Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Fairfax County in 2024?

There are still a few weeks until October, but this coming weekend is a popular weekend for Oktoberfest celebrations in Fairfax County.

Several local breweries will host events, while other festivities will encompass an entire neighborhood. Whether you're looking for the carnival atmosphere of Munich's original Oktoberfest, a multi-week event that begins this Saturday (September 21), or a more tranquil setting for feasting and socializing, there are countless options.

Fair Winds Annual Nautifest (Friday, September 20, 12pm-10pm)

Fair Winds Brewing Company is celebrating Oktoberfest with the return of its annual Märzen Lager and a stein-holding contest with a prize of two tickets to the October 5th barbecue competition.

Lorton Brewery (7000 Newington Road, Suites K & L) also offers free raffle drawings, live music from 4 to 6 p.m. with singer-songwriter Matty D, and German cuisine from Occoquan's Mill St. Draft Garden and the Wagon Wheel food truck.

Settle Down Easy's 6th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration (Saturday, September 21, 12pm-6pm)

The four-week Oktoberfest festivities kick off this Saturday at the West Falls Church branch of Settle Down Easy Brewing (2822 Fallfax Drive). A $30 general admission ticket includes a commemorative beer stein, a fill of beer, a free pretzel necklace, a kielbasa skewer, your choice of a bratwurst or German pretzel, and a VIP pass to skip the line at the beer booth.

The festivities continue with a Fall Oyster Festival on Saturday, September 28, the Steeze Burger Fest on October 5 and the third annual Pierogi Fest on October 12. Already sold out, the Pierogi Fest features several booths where people can try five of the Polish dumplings for $12, along with lagers and live music.

Bavarian Oktoberfest kick-off (Saturday, September 21, 1 p.m.–6 p.m.)

Shipgarten in Tysons (7581 Colshire Drive) offers over 50 beers from Germany, Belgium, Austria and the USA on tap, including some from breweries whose representatives will be on hand for a meet-and-greet.

The free event begins with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial keg tapping, followed by an afternoon of competitions including pretzel tossing, mug-to-mug pouring, barrel rolling, a costume contest and mug leveling. After a live music performance, the celebration transitions into an after-party that runs until 2 a.m.

Oktoberfest '24 at Bunnyman Brewing (Sept. 21-22 and Sept. 28)

For its fourth annual Oktoberfest, Bunnyman Brewing in Burke (5583 Guinea Road) promises two days of games, music, German cuisine from Manassas-based Bratworks and a full menu of beers, slushies and shakes. Specialty drinks are included with the purchase of a handcrafted, salt-glazed beer mug.

According to the brewery's website, the brewery's Lorton location — which opened in late June at the Workhouse Arts Center (9514 Workhouse Way) — will also be joining in next Saturday, Sept. 28, with a polka band and German fare from its cafe.

Oktoberfest at The Boro (Saturday, September 21, 2-5pm)

The first 150 visitors to the Boro's Festival in Tysons (8350 Broad Street) will receive a beer stein with their brand name. All visitors will be treated to a sandlot beer garden with Oktoberfest, pumpkin and traditional beers, as well as another beer stein-holding contest. The winner will receive a gift certificate to a neighborhood restaurant.

Non-alcoholic fun will include a polka band, Bavarian dance workshops and performances, and children's activities such as face painting, crafts and glitter tattoos. El Bebe Restaurant (8354 Broad Street) offers an exclusive Oktoberfest menu with a pork schnitzel sandwich, hot dog, bratwurst and pretzel bites, as well as beer, cocktails and cider.

The event is free, but registration is recommended through Eventbrite. If the event is cancelled due to rain, it will be rescheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 2-5 p.m.

Oktoberfest Saturday (Sunday, 22.09., 18:30-20:30)

Lake Anne Brew House (11424 Washington Plaza West) in Reston says its Oktoberfest Saturday will be a “soirée like we’ve never hosted before,” featuring the 2024 Market Fest beer and a “full smorgasbord” of German appetizers, charcuterie and desserts.

Visitors can also purchase an exclusive, limited edition stoneware mug, available in four different shapes and colors. Admission costs $30.

“Tickets are going fast for our OKTOBERFEST PARTY next Sunday night!” Lake Anne Brew House said in a Facebook post. “Put on your Lederhosen or Dirndl and join us for an evening of fun, food, friends, LIVE MUSIC and the best beer this side of Germany!”

Fort Belvoir's 26th Annual Oktoberfest (Oct. 3-6)

The military fort celebrates Oktoberfest with a four-day festival at Fremont Field (2104 Goethals Road). While admission is limited to those who have a Department of Defense ID or are sponsored by someone who has such an ID, those who can attend can look forward to German cuisine, drinks, music, dancing, rides and games, and a 5K and 10K folk march.

Vienna Oktoberfest (Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.)

As previously reported, the City of Vienna's Oktoberfest is taking place for the 15th time. The event is organized by the Vienna Business Association and features food, entertainment, a beer garden and an arts and crafts market.

Food options have now been posted on the event website, which lists 26 different vendors.