Oktoberfest, Other Vienna Events Canceled Through Oct. 3

VIENNA, VA — Oktoberfest and other Town of Vienna events won't be happening through Oct. 3, town government announced. Other canceled events include September's Quarterly Recycling Day, Chillin' on Church, Teens on the Green.

The annual Oktoberfest typically draws 20,000 to 30,000 people in October and is held by the Vienna Business Association.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel the 13th annual Vienna Oktoberfest," said Kathy Georgen, chair of the Oktoberfest planning committee. "The success of this festival depends on hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of attendees from all age groups and locations coming together in a common area. We could not in good conscience move forward in this current climate."

The Vienna Business Association is promoting an alternative Distanz Oktoberfest, where businesses can hold German-themed events and promotions at their own locations. Additional details will be announced at viennaoktoberfest.org.

The town previously canceled other major events, including the ViVa Vienna festival and Fourth of July fireworks. The Summer on the Green, Kids on the Green, and Summer Stories and Songs series are happening virtually through Facebook Live.

There is no word on the status of the annual Vienna Halloween Parade. Town officials are considering alternatives to the Halloween events and will make an announcement soon. The Vienna Farmers Market reopened on June 12 and runs in the Vienna Community Center parking lot Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 31.

The Town is considering alternative ways to celebrate its annual Halloween events. More details will be provided soon.