While the official two-week Oktoberfest in Germany was canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19, there are still plenty of local breweries holding their own celebration. Whether you want to drink safely with others or hold your own at-home party, here are eight Oktoberfest events that will help quench your thirst.
2nd Annual Oktoberfest!
Sept. 18-20, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wheatland Spring Farm is bringing Oktoberfest to Waterford. Enjoy the usual German festivities, food and decor with a few extra safety precautions. The setup for this year requires all groups to reserve a table, which is blocked off for three hours, before arrival. The Friday and Saturday dates are only for those 21 and older. // Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery: 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford; $48-$168
Courthaus Social’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest
Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Head over to Arlington’s Courthaus Social for its annual German-style celebration. Enjoy a German lager as you listen to traditional music and play brewery bingo and cornhole. // Courthaus Social: 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; free entry
RhinO’fest 2020
Sept. 19 & 20, noon-6 p.m.
Celebrate the start of Okoberfest with a two-day celebration at Lost Rhino Brewing. With a limited crowd this year and social distancing in place, guests will have plenty of room to stay safe and enjoy the German tradition full of music, food and games. // Lost Rhino Brewing Company: 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 142, Ashburn; $40-$65
Bristow Taproom: Oktoberfest 2020 & Steal the Stein
Sept. 19, 2-10 p.m.
Celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 with a social distanced celebration. Pull out your Lederhosen and enjoy a day of German festivities. Specials for the day include bratwurst, schnitzel and strudel, with a commemorative Oktoberfest stein available for purchase. Tables for the event will be spaced out with a limited number of guests allowed per table. Reservations are required. // Ornery beer Company Taproom: 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas; $20-$40
2nd Annual Barktoberfest
Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Let your pups get in on the Oktoberfest fun at Barktoberfest. This all-day party lets the owners enjoy some beers and activities while their four-legged friends play on the plaza. // Courthaus Social: 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; free entry
Devils Backbone Yodelgram
Deliveries on Sept. 21-22
If you still don’t feel comfortable going to large festivals, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. is bringing Oktoberfest to your front door with a Yodelgram. The package includes three of Devils Backbone’s Oktoberfest inspired beers and a personalized yodel with delivery. Those in the DC area can start signing up for a delivery on Sept. 14 & 15. All deliveries will be contactless with a minimum of 15-20 feet between the recipient and yodeler during the performance. // price TBD
Crooked Run’s “Schwarz-toberfest”
Sept. 26, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Stop by Crooked Run Brewing for its inaugural Oktoberfest. After you try the brewery’s new release, Motorhead, sample one of the eight German-style beers on tap. The brewery will be expanding its beer garden with extra seating and tents to ensure proper spacing between participants. // Crooked Run Brewing: 22455 Davis Drive, Suite 120, Sterling; free entry
Warrenton Oktoberfest
Oct. 9 & 10, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Round up Oktoberfest celebrations with one last event in Warrenton. This celebration features a variety of German delicacies and activities, including bratwurst, German-imported beers and an oompah band. Each ticket comes with a $10 coupon to use at the food pavilion or bakery. To ensure social distancing, this event will follow all federal, state and local safety guidelines and limit the number of tickets for each night. // St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church: 271 Winchester St., Warrenton; $10
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