Not everyone can jet off to Munich, but Northern Virginia’s Oktoberfests deliver plenty of Bavarian flavor closer to home. Dust off your dirndl, slip on your lederhosen, and raise a stein — and a bratwurst — at one of these eight seasonal celebrations.
Wheatland Spring Oktoberfest
September 12–13
Break out your dirndl or lederhosen for Wheatland Spring’s Oktoberfest. The two-day celebration features live Alphorn music, a strong-person competition, traditional Oktoberfest games, a 14-piece Bavarian band, children’s activities, and Bavarian food. 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford,
Oktoberfest at 2 Silos Brewing
September 18, 4–9 p.m.; September 19, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; September 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Visit this three-day party with German foods, craft beers (including their “Silobration” brew), live music, games, and kids’ activities. Look for stein-holding contests, vendors, bounce houses, and commemorative Oktoberfest swag. 9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Alexandria Oktoberfest
September 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Bavarian culture with live music, hearty food, arts and crafts, and a bustling beer garden. Don’t miss the beer stein holding contest — or the chance to win “Mr. or Mrs. Oktoberfest.” Admission is free. John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Middleburg Oktoberfest
September 19, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Set in scenic Virginia horse and wine country, this free festival offers two biergartens, German fare, live music, and an Artists’ Alley filled with regional crafts and fine art. South Madison Street and Federal Street, Middleburg
Shipgarten
September 19 and October 17, 1–6 p.m.
Sample more than 50 beers from Germany, Belgium, Austria, and the U.S. at Shipgarten’s Oktoberfest German Kickoff on Saturday, September 19. The festival includes a costume contest, themed games (think pretzel toss and keg curling), and live music. Also, Shipgarten will host an Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival on Sunday, October 17, with live music, a beer garden, renaissance-themed games, and contests. 7581 Colshire Rd., McLean
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
September 25, 5:30–9 p.m.; September 26, 10 a.m.–5p.m.
What began as a small German harvest party in 1994 has grown into Loudoun County’s biggest festival, drawing 13,000 guests. Expect bratwurst, barbecue, authentic German bands, folk dancers, and plenty of beer. 6 East Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 3, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Celebrate with three stages of live music, multiple beer and wine gardens, food trucks, artisan vendors, and fun kids’ activities. Attendees can use a free shuttle from Vienna Metro, James Madison High School, and the W&OD Trail. Historic Church Street, Vienna
Feature image courtesy Shipgarten
