The fall is a great time for enjoying Oktoberfest. We've broken down a list and resources of where Oktoberfest events are happening soon in the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas.
Other than once-a-year events like Saint Patrick’s Day for imbibing really hearty beer and traditional Irish food (a percentage of which will most likely be dyed green), Oktoberfest -- an event
originally held in Munich, Germany in late September -- is happening in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas in the early fall season. So, why not raise that big beer stein and enjoy some delicious Wiener Schnitzel or other delectable food!
Since the areas have separate ways to go about celebrating Oktoberfest, we thought it would be easier to categorize events by state and the capital city, Washington, D.C.
Oktoberfest Events in Maryland:
Maryland Brewers Oktoberfest
September 30 | Maryland State Fairgrounds
One of the larger Oktoberfest celebrations in Maryland, the Timonium Fairgrounds has plenty of music, food, and festivities. Touted as one of Maryland's biggest beer festivals, they will have over 150 international, domestic, and local Maryland beers, domestic wines, and Schnapps.
For more information on Maryland Brewers Oktoberfest, please see its
website.
Frederick's Oktoberfest
September 29 to October 1 | Frederick Fairgrounds
Enjoy Oktoberfest Bier, bratwurst, dancing, live music and children's activities to benefit Frederick County charities and local organizations.
For more information on Frederick's Oktoberfest, please see its
website.
[caption id="attachment_2985" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Picture of the National Harbor that hosts Das Best Oktoberfest D.C. Photo courtesy of the National Harbor Facebook page.[/caption]
Das Best Oktoberfest D.C.
September 30 | The National Harbor & October 14 | M & T Bank Stadium
Beer enthusiasts will get the chance to taste over 120 international, domestic, and local flavors with German food to munch on. The National Harbor is a relatively new attraction with a Gaylord Resort accompanying the area's appeal, the end of September will increase the amount of people looking for traditional German food (Bratwurst, Knockwurst, and Potato Pancakes) music and drink. Don't hold the mustard, by the way, when it comes to the Bratwurst! At least not for me, anyway.
But, if you happen to miss Das Best Oktoberfest at the National Harbor in September, there is a second event in Baltimore on October 14th at M & T Bank Stadium to enjoy all the German-themed festivities and more. Just don't forget your lederhosen or your dirndl to wear!
For more information on Das Best Oktoberfest, please see its
website.
Oktoberfest Event in D.C.:
District Oktoberfest
September 16 | Chinatown - N.W., Washington, D.C.
While Chinatown may be known for hosting Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards games over the last decade as well as a place to get Peking Duck or Dim Sum as a delicacy, there is a German feel come September 16. That is the day when Chinatown is swarmed with people who go from place-to-place to get their German beer and food on for the District Oktoberfest.
The event is
set up like a bar crawl that allows guests to peruse six of the neighborhoods bars. Part of the event includes a 12-ounce Oktoberfest beer from each of the six neighborhood bars!
For more information about the District Oktoberfest, please see its
website.
Oktoberfest Events in Virginia:
Capitol City Brewing Co. Oktoberfest in Shirlington
September 30 | Arlington, VA
While there are numerous Oktoberfest celebrations taking place across the DMV, the Capitol City Brewing Co. Oktoberfest event provides beer from Capital City Brewing and authentic german music and food. The event takes place on Saturday, September 30, from Noon to 7 p.m.
For more information, you can call 703-228-0877 or visit its
website.
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Aerial View of Entrance to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Photo courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Facebook page.[/caption]
OktoberFest at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
October 28 | Richmond, VA
Want beer to go with the Botanical Garden atmosphere? The Oktoberfest at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be providing family-friendly fun, lawn-games (corn hole, ladder golf, life sized Jenga) music and food. There will be beer from Center of The Universe Brewing.
For more information, you can call 804-262-9887 or visit its
website. The event is held, rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are there contests to win prizes at some Oktoberfest events?
Yes, there are contests for those who come dressed in lederhosen and dirndl at some of the Oktoberfest activities taking place in the DMV area, so it's always a good idea to check the itinerary out ahead of time. It never hurts to try and win fun stuff while attending!
Which of the Oktoberfest events are you looking forward to the most? Did we forget one? Well, we hope not! But, let us know anyway in the comments section below.