Oktoberfests 2012 in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

Many communities in the Washington, DC area hold Oktoberfests, a local version of the famous fall festival held each year in Munich, Germany. The Oktoberfest is a family fun event focused on German beer, food, music and dancing. Here is the schedule of Oktoberfests in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. (In order by date)

Blob's Park Oktoberfest
September 22-October 28, 2012. 8024 Max Blob's Park Rd. Jessup, Maryland. Known for America's first Oktoberfest! Most bands starts at 7:30-8 p.m. Great family fun with good food and friends. $8-12 admission.

Das Best Oktoberfest
September 22-23, 2012, noon to 6 p.m. National Harbor, MD. The outdoor festival will include over 100 unique beers, German wines and schnapps, German foods and other festival goodies, Oompah bands, live music, contests and much more. Admission: $25, Children ages 12 and under are free.

Redwood Oktoberfest
September 22, 2012, 1-8 p.m. Bethesda Row, 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, MD. Ten breweries will participate. Lots of food, activities and sales. Admission: $25.

Biergarten Haus Oktoberfest
September 22 - October, 2012. 1355 H St NE Washington, DC. The Bavarian pub offers their regular 12 drafts and 11 additional Oktoberfest drafts, food and live music.

Lovettsville's Oktoberfest
September 28-30, 2012. In celebration of the town's German heritage, the community in Loudoun County, Virginia celebrates Oktoberfest with food, crafts, and entertainment.

Frederick Oktoberfest
September 29-30, 2012, Saturday: 11 – 10 p.m., Sunday 11 – 8 p.m. Frederick Fairgrounds, East Patrick St., Frederick, Maryland. Huge Oktoberfest with live music, kid's games, German foods, Biergarten and family fun. Admission: $5, Children ages 2 and under are free.

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest
October 4-7, 2012. Located off of Rt. 1 in Fairfax County, Virginia, The annual festival, open to the general public, includes authentic German food and beer, carnival rides, live entertainment, kids activities and more.

Oktoberfest Reston
October 5-7, 2012. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston, Virginia. Sample the best in fall brews and traditional Oktoberfest fare provided by some of Reston's finest eateries. Live entertainment.

Germantown Oktoberfest
October 6, 2012, 9:45 a.m.-5 p.m. New Location this year, Clarksburg, Maryland. The festival includes live music, kid's games, German foods, Biergarten and family fun.

Oktoberfest at Capitol City Brewing Company
October 6, 2012, 12-7 p.m. Shirlington Village, Arlington, Virginia. Sample more than 60 beers and a variety of foods, while enjoying lively German entertainment. Admission: $25. Shirlington library will host kid’s events.

Snallygaster DC
October 13, 2012, 1-5 p.m. Yards Park, 3rd and Water St. SE Washington DC. The outdoor beer festival will feature more than 100 different ales and lagers, food vendors, live music, DJ’s, recreational and family-friendly activities. $5 admission contributions will benefit the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. Drink and food tickets will be sold separately.

Oktoberfest at the Kentlands
October 14, 2012, noon – 4 p.m. Kentlands Village Green, Gaithersburg, Maryland. The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Citizens Assembly sponsor this family friendly Oktoberfest featuring Bavarian music, dance, food, crafts, pony rides, moonbounces, pumpkin decorating, face painting and more.

Charles County Oktoberfest
October 13-14, 2012, Saturday Noon–7 p.m., Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd. La Plata, MD. The family friendly event features German foods, beer, wine, music, children's activities, and live Bavarian entertainment.