Oktoberfest Best Bets

Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Many communities in the Washington, DC area hold Oktoberfests as a family fun event focused on German beer, food, music and dancing. Here is are some of my recommendations to enjoy Oktoberfest food and beer in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Das Best Oktoberfest - September 22-23, 2012 from 12-6pm National Harbor, MD. The outdoor festival will include over 100 unique beers, German wines and schnapps, German foods and other festival goodies, Oompah bands, live music, contests and much more. Admission: $25, Children ages 12 and under are free.

Redwood Oktoberfest at Bethesda Row - September 22, 2012 from 1-8 pm, Redwood’s Oktoberfest will take over Bethesda Lane, bringing together local restaurants, area vendors, and fifteen different breweries. Best of all, a portion of event proceeds will benefit an important cause, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Spend an afternoon strolling the lane and sampling beers like Starr Hill, Goose Island, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog, Widmer and many more. For something different, guests are invited to spice up their beer with ‘beer infusions’ from Capital Teas. Accompanying the tasty beer, Redwood and other local restaurants – Mon Ami Gabi, Luke’s Lobster, Mussel Bar, Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, and American Tap Room – will offer an exceptional variety of food, including the Oktoberfest favorite: bratwursts served with sauerkraut on a soft-pretzel Daylong entertainment includes live music from local bands, as well as some friendly competition. Day-of admission is $25 for the regular package, which includes ten tickets worth $20 for food and beer, a commemorative mug, and a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For just $45, opt for the deluxe admission package, which includes the general admission package plus the addition of a commemorative Oktoberfest t-shirt.

Chef Geoff's Oktoberfest and Lederhosen Drive - September 27, 2012 from 7-11pm. Admission: $27, includes food, souvenir glass, two beer tickets. $5 per additional beer ticket available for purchase at the event. Partnering with Miriam’s Kitchen. Please bring a donation of NEW men’s socks or underwear (lederhosen!) Menu includes: German Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Mixed Greens, Pickled Red Cabbage, Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Pretzel Knots, and Mini Black Forest Cupcakes. Featured Beer: Leinenkugel Amber, Sam Adam’s Octoberfest, Palm Belgian Ale, Shock Top Belgian White.

Biergarten Haus - Dine here year-round and get the feel of a traditional German beer garden complete with Masse litres of beer, brezels, sausage and live German folk music, located on H St NE. The Bavarian pub offers their regular 12 drafts and 11 additional Oktoberfest drafts during their Oktoberfest celebration. Dinner Menu.

Café Mozart - Dine here year-round and enjoy authentic food with their friendly hospitality and quirky ambience, located near McPherson Square. Dinner menu.

Café Berlin - Dine here year-round and enjoy authentically prepared food but with a lighter touch. Great front patio for outdoor seating, located near Union Station. Dinner Menu.

Oktoberfest at Fort Meade - 2012 Dates to Be Announced. Fort Meade Pavilion, Llewellyn Ave. Fort Meade, Maryland. Celebrate the German Harvest with a carnival and midway, culinary demonstrations, German and international food, travel bureau, live German bands, and more. Admission is free.

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest - October 4-7, 2012. Fort Belvoir's 17th Annual Oktoberfest at Fremont Field. This four-day festival, highlights authentic German food, beverages, music and dancing. Enjoy an exciting carnival, the Volksmarch 10K Walk, kinder korner activities, vendor market, prize raffles and more. A fun-filled weekend for the whole family!

Oktoberfest at Capitol City Brewing Company - October 6, 2012, from 12-7 pm. Shirlington Village, Arlington, Virginia. Sample more than 60 beers and a variety of foods, while enjoying lively German entertainment. Admission: $25. Shirlington library will host kid’s events.

Snallygaster DC - October 13, 2012, from 1-5 pm. Yards Park, 3rd and Water St. SE Washington DC. The outdoor beer festival will feature more than 100 different ales and lagers, food vendors, live music, DJ’s, recreational and family-friendly activities. $5 admission contributions will benefit the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. Drink and food tickets($1 for 1 ticket) will be sold separately with items costing on average between 4 and 9 tickets. Advance ticket packages include the “Rodan Pass” including admission, entry through will-call, 25 food + drink tickets, and a customized mug, priced at $25 and the “Gargantuan Pass” offering 1 hour of VIP early access to the event at 12pm, 25 food + drink tickets, and a specialty Snallygaster t-shirt, priced at $50. To purchase tickets, see the full beer list or get ongoing updates about the event visit here.

Oktoberfest Cruise - Various dates in September and October. Try something different and take a cruise around DC with gorgeous waterfront views of the monuments. Pay just $40 for an $80 Oktoberfest cruise with Capital Yacht Charters, complete with a full buffet, 12 drink tickets, prizes, and live entertainment all during a 1.5-hour cruise of the Potomac. With the cooler breezes of fall blowing through your hair and the views of the District passing by, the Potomac will have never felt more like the Seine.