Prost! The beer festival that originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 today attracts more than 6 million people worldwide. But you don’t have to catch the next Lufthansa flight out of Dulles to experience gemütlichkeit (good cheer). The taps will be flowing in the DMV, too. Here’s where you can find fun for all ages starting Sept. 18.
Oktoberfest at Northside Social
Get ready for a good time Sept. 18, 5-9 p.m., and Sept. 19, 2 p.m.-9 p.m., at NoSo’s Falls Church location. The Airstream trailer bar will be open outside, serving Oktoberfest brews and specialty cocktails, as well as German eats such as homemade pretzels with honey butter and mustard, a bratwurst platter with potato salad and homemade sauerkraut, and frankfurters. 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
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Courthaus Social Oktoberfest
Test your stein-holding strength and compete for best lederhosen during this three-day festival, Sept. 18-20, which includes food and drink specials. 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Oktoberfest at Shipgarten
The Tysons beer garden is doing it up with a series of free events, starting with its Oktoberfest German Kickoff Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m., featuring classic German eats and themed games. Bring your dressed up pup on Sept. 26, 1-6 p.m. for Dogtoberfest, which includes pet treats and a doggie costume contest. Perhaps you’ve been training for this for years: Oktoberfest American Kickoff-Beer Olympics enters the chat Oct. 3, 1-6 p.m., with games like a marshmallow-to-stein toss. On Oct. 10, 1-6 p.m., make it an all-ages outing to the Oktoberfest Kids & Family Festival: Fondue, Spiderman, Rumi & Petting Zoo. And Renn Fest isn’t over yet, but you don’t have to Reise (journey) to Maryland for medieval merriment. On Oct. 17, 1-6 p.m., put on your lederhosen and a cloak and return to Shipgarten to prove your mettle in stein hoisting, jousting, archery and axe-throwing. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Old Town Alexandria Oktoberfest
Cheers to a day of Bavarian fun! Head to John Carlyle Square on Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. for traditional dances, live German music, a beer garden, and vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to strudel and brats. Throughout the day, visitors can enter competitions such as stein holding and other feats. Come dressed in your Oktoberfest finest and vie to be crowned Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Oktoberfest at Upside
The Upside on Moore food hall will celebrate the occasion Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., with a German-inspired menu featuring pretzels with beer cheese, bratwurst and German pastries, plus various beer specials, including an Oktoberfest Märzen on draft from Silver Branch Brewing in Silver Spring, Maryland. Enjoy live music from 5-8 p.m., and play beer pong and pretzel toss. 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Oktoberfest at Alexandria Bier Garden
Head to the heart of Old Town on Sept. 19 for DJs all day, starting at noon, and live music at night. The brew pub’s rooftop and Hofbräu Room, usually a private event space, will all be open for the festivities. Come back Sept. 27 for Puptoberfest, a canine-friendly event with a competition for the coolest Oktoberfest dog. 710 King St., Alexandria
Oktoberfest at Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.
The eighth annual event at this Falls Church brew pub promises a day of live music, German-style beers and Oktoberfest eats (pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel) on Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m. The fun continues Oct. 24, 7-10 p.m. with a twist on the usual oompah music: Grateful Dead tribute band Born Cross Eyed will take the stage for the brewery’s Grateful Oktoberfest featuring another round of bratwurst, pretzels and lagers. 2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church
Oktoberfest at Bronson Bierhall
No need to travel when there’s a legit German bier hall right here in Arlington. On Sept. 26, 11 a.m., get into the Oktoberfest spirit with live music, a ceremonial cask-tapping, a stein-holding contest and a “das boot” chugging competition. (For the uninitiated, that would be drinking from a giant, boot-shaped glass.) Bonus: Wear a dirndl or lederhosen and get a free flight glass. 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Oktoberfest in Vienna
Join the crowd on historic Church Street on Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for an annual celebration featuring live music and beer and wine from Caboose Brewing Co., Norm’s Beer & Wine and other area beverage experts. Little ones can engage in free kids’ activities such as pumpkin decorating and bounce houses. And what’s a party without food? Dozens of vendors will be on hand, including American Prime, Little Austria and Terra’s Ice Cream, Coffee, and Sweets. Admission is free. 131 Church St., N.E., Vienna
