dance to polka on and join in on Oktoberfest-themed games. Reservations are recommended.

Oom-pah, people!

Image via Yummy pic/iStock