Oktoberfest in the DC area ranges from a dachshund dash to a music fest with lots of beer and pretzels in between. If this sounds like your idea of a great way to spend a fall afternoon or evening, just keep reading.
The Boro for a Battle of the Polka Bands
The Boro
8350 Broad St., Tysons
The Tysons development’s expansive outdoor area will host a Battle of the Polka Bands on Saturday, October 2. The family-friendly event features a musical competition, crafts, and seasonal drinks. Make sure to grab freebies, like the Oktoberfest-themed beer mugs, inflatable pretzels, and party buttons. The event runs from 1 to 5 PM. It is free to attend but registration is required.
The Wharf in DC for a Dachshund Dash
The Wharf
760 Maine Ave., SW
Dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen on Saturday, October 2 for Oktoberfest events all around the Wharf from 2 to 5 PM. The 9th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash takes place on the District Pier track and will be shown on a 17-foot jumbotron screen so you can watch all the cute dachshunds racing. Participating restaurants will serve German fare and Sam Adams Oktoberfest bier, and fest-goers can compete in a stein hoisting contest.
Vienna Oktoberfest for the Kids
Vienna Oktoberfest
131 Church St., NE, Vienna
The Vienna Business Association and Town of Vienna are hosting an outdoor Oktoberfest festival on Saturday, October 2. Come out for beer, wine, and food, and shop local vendors. The family-friendly event also includes kids’ activities. Admission is free.
Ivy City Brewery
Atlas Brew Works
2052 West Virginia Ave., NE
The Ivy City brewery released Festbier, its seasonal hoppy beer with orange blossom aromas.The Ivy City location is hosting themed events on Saturday, October 2. Guests can snack on German-style foods and drink up the beer specials. A $10 ticket gets you a 32-ounce stein with $5 refills, and a $15 ticket offers a 64-ounce stein with $10 refills. Tickets are available through the Toast accounts
Hook Hall Has Manuela Horn
Hook Hall
3400 Georgia Ave., NW
The Park View spot is partnering with Drink the District to host Das Bier Bash— a party starring tons of talent, headlined by Manuela Horn, also known as the Queen of Oktoberfest, who appeared on America’s Got Talent. Horn will perform two-hour shows Wednesday through Sunday starting Wednesday through Sunday, October 3. Guests can sample German beers and other drink specials. Tickets are $29 for general admission and $39 for early admission, which also includes priority seating and a meet-and-greet with the queen herself.
Gaithersburg’s Oktoberfest in the Kentlands
The 30th annual Oktoberfest returns on October 8, 2023, to transform the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, with multiple stages of live entertainment featuring traditional Bavarian music & dancing, along with local, regional & national talent. Fall-themed activities for families, a Business Expo, artisans, beer, non-alcoholic beer, mead & cider, and delicious food will delight attendees throughout the day. In past years this event has drawn crowds of up to 30,000. Admission, shuttles & parking are free to the public.
Alexandria Bier Garten
Oktoberfest at Alexandria Bier Garten
Raise a stein in the newly-unveiled rooftop bar or the indoor beer garden, join stein-holding contests on Saturdays (9/30 and 10/7), do trivia and try German food at this classic Bavarian beer hall in Alexandria.
