Oktoberfest-ivities Happening in DC This Fall

Fall has arrived, and that means rosé is out and beer is in. Check out these celebrations and specials taking place over the last week of Oktoberfest. Prost!

The beer-centric restaurant will host the aptly named “City Tap Haus” from October 1–4 with German beers taking over the majority of their taps. To pair with your brews, they’ll have German dishes like bratwurst, veal schnitzel, and potato dumplings starting at 5 PM each night. (901 9th St., NW; 202-644-9433)

October 3, 12–7 PM

Capitol City in Shirlington will be hosting their 16th Annual Oktoberfest featuring over 65 breweries and fall seasonal beers. Admission is free, but to sample the beers, you’ll need to get tickets for $30. Local food vendors will be on hand in next to authentic Oktoberfest food and a German band. The event runs until 7 PM, but taps close at 6 PM. (4001 Campbell Ave., Shirlington; 703-578-3888)
 

Throughout Oktoberfest, Shaw’s neighborhood beer garden will be offering Weihenstephaner’s Festbier on tap. Lederhosen and dirndls are highly encouraged with prizes for best outfits to be handed out October 4. Afraid you’ll go through beer withdrawal post-Oktoberfest? Fear not, they’ll also be hosting an Oktoberfest Hangover Cure with New Belgium on October 7 to make sure your suffering is minimal. (1600 7th St., NW; 202-524-8790)

Through October 4, you can enjoy a prix fixe 3-course Oktoberfest-themed dinner for $30 with an optional beer pairing ($10). Menu items include beer and cheddar cheese soup with pretzel roll, wiener schnitzel with sauerkraut, and fried apple pie served with vanilla ice cream. (2446 18th St., NW; 202-232-7663)

Dupont Circle’s rooftop beer garden will be offering Oktoberfest specials through October 4. Deals include $2 off Oktoberfest beers and live music...as always, pretzels the size of tricycle tires will be available for purchase. (1216 18th St., NW; 202-466-3355)

A pop-up beer garden located in NoMa, Wunder Garten will be hosting a week of Oktoberfest fun. Highlights include German beers, Bavarian musicians, Oktoberfest trivia, a beer stein competition, and a dirndl relay race. Tickets are required for October 2–4 events. (150 M St., NE; 202-716-7302)
 

Appealing to both suburbanites and city-dwellers, all three of Doner Bistro’s locations ( Adams Morgan; Fredricksburg, MD; Leesburg, VA) will celebrate Oktoberfest over succeeding weekends. From October 2–4, the DC location will host a celebration featuring Stein-holding contests and food specials; head to Maryland from October 9–11 for happy hour on Friday 3–7 PM, Family Day on Saturday, and Traditional Day on Sunday with Oktoberfest games and traditional Bavarian music; from October 15–18, Leesburg will be hosting its 8th annual celebration with live music, German food specials, and games. Bonus: dress up in lederhosen or dirndl for a surprise. (Various locations)
 

Saturdays in October, 12 PM

If you’re in Capitol Hill any weekend in October, stop by Cafe Berlin for an Oktoberfest Pig Roast. Every Saturday during Oktoberfest, they’ll roast up a suckling pig. For $35, you’ll get a piece of the roast, two sides, apple strudel, and a liter of beer. Oh, and you’ll get all of that served by waiters dressed in dirndls and lederhosen. (322 Massachusetts Ave., NE; 202-543-7656)
 

Oktoberfest just got so much better. Head to Yards Park and enjoy the usual Oktoberfest offerings such as local/national craft beer, live music, and snacks from local food trucks, but with the added benefit of bringing your pups. Dog activities include a costume contest for the best-dressed pooch, a dog agility park, and more. Enjoy all this while supporting the Washington Animal Rescue League. Tickets range from $10 for non-drinking guests, $35 for general admission, and $50 for VIP. (Corner of N St. SE & 1st St. SE)