Maryland has almost one million residents claiming German heritage. As a result, you can count on it to throw some great festivals for Oktoberfest in Maryland. Here are the ones that I found:
2014 Events
Augustoberfest – Hagerstown, MD – August 23-24, 2014
This annual Oktoberfest pays tribute to the area’s rich German heritage and supports exchange students from its sister city in Wiesel, Germany. Tickets are $5. The event kicks off Saturday at 8 am with a 5Km and 10Km Fit Walk. Activities last all day until 10 pm. The children’s area opens at noon with a Punch and Judy show, a magic show, arts, crafts, and storytelling. For adult the hospitality tent opens at 11 am. Music is provided by the Heidi and Heimat Echo, and Die Schlauberger bands. On Sunday the huge German Car Show starts at 10:30 am. Also don’t miss the German Brunch from 11 am until 2 pm.
Crabtoberfest – Cambridge, MD – September 27, 2014
German beer, food, music and dancing from 5 to 10 PM on Saturday. Serving Paulaner beer, Sam Adams Octoberfest and Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale. Musical entertainment will include Enzian Vokstanzgruppe, Liab’ und Schneid, and Echte Freunde (from Germany!). General admission is $5. Rain location is Minette-Dick Hall in Cambridge. Location: 200 Byrn St Cambridge, MD 21613
Rotary Oktoberfest of Carroll County – Westminster, MD – October 4-5, 2014
More than 1000 people are expected at the second annual fundraising event held by the four Rotary Clubs of Carroll County. Enjoy family friendly activities and authentic German food, beer and live music. Plenty of contests including the Lederhosen & Dirndl competition, Chicken Dance contest and Polka Dance contest. There will be pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, face painting, magic shows, games and balloon sculpting for kids. Football tent ensures you don’t miss the action over the weekend. General admission is $5, with those wearing authentic German attire and children ages 10 and under free. Last year, the food menu was by Old World Catering will include bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut and more traditional foods. Beer last year was provided by Dog Beverage Company will include Rotary Oktoberfest, Karroll Kolsch and Essen Wheat. Location: Danele Shipley Memorial Arena, 706 Agriculture Center Dr, Westminster, MD 21157
Germantown Oktoberfest – Clarksburg, MD – October 5, 2014
High Point Farm has been holding this event for more than thirty years. Live music, food and Oktoberfest biergarten serving Warsteiner and Samuel Adams’ Octoberfest. There will also be a dance floor and local crafters/artists/businesses selling products. It is a family friendly event with children’s activities including games, amusement rides and other fun. Admission is free. They generally have thousands of visitors. Location: High Point Farm, 23730 Frederick Rd Clarksburg, MD 20871
Oktoberfest at the Kentlands – Gaithersburg, MD – October 12, 2014
The 23rd annual Oktoberfest will happen between noon and 5 PM. It covers Kentlands Village Green, the grounds of Kentlands Mansion, Main Street and Market Square. Locations are connected by trolley. Includes Beer Garden, Wine Terrace, German food and live music with dancers. Family friendly activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin painting and more. At Main Street, they have three stages of entertainment by bands and community groups. There will also be chalk artists, entertainers, aerialists and a children’s crafts and activities area. Nearby restaurants and retail establishments may also participate. Admission and parking are free. 18,000 people visited this festival in 2012. Location: Kentlands Village Green, 320 Kent Square Rd , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Frederick’s Oktoberfest – Frederick, MD – September 27-28, 2014
Oktoberfest bier, bratwurst, dancing, live music and children’s activities to benefit Frederick County charities and local organizations. Location: Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E Patrick St Frederick, MD 21705
Das Best Oktoberfest – Baltimore, MD – October 11, 2014
Kick off beer week with this all you can taste Baltimore Oktoberfest. 60,000 generally attend this annual event. VIP admission is from noon to 2 PM and regular admission is from 2 PM to 6 PM. Over 150 local, domestic and international beers, wines and schnapps. German food, including sausages, available for purchase ala carte. Authentic polka and oompah bands, chicken dancing and live music from regional bands. Contests offering cash prizes include the Miss Oktoberfest competition and the Best Beer Belly contest. Limited parking is available for $10 per car. Wear your German outfit and, while supplies last, you will get a free beer lanyard. Regular admission tickets are $39 in advance. This provides you admission to the event, souvenir tasting glass and beer sampling. VIP admission offers access to special beer tastings, 2 extra hours of drinking and restaurant sampling, opening tap celebration, VIP washrooms and parking pass. Designated driver tickets are $25 or $39 (for VIP). Kids 12 and under are free but not recommended. Location: M & T Stadium Parking Lot, Baltimore, Maryland.
Frostoberfest – Frostburg, MD – September 27, 2014.
The little community of Frostburg seems to go all out for events. Their theme for the city is “Frostburg – It’s Just Cooler Here!” They will hold their 2nd annual event celebrating German heritage. This street festival feature German culture, food, music, and bier gardens. They have a kid zone, local crafts, and more. It runs from 1:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Maryland State Fall Samboree Oktoberfest – Frederick, MD – October 17-19, 2014
Activities include a kick off theme parade, wine tour, parade of flags, Friday lunch, Saturday breakfast, games and crafts, and even bingo.
Location: 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21705
Past Events
Charles County Oktoberfest – La Plata, MD
Live music, dancing, German beer and food. Contests include Miss Oktoberfest, biggest beer belly, stein holding, keg toss and the carry your wife contest. Children’s activities include moon bounce, face painting and other activities. Location: Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairground Rd La Plata, MD 20646
Berlin Oktoberfest – Berlin, MD – October 19, 2013
Location: Historical downtown Berlin, Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Community Band Annual Oktoberfest – Stevensville, MD - September 28, 2013
Their 3rd annual Oktoberfest will have live German band, all you can eat buffet of German food, dancing and silent auction.
Location: American Legion Post 278, 800 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, Maryland 21666
Try my list of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States for more German heritage festivals. You should also check the lists of nearby states that celebrate Oktoberfest: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia.
Whether you have found a festival to enjoy or you will be celebrating from home, Funtober has some other resources that will help you prepare for Oktoberfest. Read about the history of Oktoberfest. Learn about Oktoberfest beer. Find the words to Oktoberfest music. Plan your Oktoberfest outfit. And try cooking some of these Oktoberfest recipes.
Find other fun things to do in Maryland in October:
Maryland Festivals
Maryland Corn Mazes
Maryland Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses in Maryland
Pumpkin Patches in Maryland
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