Prost! The beer festival that originated in Munich, Germany, is today celebrated by more than 6 million people worldwide, and the taps will be flowing in the DMV, too. Here’s where you can find fun for all ages starting Sept. 19.
Courthaus Social Oktoberfest
The big draw at the annual celebration here is Das Biergarten, with Paulaner and Port City on tap. Enter the stein-holding contest and compete for the title of Best Lederhosen, all while enjoying live music and food specials Sept. 19-21. 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Oktoberfest at Port City Brewing Co.
The Alexandria brewery will host the Oktoberfest 5k & 10k on Sept. 19, 5:30-8 p.m. Registration is $40 or $55, respectively, but no matter how far you run, you get a beer at the end. Then, on Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the annual Wunderfest Celebration returns. listen to live music, play yard games and munch on specials from Falls Church’s La Tingeria. New this year is a tattoo pop-up in partnership with Madison Street Tattoo, open for walk-up service from noon-8 p.m. Buy a limited-edition ceramic stein and get your first beer for $1. 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Astro Beer Hall
Enjoy a two-for-one celebration as the Shirlington brewpub celebrates its second birthday and Oktoberfest on Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 4, 5-7 p.m. Admission is free and you’ll get 10% off your order if you come dressed in your best Oktoberfest garb. Each special event features a partnership with a different brewery: Sam Adams on the 20th, New Realm on the 27th and Paulaner on the 4th. Expect stein-holding contests, with special prizes awarded to the winners. 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
BierDeck at Clarendon Ballroom
Clarendon Ballroom’s rooftop is transforming into a Bavarian-inspired pop-up, BierDeck, from Sept. 20-Oct. 18, featuring German-inspired bites, seasonal beers, craft cocktails and all the gemütlichkeit (good cheer) of Munich’s legendary beer gardens. A special Oktoberfest menu features warm pretzels with mustard and beer cheese, schnitzel sliders and bratwurst. Pair those with seasonal brews such as Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, Sam Adams Fall Brew, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale and Spaten Oktoberfest Ur Märzen. Hankering for a cocktail? A Fiery Apple Mule and Spiced Sangria will also be available. The fun begins with a keg tapping Sept. 20, 5 p.m. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Oktoberfest at Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.
The seventh annual celebration involves four weeks of parties and activities at this Falls Church microbrewery. Kick it all off with Pierogi Fest on Sept. 20, at noon, followed by the Fall OysterFest on Sept. 27 and All You Can Eat Crabs on Oct. 4. Wind down with another Pierogi Fest, where you can feast on potato and cheese, potato and jalapeño, or just potato pierogis that you can dress up at the topping bar. Of course the beer will also be flowing. 2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church
Bronson Bier Hall
The German-style beer hall in Ballston welcomes Oktoberfest with open arms. On Sept. 27, 1-11:30 p.m., sample beers from Paulaner, Tucher and Port City Brewing Co.; compete in stein-forward games to win prizes; and enter the 50/50 raffle. Half the raffle proceeds go to the winner and the other half to a charity. 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Oktoberfest at Shipgarten
The outdoor event venue will leave no weekend un-celebrated during Oktoberfest, which runs every Saturday from Sept. 20-Nov. 1. Brewery reps will be at all festivals with samples of beer from Germany, Belgium, Austria and other countries. The party starts Sept. 20, 1-6 p.m., with the Oktoberfest German Kickoff, during which guests can participate in a pretzel toss, keg curling, stein-hoisting and stein-to-stein pouring competitions. Shipgarten always welcomes dogs, but Dogtoberfest on Sept. 27, 1-6 p.m., is another level of canine fun, with doggie games and costume contests. Other related events include the Oktoberfest American Kickoff: Beer Olympics on Oct. 4, 1 p.m., and the Bier, Wine & Chocolate Fondue Festival on Oct. 11. If you’re looking for something family-friendly, the Petting Zoo Hosts Kids Oktoberfest on Sept. 21, noon-6 p.m., is for you. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Old Town Alexandria Oktoberfest
Say prost to a day of Bavarian fun at John Carlyle Square on Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dance along to German music and performances, find something to sip in the beer garden, grab strudel and brats from food vendors, and shop handmade arts and crafts. Throughout the day, guests can enter to win competitions such as a beer stein holding contest. Come dressed in your Oktoberfest finest to be crowned Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Boro Biergarten
Led by Circa and El Bebe, The Boro at Tysons will transform its sidewalk spaces into a festive neighborhood party with seasonal bites, family-friendly activities and special drinks throughout October. The event kicks off Oct. 1-4 with live entertainment. 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Oktoberfest in Vienna
Join the crowd on historic Church Street for this annual celebration. Enjoy beer and wine from Caboose Brewing Co., Vienna Vintner, Norm’s Beer & Wine, and Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. Watch live entertainment on three stages and let little ones engage in free kids’ activities. And what’s a party without food? Dozens of vendors will be on hand, including Carnegie Diner, Great Harvest Bread Co. and Foster’s Grille. The free event happens Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Church Street, Vienna
Surreal OktoberfestÂ
Surreal Global Kitchen in National Landing is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on its patio and in the adjacent park space on Oct. 4, 2-10 p.m. Sip on traditional German brews and local craft beers, listen to live music and a DJ, and eat brats, pretzels, schnitzel and more. The requisite contests will take place, too. 2117 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Oktoberfest with Urban Farmhouse and Covet
The boutiques that together inhabit a vintage farmhouse on Wilson Boulevard (collectively known as The Shops at Wilson) are pairing up for a party on Oct. 15, 5:30-8 p.m. Urban Farmhouse will turn its front porch into a German biergarten, where guests can enjoy festive food, drinks, music and more. Both shops will be open for anyone who wants to browse. 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)
Blocktoberfest
This street festival Oct. 18, 3 p.m., features live music and beer garden vibes along Wilson Boulevard in Clarendon. Feast on Bavarian eats such as pretzels and bratwurst, lay claim to a souvenir stein during Prost Happy Hour and play yard games. The event is free to attend. Wilson Boulevard and North Irving Street, Arlington (Clarendon)