Get your Bavarian hats ready, because Oktoberfest is coming to Alexandria this month.
The annual folk festival celebrating German culture, food and beer, starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 20) with a 5K and 10K run at Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue). The event wraps up at 8:30 p.m., and proceeds benefit NoVA Rugby.
The party continues on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie (2213 Mount Vernon Avenue).
“Celebrate the 1st day of Oktoberfest at Gustave, raise your Stein and bring your family for a fun and exciting day,” the restaurant said on Eventbrite.
Alexandria Bier Garden (710 King Street) will also kick off their Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 2o. The German beer hall will celebrate from 12 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. until Oct. 5.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Oktoberfest season,” Alexandria Bier Garden said. “Join us at Alexandria Bier Garden every Saturday for authentic German beer, brats, music, and stein-holding fun.”
Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue) will celebrate “Wunderfest” on Sept. 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event features live music, a pop-up tattoo tent with Madison Street Tattoo, yard games and food specials from La Tingeria food truck.
According to Visit Alexandria:
New this year: We’re teaming up with Madison Street Tattoo for a flash tattoo pop-up from 12–8pm upstairs in the Lighthouse Lounge. It’s walk-up only, so get here early if you want some ink with your drink!
Don’t forget to grab one of our limited-edition ceramic steins—back by popular demand! Score your first beer for just $1 with a stein purchase. Costume contests, stein hoists, and good vibes await—and the best part? It’s all FREE! No tickets, no RSVP—just show up and bring your friends.
Also on Sept. 20, Atlas Brew Works (2429 Mandeville Lane) will sell $6 Festbier pints and $9.99 Festbier six-packs all day.
“All beer pints will be offered for just $6 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and guests are invited to enjoy live music from an Oompah band from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” according to Visit Alexandria.
Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) will host their fifth annual OktoPURRRfest on Sept. 27 (Saturday) and 28 (Sunday).
“Join us for our 5th Annual OktoPURRfest Weekend and grab a pumpkin beer or pumpkin cider to start autumn off correctly,” Mount Purrnon said via Visit Alexandria. “We will have other Oktoberfest staples as well (pretzels, etc.),”
Mount Purrnon said that reservations are strongly encouraged.
Alexandria’s big celebration will be held the following weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 27, in a free block party at John Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle Street). The festivities will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Whether you’re here to enjoy the delicious food, shop for unique handmade crafts, or dance to the rhythms of authentic German tunes, there’s something for everyone,” event organizers said.
Admission is free and pets are allowed.
The event includes:
- Live German Music and Traditional Dance Performances: Enjoy lively German tunes and classic Oktoberfest songs that will fill the air with festive energy all day long.
- Beer Garden: Sip on a variety of refreshing German beers in our beer garden. Whether you love a classic lager or something a little more adventurous, you’ll find the perfect brew to enjoy.
- Delicious German Food: Indulge in delicious Oktoberfest favorites, from bratwurst and pretzels to strudels and more. It’s the perfect way to experience authentic German flavors.
- Handmade Arts & Crafts: Explore a variety of unique, handcrafted items by local artisans. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or something for yourself, you’ll find a treasure here.
- Beer Stein Holding Contest: Put your strength to the test! See how long you can hold a full stein in this fun and competitive challenge.
- Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest: Come dressed in your Oktoberfest best and compete for the coveted title of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest!
Prost!
