Raise your steins and toast to that time again — Oktoberfest. Here is where you can celebrate.
Middleburg Oktoberfest
September 16, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
The third annual celebration will include two biergartens, traditional German food, live music, and games. Artist’s Alley, coordinated by the Middleburg Arts Council, will return, featuring fine art, pottery, jewelry, and wearable art you can buy. South Madison and Federal streets, Middleburg, free
Shipgarten Oktoberfest
September 16, 23, & 30, 1–6 p.m.
The McLean venue hosts its Barvarian Beer Festival with more than 50 German and Belgian beers and European cocktails September 16. The following weekend, the Oktoberfest Wine, Cider & Beer Festival will have lots of food and beer, along with apple bobbing and pie-tossing and pie-eating competitions. Then, on September 30, there’s Dogtoberfest. Bring your pups and compete in competitions, like best dressed, best tail wagger, and best owner-pet look-alikes. Dogs will be available for adoption, plus pet treats, toys, and clothes for sale. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
2 Silos Brewing Company at Farm Brew Live
September 22, 4–10:30 p.m. and September 23, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Don’t miss authentic German fare, art and craft vendors, and craft beers at Farm Brew Live. Locally crafted German beers include Silobration, Cream Ale, and Pumpkin Ale. Have your caricature drawn or your face painted on Saturday. 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
September 22 and September 23, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Lovettsville takes its Oktoberfest celebrations seriously. There is a pancake breakfast, parade, 5K race, kids’ fun run, a wiener dog race, a stein hoisting competition, and beer from five breweries. 1 W. Broad Wy., Lovettsville, drink tickets start at $9 plus fast pass wristbands for $100 and $200
G34.3 Oktoberfest
September 23, noon–9 p.m.
The G34.3 Brewing Company releases its Märzen Oktoberfestbier brewed in March, per authentic German tradition. Alpine Chef caters the food and an authentic German oompah band plays, headlined by accordionist Justin Paschalides. Tickets for the event include admission and food, in addition to $20 off a German stein purchase (which comes with a complimentary fill of a beer). 8532 Terminal Rd., Ste. L, Lorton, $29.99
Oktoberfest at The Boro
September 23, 2–5 p.m.
The Boro’s annual Oktoberfest returns with German food, a polka band, and of course a biergarten serving pumpkin and other traditional beers. The first 150 people receive a branded beer mug. 8350 Broad St., Tysons, free
Oktoberfest at the German-American Heritage Museum
September 29, 6:30 p.m.
Venture into DC for an authentic Oktoberfest experience at the German-American Heritage Museum. Enjoy polka, German sausage, potato salad, soft pretzels, and a selection of German beer as you learn about the history of Germans in the U.S. Reservations required. 719 Sixth St. NW, Washington, DC, $75 with waltz lessons, $59 after 7:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest Vienna
October 7, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Vienna celebrates Oktoberfest with libations from Caboose Brewing, Vienna Vintner, Norms Beer & Wine, and Hawk & Griffin. There are also plans for lots of food, free activities for children, and a vendor and artisan marketplace. Don’t miss live entertainment on three stages. Church St., Vienna, free
Feature image of Oktoberfest Vienna courtesy Town of Vienna
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food Newsletter.
