Your D.C. Weekend: Guide to Oktoberfest season
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Wharf Oktoberfest brings wiener dogs and polka to the waterfront. Photo: Courtesy the Wharf
Steins, lederhosen and wiener dog races — the D.C. area is overflowing with Oktoberfest celebrations this fall.
The big picture: Here are the can't-miss events this weekend, plus more to put on your calendar.
📅 Fri, 6-10pm | Sat, 11am-10pm
🎟️ Tickets $10-$24
Head to the Frederick Fairgrounds for old-world charm with beer tents, German fare, oompah bands, and a family zone.
📅 Sat, 1-8pm
🎟️ Free, $5 pints all month
Atlas is throwing a send-off party for its O.G. Ivy City location. Go for food truck fare, tarot reading from Your Magick Aunties, a Bailiwick Clothing pop-up, and $5 drafts.
Aslin Beer Co. 10th Anniversary Party
📅 Sat, 3-9pm
🎟️ $50 adults, $10 under 17
One of the region's most raucous beer parties goes down in Alexandria with live music from Quarters of Change and Snacktime, stand-up comedy, and quirky eats like "bag of spaghetti." Oh, and so much beer — including an "Alternate Reality" lineup of whacky brews.
📅 Sat, 1-4pm
🎟️ Starting at $46 (kids free)
Families can enjoy live German music and local beers for the 21+ crowd in the garden of this Silver Spring tavern, plus eats like smoked chicken legs, sausages and pretzels.
📅 Through Oct. 4
🎟️ Free
Mount Vernon's German beer hall goes all-in for Oktoberfest. This weekend features a stein-hoisting competition (Thurs), live Edelweiss Band (Fri) and Paulaner tap takeover (Sat).
📅 Through Oct. 12
🎟️ Free
NoMa's Bavarian beer garden celebrates Oktoberfest with new activities every week. This Saturday is "Beer for a Purpose," a party and fundraiser for the DC Rape Crisis Center.
Up next:
📅 Oct. 4
🎟️ Free
From the Wiener 500 dachshund dash to Polka on the Pier, this waterfront celebration is one of D.C.'s most spirited (and packed) Oktoberfest traditions.
📅 Oct. 11
🎟️ $75 (general admission)
D.C.'s biggest craft beer fest takes over Pennsylvania Ave. with 175+ breweries and cideries, multiple music stages, and tasty eats.
More things to do this weekend
🎥 Immigration Film Fest (Thurs-Sun): Screenings and panels highlight immigrant stories and perspectives across multiple D.C. venues. Tickets ($15)
💠 Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show (Fri-Sun): Shop for wearable art — scarves, jewelry, hats, and more — at this Smithsonian craft show at the newly reopened Arts & Industries Building on the National Mall. Tickets ($20)
🩰 Dance for All (Fri-Sat): Enjoy outdoor performances from the Washington Ballet at CityCenterDC previewing the 2025–26 season. Free
🚲 Hill Family Biking (Sat, 10:30am): Join a kid-friendly group ride from Stanton Park to Kingman Island Park for Friends & Family Day, with festivities and live music until 3pm. Free
🍉 Together We Stand (Fri-Sat): The Museum of the Palestinian People hosts a two-day celebration of Palestinian art, culture, food and community. Free ($5 suggested donation)
🤠 Boot n' Scoot Country Music Festival: Country fans can enjoy live bands, line dancing, and barbecue at this all-day party at Hi-Lawn. Tickets ($19)
- Note: This event has been rescheduled for Oct. 18 due to inclement weather.
💃 Fiesta DC (Sat-Sun): The city's long-running celebration of Latin culture takes over Pennsylvania Avenue with a huge parade, food, live music and a "La Punta" dance contest. Free
🐶 Pups in the Park (Sun, 3pm): Nationals Park goes dog-friendly for the White Sox game with special tickets for you and your pup, plus a portion of proceeds support the Humane Rescue Alliance. Tickets ($42)
🎭 Lights Up! at The Wharf (Sun, 3pm): Show tunes come to the Wharf at this Theatre Week outdoor concert from top local talents. Free
⚽ Washington Spirit Hispanic Heritage Match (Sun, 1pm): The Spirit face off at Audi Field while honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with themed merch, cultural tributes, and community partnerships. Tickets vary