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 DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Das Best Oktoberfest - September 27-28, 2013 at National Harbor, MD and October 19, 2013 at M&T Stadium, 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: $45 - 85, depending on package. Children ages 12 and under are free.

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.

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest - October 3-4, 2013. Fort Belvoir's 18th 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 5, 2013, from 12-7 pm. Shirlington Village, Arlington, VA. Sample more than 50 beers and a variety of foods, while enjoying lively German entertainment. Admission: $25.

Snallygaster DC - October 19, 2013, from 1-6 pm. Union Market, 1309 5th St NE, Washington DC. The outdoor beer festival will feature more than 150 different ales and lagers, food vendors, live music, DJ’s, recreational and family-friendly activities. Advance ticket packages include the "The Kracken" including admission, entry through will-call, 25 food + drink tickets, and a customized mug, priced at $30 and the "The Jabberwock" offering 1 hour of VIP early access to the event at 12pm, 30 food + drink tickets, and a mug, priced at $50. To purchase tickets, see the full beer list or get ongoing updates about the event visit here.

Photo: Fritz Hahn, the Washington Post

Additionally, here is a great round up of Happy Hour specials for Oktoberfest from Washington Post's GOGs.  Prost!