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.
Oktoberfest at 2 Silos Brewing
September 19, 4 to 9 p.m.; September 20, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; September 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit this three-day party with German fare, 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
Shipgarten
September 20, October 19, 1 to 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 20. The festival includes a costume contest, themed games (think pretzel toss and keg curling), and live music. Also, Shipgarten will host a Kids Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival on Sunday, October 19, with live music, face painting, arts and crafts, a moon bounce, playground, and more. 7581 Colshire Rd., McLean
Oktoberfest at Clarendon Ballroom
September 20 to mid-October
Kick off Oktoberfest season in true Bavarian style with BierDeck at Clarendon Ballroom, Arlington’s first rooftop celebration. On September 20, stop by after 5 p.m. for cold beer, German-inspired bites, and plenty of good cheer.
On September 27 — Clarendon Day — join the Oktoberfest afterparty at 5 p.m. and let the party continue, flowing with German food and drink.
The celebration culminates on October 18 as Wilson Boulevard transforms into Blocktoberfest, a massive street party at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and N. Irving Street. Enjoy live music, German food, beer, souvenir steins, games, contests, and drink specials. Admission to the festival is free, with capacity limits. A $12.51 VIP ticket will offer guaranteed entry, fast pass access, a tasting, pretzel, and exclusive entry into the after party at 9 p.m. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Middleburg Oktoberfest
September 20, 11 a.m. to 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
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
September 26, 6 to 11 p.m.; September 27, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; September 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.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
Alexandria Oktoberfest
September 27, 11 a.m. to 6 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
Holy Trinity Falls Church’s Oktoberfest Fun Run
September 27, 10 a.m.
Put on your sneakers and get ready for a 1-mile Fun Run hosted by Holy Trinity Falls Church. At the end of the run/walk, families are invited to indulge in donuts, pretzels, and beer. Plus, there are activities for the kiddos. 3022 Woodlawn Ave., Falls Church
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 4, 11 a.m. to 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. Historic Church Street, Vienna
Feature image courtesy Shipgarten
