Oompha Oompha...Oktoberfest takes over the DMV

Break out the steins and the bratwurst, Oktoberfest is here. The world’s largest beer celebration may be rooted in Munich, but the DMV knows how to throw a party of its own. Running this year from now-ish through Sunday, October 5th-ish, Oktoberfest traditions take over beer gardens, and restaurants across the region. Expect weeks-long promos, special menus, and plenty of one-day bashes filled with pretzels, polka, and pints: 

Atlas Brew Works Alexandria: Atlas Alexandria will celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 20th at 11:00 a.m. with $6 Festbier pints and $9.99 Festbier six-packs all day. From 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, all beer pints will be just $6. Guests will be treated to live Oompah band music from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Atlas Brew Works Navy Yard: The celebration starts at Atlas Navy Yard on Friday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m. with $6 Festbier pints and $9.99 Festbier six-packs available all day. From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, all beer pints will be just $6. Guests can also enjoy live music from an Oompah band between 6 PM and 8 PM.

Capital Jewish Museum: The Capital Jewish Museum invites guests to celebrate Oktoberfest after hours at CJM After Sunset: Late to the Party Oktoberfest on Thursday, October 16th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The evening will feature curator spotlight talks about the first German Jews to arrive in DC, plus themed activities including stein decorating, trivia competitions, and dancing to klezmer favorites. Guests can sip German beers, enjoy a cash bar with snacks for purchase, and explore all current museum exhibitions. Tickets are $10 for Members, $15 General Admission.

Das Best Oktoberfest: Come enjoy Maryland’s oldest running craft beer festival at the Timonium Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 4th from noon to 5 p.m.! Hundreds and hundreds of craft beers, wines, ciders, and schnapps will fill up a souvenir glass as guests enjoy this day-long festival in the infield. Tickets start at $44.46, available HERE.

John Carlyle Square (Alexandria): On Saturday, September 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at John Carlyle Square for the Alexandria Oktoberfest—a full day of Bavarian food, drink, and fun. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature live German music, traditional dance performances, and a lively beer garden pouring authentic brews. Guests can indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, strudel, and other Oktoberfest favorites, browse handmade arts and crafts from local artisans, and take part in festive competitions like the Beer Stein Holding Contest and the Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest costume contest.

Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ: Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ in Del Ray is celebrating Oktoberfest with a patio transformed into a Bavarian Beer Garden on Saturday, September 20th, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Guests can enjoy ten German-style beers, Bavarian-inspired food specials from Chef Nate Anda, live Oompah music by The Alpine Players (1:00 – 4:00 PM), and a stein-holding competition at 2:00 PM with prizes for the strongest contenders.

Lulu’s Winegarden: On Sunday, September 28th, taste at least 25 different wines from reputable producers, plus bottomless breakfast tacos, AND they will give you the chance to take home the wines you love by the bottle or even case, at special discounted retail pricing! This month’s theme is WINETOBERFEST! An Oktoberfest wine celebration of wines hailing from wines from Germany, Alsace, Austria, plus sparkling and seasonal harvest bottles! To purchase a ticket, click here.

Pike & Rose: Join the community at North Bethesda’s premier fall festival – PIKEtoberfest – on Sunday, October 5th from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the season Oktoberfest-style with live music and entertainment, a beer garden pouring local and craft brews, and a wide selection of eats and treats from neighborhood restaurants and retailers.

St. Anslem: St. Anselm’s patio will be transformed into a German Wein Garten on Saturday, September 27th, set with long communal tables to enjoy German wines and beer alongside delicious German specialties including Bavarian pretzels, sausages and weiner schnitzel. Meet with wine vendors and chat with their wine director as you wander from tent to tent sampling a selection of riesling styles, lesser known German white grapes, and dry red wines. Tickets cost $75 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Zinnia: Zinnia will host its annual Oktoberfest in the Gardens on Saturday, September 27th. The festival will feature traditional festbiers from local breweries, Bavarian-inspired food, live music, and games. Tickets are $45 and include beer tastings and a commemorative stein. Non-drinkers and children do not require tickets. This is an all-ages, rain-or-shine event, with festivities moving indoors in the case of inclement weather.