News

Here’s where Oktoberfest is happening in Alexandria

By James Cullum
Oktoberfest at John Carlyle Square on Sept. 28, 2024 (via Visit Alexandria)

Get the lederhosen and Bavarian hats ready, because Oktoberfest is coming to Alexandria this month.

The annual folk festival celebrating German culture, food and beer, starts at Atlas Brew Works (2429 Mandeville Lane) on Friday, Sept. 20.

“Celebrate with $5 all-day Festbier pints, authentic Oompah band music, and more throughout the weekend in DC’s Navy Yard and Ivy City neighborhoods and in Alexandria, Virginia,” the brewery said.

Alexandria Bier Garden (710 King Street) will kick off their Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 12 p.m. and it will run until 1:30 a.m. on Monday morning, Sept. 23.

“Join us for a full day of fun with 6 different types of Oktoberfest biers, live Oktoberfest music from 2-5 PM, and live music & DJs starting at 9:30 PM to keep the party going all night,” Alexandria Bier Garden said. “And don’t forget to try our giant 2lb pretzel —the perfect snack to pair with your favorite bier.”

Alexandria’s big celebration will be held the following weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 28, in a block party at John Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle Street). The festivities will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Bring your friends, family, and your best Oktoberfest spirit as we transform John Carlyle Square into a Bavarian haven,” Visit Alexandria said.

Admission is free and pets are allowed.

The event includes:

  • Traditional Tunes: Immerse yourself in the sounds of Germany with live traditional music that will have you tapping your toes and embracing the Oktoberfest spirit.
  • Beer Garden Bliss: Raise a stein and savor the flavors of the season in our Oktoberfest beer garden, featuring a selection of delightful brews that will transport you to the heart of Bavaria.
  • Arts and Crafts Market: Explore a marketplace filled with arts and crafts vendors, offering unique treasures and handmade delights for a bit of Oktoberfest shopping.
  • Bavarian Performances: Enjoy authentic Bavarian performances, including traditional dances and cultural showcases that capture the essence of this beloved celebration.
  • Foodie Paradise: Indulge in a culinary journey with a variety of food vendors.

There is also an Oktoberfest bar crawl on Sept. 28.

Prost!

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.