Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in D.C.

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in D.C.

If there’s one thing the world will never have enough of, it’s beer festivals. It’s fall and that means one thing: no, not Snallygaster. It’s time for Oktoberfest! Not German? No problem.

Though this funfair originally began in 1810 to celebrate the Munich wedding of King Kudeig I to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (which I’m sure you already knew), over 200 years later, Oktoberfest has become a world-famous catchall fest to celebrate all things Bavarian.

This year the official Oktoberfest runs from September 20–October 5, and we’ve got the roundup of where to go for special Oktoberfest beers, brats, and Bavarian fun.

In the District

Biergarten Haus: Since Biergarten Haus is one of the city’s best known beer gardens it’s always packed for Oktoberfest. Not to mention, the kickoff coincides with this year’s H Street Festival so it’s sure to be a rockin’ madhouse. They’ll be running specials throughout all 17 days of Oktoberfest, like live music and specials on liters of beers from Munich. (1355 H St. NE; 202-388-4085)

Bar Dupont: You might not think of this chic hotel bar first when it comes to German beer fests, but their annual celebration transforms the outdoor patio into a beer garden with live music and great specials: $9 large mugs of beer, $20 pitchers, $30 Boots plus $10 sausages and $3 pretzels. These specials run everyday from September 20–28 from 12 PM–close. (1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-797-0169)

Cafe Berlin: One of D.C.’s eponymous German restaurants, Cafe Berlin celebrates its 29th Oktoberfest with a lunch special of spit-roasted pig, traditional sides and a one liter boot, all for just $35. The first keg of Oktoberfest beer will be tapped on September 20, and the cafe will co-host a celebration at the Heurich House Museum Castle Garden on the 21st from 1–4 PM. (322 Massachusetts Ave NE; 202-543-7656)

DC Brau: On September 13, DC Brau debuted its first ever Oktoberfest brew, a 5% ABV beer brewed with exclusively German malts like Pilsner, Munich, Vienna, Cara-Bohemian and Abbey. Only 60 barrels have been brewed though, so get it while you can during growler hours, at Nats Stadium or in your local grocery store. (3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE; 202-621-8890)

Cafe Mozart: This German eatery and deli will be tapping its first keg of Spaten Oktoberfest on September 20 at 4 PM. (1331 H St. NW; 202-347-5732)

Das Best Oktoberfest: The DC Armory will be hosting a huge Oktoberfest with over 150 German beers, wines and spirits for sampling plus competitions for Best Beer Belly and Miss Oktoberfest on September 27, from 12–6 PM. (2001 East Capitol St., SE)

District Oktoberfest: Every holiday has to have an official city pub crawl and this is it. Head to Chinatown on September 20 or 21 from 12–8 PM where your ticket includes a 12 oz beer at each venue plus food specials and entertainment. Participating bars include RFD, Iron Horse Tap Room, Penn Social, Rocket Bar, Jackpot, Fado Irish Pub, and Bar Louie.

Barracks Row Fall Festival: Matchbox Food Group will be hosting a beer garden complete with Oktoberfest-themed food at this year’s festival served up by local favorites Cava Mezze, Matchbox Capitol Hill, and Belga Café. Look for a mystery ingredient cooking challenge as well. Festivities run from 12–6 PM on Saturday, September 27.

Further Afield

Capitol City Brewing Company: Drop the kids at the Shirlington Library for Oktoberfest-themed activities and head to the brewpub, which will be hosting their annual celebration with over 60 beers, German food and entertainment on October 4, from 12-7 PM. (4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA; 703- 578-3888)

Mad Fox Brewing Company: Falls Church brewery, Mad Fox, will turn their patio into a beer garden for Hoppy Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 27, which will include a selection of IPA-inspired Oktoberfest brews, including their own 2014 Hitzig Frau. (444 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA; 703-942-6840)

Blue Mountain Brewery: If you take Oktoberfest very seriously, its worth driving out to Afton, VA, where the brewery has a ton of events planned from September 27–October 5. Everyday features German menu specials plus a whole calendar’s worth of brewery tours, tastings, live music, cornhole and keg toss tournaments, and quirky competitions like Geeks Who Drink ‘Oktoberfest’ Trivia night. (9519 Critzer Shop Rd., Afton, VA; 540- 456-8020)

Photo via Flickr

 


Tags: Beer, Festival, Food, Holiday, Music, Parties
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close