Got Lederhosen? Want Beer? Then Come on Down to the Best Oktoberfests in DC this Fall!
Oktoberfest has come a long way since it started in October 1810 as a city-wide party commemorating the marriage of King Louis I to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in Munich. Today it’s a world-wide celebration of German culture (or depending on who you ask, a bratwurst and pretzel-filled drinking marathon).
Get ready for the first of many annual fall festivities! #FrayLife has rounded up the best Oktoberfest events in the DC area worth putting lederhosen on for. Prost!
Port City Outdoor Oktoberfest Party
September, 29, 2018
Port City Brewery in Alexandria is going to have a huge outdoor Oktoberfest party by filling their parking lot with food trucks, live music, and outdoor games. Sample bratwurst made with Port City’s Oktoberfest beer and jalapeno cheddar sausages from Logan’s Sausage. Lederhosen and dirndls encouraged.
#FrayLife Tip: Get to-and-from the brewery safely. Port City is offering a $5 discount code (OKT18PCBC) for Lyft rides.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest
September 27-30, 2018
Fort Belvoir throws an entire carnival for Oktoberfest at Fremont Field. Expect authentic German cuisine, beverages, music, dancing, and classic carnival rides. There is also a dog-friendly and stroller-friendly 5K/10K Volksmarch walk, plenty of vendors, and a store where you can buy all the German necessities from beer steins to hats and flags.
Frederick’s Oktoberfest
September 28 & 29, 2018
Frederick, Maryland hosts its annual Oktoberfest with ample beer, wine, schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut, and strudel. There will be live music, a root beer luge, a yodeling contest, and activities for the kids in the German Heritage Tent. Proceeds from the festival benefit local charities in Frederick County.
#FrayLife Tip: If you come dressed in an authentic Dirndl or Lederhosen admission is free!
Biergarten Haus
Every Thursday during Oktoberfest
Come to this authentic Deutschland-themed spot on H Street for celebrations every Thursday of Oktoberfest. Expect beer, pretzels, sausages, schnitzel, and stein-hoisting competitions.
Weiner 500
September 22, 2018
On Tap Magazine hosts its seventh annual Weiner 500 in Yards Park. Come listen to live music, drink cold Oktoberfest beer, participate in the stein hoisting competition, munch on food, and watch the silly and wonderful dachshund race. Wes Johnson, voice of the Capitals will be calling the play-by-play. This is a dog-friendly event benefiting the Humane Rescue Alliance.
#FrayLife Tip: Before the Oktoberfest event begins, get there early and sign up to participate in HRA’s annual Walk for the Animals. Walkers will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag.
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 6, 2018
Head to Virginia for Vienna’s Oktoberfest. They will have a beer and wine garden, German food, a festival marketplace, live music (including a German band), free kids activities and crafts, and a German auto show. Admission is free.
Snallygaster DC
October 13, 2018
Join the largest local fall beer festivals in downtown D.C. for samplings of 350 craft beer and cider, food trucks, and two stages of live music. This is Snallygaster’s seventh year brought to you by local restaurants Bluejacket, Churchkey, Birch & Barley, EatBar, The Sovereign, and more. Tickets required.
View More Articles By Anna Jacoby