Oktoberfests 2016 in the Bethesda Area: When and Where

WASHINGTON, DC — It's that time of year: the pumpkins are ripe, the kids are back in school and the beer flows like wine -- referring to Oktoberfest, of course, the annual gathering of locals in the fall to enjoy all types of ale like they do in Munich, Germany.

It's an excuse to get together in large numbers and enjoy German beer, food, music and dancing, and there are plenty of Oktoberfest events right here in Montgomery County, and beyond in Washington, DC, and the surrounding region, so mark your calendars.

Oktoberfest at the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Md., Oct. 9 -- This annual Oktoberfest celebration in Gaithersburg features family-friendly activities such as music, dance, crafts, moonbounces, pumpkin decorating and even pony rides.

Das Best Oktoberfest, National Harbor, Sept. 24 -- This festival will include more than 150 unique beers, as well as wines and schnapps. Admission will cost you $40 apiece, however.

Oktoberfest Reston, Reston, Va., Oct. 8-9 -- Reston's Oktoberfest celebration happens right on Market Street in downtown. Reston eateries will offer food and live entertainment will be available.

Capitol City Brewing Company Oktoberfest, Arlington, Va., Oct. 1 -- Shirlington will be kicking off an Oktoberfest celebration to start the month at Shirlington Village. You'll be able to sample from more than 65 breweries. Admission is $30 if you're drinking, free if you're not.

Biergarten Haus Oktoberfest, 1355 H Street NE, TBD -- This pub claims to bring the locals a "taste of Bavaria." It's not yet been announced when their Oktoberfest celebration will take place, but you can certainly get a German beer there any day of the week.

Wunder Garten Oktoberfest, 1st and L Street NE, Sept. 22-25 -- This will be the second straight year that this establishment has had an Oktoberfest celebration. The event will feature traditional food, games and, of course, beer.

Lovettsville Oktoberfest, Lovettsville, Md., Sept. 23-25 -- This weekend-long celebration started with a home-cooked German feast prepared by the Lovettsville Lions Club on Friday, but the full Oktoberfest experience will be on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, Fort Belvoir, Va., Sept. 29-Oct. 2 -- This celebration will take place in the evening hours on those dates at Fremont Field. It is open to the general public and has carnival rides and live entertainment in addition to German food and beer.

Frederick Oktoberfest, Frederick, Md., Sept. 30-Oct. 2 -- This big celebration has live music, kid's game, a biergarten and fun for the whole family. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate.

— Story by Patch Editor Dan Taylor

Image via Wikimedia user SilkTork