If beer has a national — make that multi-national — holiday then surely, it is Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is in full swing throughout the Commonwealth!
So how did it all begin?
Way back on October 12, 1810, King Ludwig I married Princess Terese of Sax-Hildburghausen in Munich, Germany. Citizens of the city were invited to celebrate the festivities, which included 15th-century-style horse racing. Held in the fields outside the gates of Munich, the celebration became an annual event with a parade, carnival booths, games, Bavarian dancing and music.
This year’s 191st Oktoberfest celebration in Germany takes place from September 19 to October 4. At 12 noon, on September 19, the Mayor of Munich tapped the first keg of Oktoberfest, and then the non-stop Oktoberfest beer drinking began!
Interestingly, only beer brewed within Munich city limits and conforming to the Reinheitsgebot can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest. The official Oktoberfest beers come from just six breweries: Spatenbrau, Paulaner, Hofbrau, Augustiner-Brau, Hacker-Pschorr Brau, and Lowenbrau.
In Hampton Roads, the most traditional way to celebrate Oktoberfest is by attending the Bier Garden’s Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 3. The event will be held on the 400 block of High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. A large tent with long, blue/white clothed tables provide ample seating for enjoying official Oktoberfest beers from Germany and traditional food served-up by the Osfolk family, who hail from the European nation. There are games for children, a ceremonial keg tapping (1 PM), and a large brass orchestra — Elbe Musikanten Band — performing the traditional sounds of Bavaria from noon to 8:30pm.
There’s still time to enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations at breweries throughout Coastal Virginia…
Elation Brewing, Norfolk
Now through October 3
It’s a celebration of German style beer, food and music. Elation will feature three German-inspired beers on tap. Oompah bands each weekend. Authentic German food menu.
Maker’s Craft Brewery, Norfolk
September 26
The day is devoted to German-style beers and live music featuring the Happy Dutchmen. Try the Fest Bier. 1—5 PM.
Big Ugly Brewing, Chesapeake
September 25
Dubbed Bubtoberfest, Big Ugly Brewing will tap its Schlitzengiggle Marzen and present stein hoisting competitions. Lederhosen and dirndls are encouraged attire from 3-10 PM. Music at 6:30 by Nate Sacks.
St. George Brewing Co., Hampton
September 26
They'll be busting out the dirndls and lederhosen for a day of great food, live music, local artisan vendors and GREAT BEER!
And since this is a "Steal The Pint,” St George is making a commemorative custom pint glass for the occasion and you get to keep it when you buy a pint! No limit, while supplies last. Noon to 6 PM.
Wasserhund Brewing Co. (Virginia Beach location)
September 26
This German-themed brewery will offer $5 Oktoberfest pint all day and $10 jumbo pretzels as you may “steal the Silipint” to take home.
Billsburg Brewing, Williamsburg
September 26
A ticketed event ($30) featuring multiple German food trucks, multiple breweries serving their German-style beers, and live Yacht Rock music. Noon to 4 PM.
Commonwealth Brewing Co., Virginia Beach
September 26
Traditional oompah Band, Oktoberfest Marzen Lager release, and stein hoisting competition.
Afterglow Brewing, Norfolk
October 3
Close out Oktoberfest season at Afterglow with a .5 litre stein holding contest, live music, food and craft vendors, and the release of Lederglosen Festbier.
And, a few more throughout the rest of the state…
Central Virginia
Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton
September 25 – October 5
German food specials every day, live music, special activities, games, and prizes
Brewing Tree, Afton
September 26
Marzen and Festbier on tap!
Center of the Universe, Ashland
September 26
German and American music, German-style beer, and food.
56th Annual Richmond Oktoberfest
October 16 & 17
Held at the Old Dominion Building at the Richmond Raceway Complex
Northern VA
G34.3 Brewery, Lorton
September 26
Bavarian vibes with a fan-favorite Märzen-style beer, Lenticular Lager 1553, food by The Alpine Chef, including bratwurst and pretzels, and a live Oompah band.
Commonwealth Brewing, Fairfax
September 26
A festive celebration packed with Bavarian spirit, cold beer, and plenty of gemütlichkeit (that's German for good cheer). Test your strength in our Stein-Hoisting Competition, get in the spirit with traditional German bands, and dig into Oktoberfest-inspired food specials made for the occasion.
Virginia Mountains
Golden Cactus Brewing, Roanoke
September 26
Featuring competitive games, German-style beer, food, and more.
