There are many things about fall that we all look forward to, like apple picking, Halloween and, of course, Oktoberfest. Traditionally a German fall festival, many U.S. cities have adopted the celebration, which focuses on enjoying German food, beer, music and culture. D.C. celebrates Oktoberfest in full form, so read below for some of the exciting events that will be taking place. All of these events will occur on different days so you can take part in each one if you want to.
2nd Annual District Oktoberfest
810 7th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 905-2903
www.districtoktoberfest.com
Date: Sept. 20-21, 2014
This event was wildly successful last year, and promises to be as much fun in 2014. The event consists of a bar crawl, where your ticket allows you to enjoy eight beers at eight different bars in the Chinatown area. Participating bars include RFD, Penn Social and other popular bars in the area. Purchase tickets for Saturday, September 20, Sunday, September 21 or both if you feel like participating two days in a row. Your ticket will also get your food specials at each bar to enjoy with your beer.
Frederick’s Oktoberfest
E-Vent Plex at Frederick Fairgrounds
797 E. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21705
(240) 599-0660
www.frederickoktoberfest.org
Date: Sept. 27-28, 2014
In addition to a plethora of beers at the Frederick Oktoberfest extravaganza, there will be authentic German food like Bavarian pretzels, potato salad, sauerkraut, German soup and potato pancakes. The event will take place on September 27 and 28 at the Frederick fairgrounds. Live music and Bavarian folk dancers will also be present for you and your family to enjoy. Tickets and tokens to buy food and drinks are available online.
Das Best Oktoberfest
DC Armory
2001 E. Capitol St. S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
www.dasbestoktoberfest.com/washington-dc/show-info
Date: Sept. 27, 2014
The Das Beer Oktoberfest is one of the most popular Oktoberfest events in D.C. Your ticket allows you to taste as many beers and wines as you want, which is one of the reasons why so many people love this event. Food is available for purchase, and there are VIP tickets which allow you to sample the beverages for a longer time period. Music and revelry will be in abundance. Wear German attire and you will get a free beer glass.
Germantown Oktoberfest
High Point Farm
23730 Frederick Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871
(301) 428-0650
www.66.147.244.228/~germant9
Date: Oct. 5, 2014
Just outside of D.C., the Germantown Oktoberfest has taken place for 32 years, which means it is one of the oldest Oktoberfests in the area. There is a biergarten, dancing, food and activities for kids. This is a great Oktoberfest for families in the area. Adults will enjoy the selection of food and beer while kids can take part in polka dancing and games.
Capitol City Brewing Company Shirlington Oktoberfest
4001 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 578-3888
www.capcitybrew.com
Date: Oct. 4, 2014
Beer aficionados will love this party, with beers from more than 65 different breweries. There will also be authentic German food and music to be enjoyed by all. This is the 15th annual Oktobertfest at Capitol City Brewing Company, which shows you how popular it is. The event is free, but you do need to buy tickets if you wish to sample the beers.
Priya Konings is a freelance writer and restaurant critic in Washington D.C. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
