NoVA, DC Oktoberfest Guide To Beer, Music And Pretzels

VIRGINIA — Practice your polka, get ready to down some brats and beer, and welcome back the season of Oktoberfests in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

In 2020, most German fests were scrapped statewide due to pandemic-related restrictions. This year, the extravaganzas — with their beers, brats and polka bands — are marking a return.

Patch's 2021 annual Oktoberfest guide for the DC/northern Virginia region can help find fests near you.

Here are some of the Oktoberfest celebrations coming to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region in the coming weeks:

• Octoberfest Tapping and Opening Ceremony: Pay homage to a Munich tradition by helping to tap of a special wooden keg. Saturday, Sept. 18, from 12-4 p.m., at 919 5th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20001
• Oktoberfest - Wine Club Pairing Dinner: Enjoy special Okboterfest wine and beer pairings. Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 7-10 p.m., at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 12130 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190
• North Pane Beer Garden Oktoberfest: Rocket Frog Brewing Company is bringing its pop-up beer garden to The Loop in Old Town Alexandria. Enjoy Bavarian food and craft beers. Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12-6 p.m., at The Loop, 215 North Payne St., Alexandria, VA 22314
• G34.3 Oktoberfest Party: Enjoy the release of Lenticular Lager and delicious foods prepared by an Alpine chef. Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12-6 p.m., at G34.3 Brewing Company,8532 Terminal Road, Suite L, Lorton, VA 22079
• Oktoberfest At Brew Republic: Taste local craft Marzen (Oktoberfest) beer while listening to music, food and contests. Saturday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Brew Republic Bierwerks, 15201 Potomac Town Place Woodbridge, VA 22191.
• The Great Oktoberfest 2021: DC's largest Oktoberfest returns Saturday, Sept. 25. Patrons can enjoy unlimited beer and seltzer tastings, games, live entertainment and more. VIP sessions are 12-4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.; General admission sessions are 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. at The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1201 Half St., S.E., Washington, DC 20003
• Trademark Oktoberfest 2021: Enjoy four courses and six beers from Port City and Aslin Beer Co. on Friday, Oct. 1, from 6-9 p.m., at Trademark Drink & Eat, 2080 Jamieson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22314
• Solace Oktoberfest 2021: Solace Brewing Co. in Dulles is presenting a full-day of Oktoberfest fun, including live music and family stein races. Saturday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Drive #100, Sterling, VA 20166

Oktoberfest is an autumn beer festival and traveling fun fair that's celebrated for two week annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. A part of Bavarian culture since 1810, Oktoberfest Munich has been canceled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Even though it's a Bavarian tradition, Oktoberfest has grown in popularity and is celebrated across the world and not just by people of German extraction.