Although Oktoberfest started in Munich, Germany, in 1810 as a celebration of a royal wedding, it has since become a global celebration of German culture, cuisine, and beer. Importantly, it’s accessible to all, no matter if they’re German or not.
In Virginia this year, a number of Oktoberfest events are slated for mid-September through late October. Ranging from small-scale brewery get-togethers to massive downtown festivals, here are the 2026 Oktoberfest celebrations worth attending this year in Virginia.
Central Virginia
Triple Crossing’s 2nd Annual Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 12
Location: 5203 Hatcher St., Richmond, VA 23231
Triple Crossing is continuing the fun it started last year with its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 12 from 12-5 p.m. In previous years, the brewery held a fall festival but decided to hold an Oktoberfest last year.
The Fulton location’s taproom and outdoor space will be transformed into a Bavarian playground. Admission is free, but come prepared to enjoy some beer and authentic German food. Music will be provided by The Sauerkrauts.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their lederhosen and dirndl. Be sure to participate in the stein-holding competition if you’re up to the challenge.
OktoberForest: Taste Virginia
Date: Sept. 13
Location: 2425 Robert E Lee Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
OktoberForest: Taste of Virginia is The Nature Conservancy’s unique spin on the classic Oktoberfest tradition, with six unique beers crafted by local breweries using ingredients from the conservancy’s preserves.
Some of the beers include Alleghany Highlands Farmhouse Ale, brewed with sassafras leaves by Fine Creek Brewing; Piney Grove IPA, brewed with longleaf pine needles by UP Weller Co.; Barrier Islands Gose, brewed with eelgrass by Väsen Brewing.
Running from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the event will also feature live music, hands-on conservation activities, and fresh oysters.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest
Dates: Sept. 18-20
Location: Museum District, Richmond, VA 23220
Head to St. Benedict Catholic Church in the city’s Museum District for St. Benedict Oktoberfest.
The three-day event will include music, dancing, children’s activities, German cuisine, and both German and local beverages.
The free event runs from 4-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Oktoberfest
Dates: Sept. 20-Nov. 2
Location: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Kings Dominion is already a lot of fun but really comes to life during its Oktoberfest celebration from Sept. 20-Nov. 2.
It offers the chance to enjoy authentic German cuisine, including bratwurst and pretzels, and a wide variety of craft beers, all against an amusement park backdrop.
Center of the Universe Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 26
Location: 11293 Air Park Rd., Ashland, VA 23005
Center of the Universe Brewing Co. is holding its Oktoberfest event from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The free event will feature German and American music, German-inspired food, and German-style beer. Try the Oktoberfest brew, a blended Märzen and Fest Bier that creates a malty lager with a hint of sweetness.
56th Richmond Oktoberfest
Dates: Oct. 16-17
Location: W Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 23222
Head to the Old Dominion Building at the Richmond Raceway Complex for the 56th Richmond Oktoberfest. Come thirsty and hungry because there will be a wide variety of German beer from breweries like Warsteiner and Bitburger, food, including bratwurst and sauerkraut, and baked goods, like tortes and pastries.
Entertainment will be provided by the German band Die Lustigen Almdudler and the traditional Bavarian folk dance group SGTEV Hirschjäger.
Consider participating in the Stein Hoisting Competition, which tests one’s strength and stamina. The entry fee is $5. If you win, you’ll receive a special 3-liter beer stein. You can also join the Oktoberfest Parade every night. Children will enjoy the Kinder Korner, a designated area for crafts, face painting, and table games.
The entrance fee is $10. The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, and from 3-10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Be sure to pick up a souvenir pin or stein.
Wintergreen Oktoberfest
Date: Oct. 17
Location: Route 664, Wintergreen, VA 22958
Wintergreen Resort’s 4th Annual Oktoberfest includes a full slate of activities from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The day will include live music, including the alphorn, artisan vendors, axe throwing, brews, and German fare like brats and pretzels. Make sure you purchase some commemorative glassware.
Tickets cost $8 for children aged 6-12 and $12 for adults.
Northern Virginia
Oktoberfest at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
Dates: Sept. 11-27
Location: 16015 John Marshall Hwy., Haymarket, VA 20137
Oktoberfest at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run is a multi-week celebration featuring three new beer releases and lots of live music.
Be sure to attend the kick-off event with Dueling Pianos on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Buy a 20-ounce ceramic commemorative mug to take home with you.
Oktoberfest Beer Trail
Dates: Sept. 12, 19, 26 & Oct. 10
Location: Stafford
Tour Stafford’s Oktoberfest Beer Trail will feature events chock-full of food, drinks, and entertainment at various county establishments.
The trail kicks off with Fredtoberfest at 6 Bears & A Goat on Sept. 12, then continues at Adventure Brewing for its 11th Annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 19. Later in the month, on Sept. 26, both Full Distance Brewing and Laudenbach Brewing will hold events. The trail will wrap up on Oct. 10 for Barley Naked Brewing’s 8th anniversary.
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery 8th Annual Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 12-13
Location: 38506 John Wolford Rd., Waterford, VA 20197
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest is slated for Sept. 12-13 from 11:30-8 p.m.
The event will include live music, competitions, Bavarian cuisine, German and Austrian wine, and house-made beer, like the 8th Annual Ursprung Festbier.
Take a commemorative stein home with you.
Oktoberfest 2026
Dates: Sept. 18-20
Location: 9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas, VA 20109
Join 2 Silos Brewing Co. for its Oktoberfest 2026 event, which it bills as Northern Virginia’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration. The weekend will bring Bavarian traditions to Manassas, including authentic Märzen-style beer, hearty German cuisine, and live music.
Come hungry because there will be everything from sausage plates to Bavarian pretzels. Bring the kids along for the family-friendly activities, including bounce houses, face painting, and a caricaturist.
There will also be an artisan vendor market. Be sure to take a little piece of Oktoberfest home with you by buying a commemorative stein or shirt.
The event will run from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.
Middleburg Oktoberfest
Dates: Sept. 19
Location: South Madison & Federal streets, Middleburg, VA 20117
Head to South Madison and Federal streets in Middleburg for the 6th Middleburg Oktoberfest Celebration from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Two biergartens, traditional German food, live music, and games will be available. Make sure you check out the Artist’s Alley, a showcase of local and regional artists. Fine art, jewelry, and pottery will be for sale.
Alexandria Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 19
Location: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Head to John Carlyle Square for Bavarian merriment from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. during Alexandria Oktoberfest.
The family-friendly event will feature live German music, a beer garden, German fare, and handmade arts and crafts. Be sure to sign up for the Beer Stein Holding Contest or Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Weekend at Eavesdrop Brewery
Dates: Sept. 19-20
Location: 7223 Centreville Rd. Ste. 115, Manassas, VA 20111
Oktoberfest Weekend at Eavesdrop Brewery with free admission offers fun for the whole family, including a special tap list for adults and animals and games for children. Everyone can enjoy the German-style food, vendors, and live music.
The event starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Kena Shriners Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 19
Location: 9500 Technology Dr., Manassas, VA 20110
The Kena Shriners Oktoberfest event offers a more traditional experience, featuring traditional German music, bold beer, and authentic cuisine ranging from brats to schnitzel.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
Fort Belvoir’s 28th Annual Oktoberfest
Dates: Sept. 24-27
Location: 9625 Middleton Rd., Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Despite Fort Belvoir’s 28th Annual Oktoberfest taking place in a new location this year, Pullen Field, it promises to offer the same festival experience many have come to love.
Come hungry and thirsty because there will be a wide range of food vendors/trucks and beer on tap. There will also be live German music and carnival rides. Pick up a mug, pair of lederhosen, or trilby hat to take home with you.
Keep in mind that the event is only open to Department of Defense cardholders and those sponsored by a cardholder.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 26
Location: Downtown Lovettsville, VA 20180
This year’s Lovettsville Oktoberfest will represent a return to its original roots and mission of celebrating the town’s German heritage, which is appropriate given it’s the event’s 30th anniversary. The day will also support local businesses and spotlight civic organizations.
Importantly, this year’s event will take place in the Zoldos Square/”Squirkle,” Samuel A. Finz Municipal Complex and surrounding downtown streets. The move aims to create a more immersive experience.
There will be plenty of German-themed entertainment, German competitions (including stein hauling and wiener dog races), family-friendly games, local artisans, food, and beverages.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oktoberfest @ Trouvaille Brewing
Date: Sept. 26
Location: 14600 Washington St. Ste 150, Haymarket, VA 20169
Oktoberfest @ Trouvaille Brewing will feature three German-inspired beers that have been brewed specifically for the celebration, including the Dark Helmet Schwarzbier, O’Zapft Is!, and Bananza. There will be plenty of giant pretzels and beer cheese to pair with your beer.
The event, which starts at 1 p.m., will also feature live music and stein holding competitions.
Oktoberfest at Ornery Beer Company
Date: Sept. 27
Location: 8088 Flannery Ct., Manassas, VA 20109
Sample the specially brewed Oktoberfest Bier during Oktoberfest at Ornery Beer Company starting at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The event will also include German food, live music from Blane & Bob, and competitions. Be sure to wear your lederhosen or dirndl for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Vienna Oktoberfest
Date: Oct. 3
Location: 131 Church St. NE, Vienna, VA 22180
Historic Church Street in Vienna will be transformed into a celebration of all things Germany from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for Vienna Oktoberfest.
The free event will include live music across three stages, a local beer and wine garden, traditional German food, a vendor marketplace, and a dedicated zone for kids.
Coastal Virginia
The Bier Garden’s Oktoberfest
Date: Oct. 3
Location: 438 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
The Bier Garden’s Oktoberfest promises authentic German food, beer, and fun.
Running from 12-9 p.m., the event will engulf the street in front of the restaurant, which will be closed. There will be live music performed by authentic German bands, strongman competitions, and activities for kids.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest lederhosen and bring their steins. Tickets are $13.50.
Yorktoberfest
Date: Oct. 25
Location: 331 Water St., Yorktown, VA 23690
Yorktoberfest is York County Chamber of Commerce’s own twist on the beloved German festival.
From 12-5 p.m., attendees will get to enjoy more than 35 beers, food, music, and vendors at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. Tickets offer access to unlimited tastings.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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