Washington D.C. doesn’t have to have an especially large number of Oktoberfest celebrations because there are some great ones nearby in Maryland and Virginia. But if you live in the District of Columbia, I would be compelled to check out these Oktoberfest celebrations:
District of Columbia
Das Best Oktoberfest – Washington, DC – September 27, 2014
It will have over 150 beers, wines and schnapps. They’ve done away with the tokens and its all you care to taste. Oom-pah party with German sausage platter dinner. 2 live music stages with Miss Oktoberfest competition, best beer belly competition and pretzel necklace contest. Wear your German attire.
Location: DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC.
District Octoberfest – September 20-21, 2014
An Oktoberfest bar hop in Chinatown. Your ticket gets you a 12-ounce serving of beer at each bar on the list (8 on Saturday, 7 on Sunday). Tickets are between $45 and $80 depending on day and regular/VIP admission. Enjoy up to 8 beers at 8 venues for the price. Check out the food pairings at each venue.
Location: Check in at RFD 810 7th St. NW, Washington, DC.
Biergartenhaus – September 21, 2013
H Street Festival with Oktoberfest beers tapped, the grand opening of their Ratskeller bar and pig roast. Location: 1355 H St NE, Washington DC 20002
NOVA
Lovettsville Oktoberfest – Lovettsville, VA – September 27, 2014
Live music, beer, food vendors and games. Friday is their kickoff German dinner at the Community Center and Rock-toberfest under the main tent with a Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-along. Keg tapping ceremony on Saturday at Noon jumpstarts the full Oktoberfest experience. Contests include stein hoisting, stein hauling and the wiener dog races. Sunday is a little bit quieter, with a pancake breakfast, church service, musical instruction and no more street vendors. Main tent features home-cooked German food from Washington Saengerbund and an assortment of local and German beers. Street vendors on Saturday provide pretzels, crepes, pastries, pulled pork, crab fries, Thai food and more! Local restaurants also have special food and drink menus during the festival. Much of the event is free, including parking, admission, shuttles, music, dancing and kinderfest. Location: E Broad Way and S Loudoun St, Lovettsville, VA 20180
Vienna Oktoberfest – Vienna, VA – October 4, 2014
Oktoberfest drinks, food, entertainment and family friendly games. Hosted by the Vienna Business Association. Location: Church Street, Vienna VA
Capitol City Oktoberfest – Shirlington, VA - October 4, 2014
The 15th annual Northern Virginia Oktoberfest will take place at The Village at Shirlington with 70+ breweries, authentic German band and food. Free to attend but $30 to sample beer (includes wristband, tasting glass and 10 tickets). Event is hosted by Cap City Brewing. Hours are noon until 7:00 pm.
Location: 4001 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
Oktoberfest Reston – Reston, VA – October 11-12, 2014
The Reston Oktoberfest ran by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce includes live music, Great Pumpkin 5K, chili cookoff, food from local restaurants and seasonal beers on tap. Hours are from noon until 11:00 pm on Saturday and 8:00 pm on Sunday.
Location: Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest – Fort Belvoir, VA – October 2-5, 2014
This 19th annual Oktoberfest is a four day festival of German food, beer, music and dancing. Includes 10K walk and 5K challenge, carnival, kinder korner kids activity area, 21+ beer tent, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest contest and more.
Location: Fremont Field, Constitution Rd and Goethals Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA, 22309, Fort Belvoir, VA
Baltimore & Maryland
Das Best Oktoberfest – Baltimore, MD – October 11, 2014
Kick off beer week with this all you can taste Baltimore Oktoberfest. About 60,000 people over the years have attended 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
Last Years 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
Chesapeake Bay Community Band Annual Oktoberfest – Stevensville, MD
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
That is all!
We’ve got some other resources that would help you prepare for Oktoberfest as well. 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.
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