See dazzling lighted sailboats at Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Council of Frederick County
Champions of Magic, Holiday Markets, and More Fun Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids
See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
29 Best Things to Do in DC November 2024 with Kids: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Lights
There are so many restaurants at which to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the DC area. Photo by Cotton Bro Studio via Pexels
21 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
75 Free Fun Things To Do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with Kids

Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest Near Washington, DC

Get in on the action at the Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of the festival
Get in on the action at the Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of the festival
9/23/24 - By Jennifer Swope

While we can't all go to Munich for the annual Oktoberfest celebration, we can celebrate Oktoberfest near DC at a variety of family-friendly events. From dachshunds racing at The Wharf to a month-long kid festival at Shipgarten, these festivities include food and fun for all ages. Read on for our list of Oktoberfest events near DC you won't want to miss.

For more autumn activities, visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Kids. And don't forget to check our family activity calendar, as we're always adding more events.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The Weiner 500 Daschund Dash is a fun part of Oktoberfest at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
The Weiner 500 Daschund Dash is a fun part of Oktoberfest at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest Near DC

Kings Dominion Oktoberfest

Doswell, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, through November 3, 2024
Kings Dominion's Oktoberfest offers authentic German food, beverages, music, games, and family-friendly entertainment. Plus, the park’s most popular rides are open. READ MORE

Frederick's Oktoberfest

Frederick, MD - Saturday, September 28, 2024
German food, beer, wine, music, dancing, and fun! Frederick’s Oktoberfest celebrates German heritage, brings friends and neighbors together for a weekend full of good food and drink, and raises monies to support many community causes and charities. READ MORE

Rocktobierfest (at Rockville Town Center)

Rockville, MD - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Free
Rocktobierfest is the City of Rockville's premiere Oktoberfest-themed festival. The festival features two stages of entertainment, including German and rock music, and a wide selection of beer for sale from local breweries. Guests can also enjoy an artisan shopping area and purchase food from vendors providing Oktoberfest-themed food options. READ MORE

Oktoberfest at John Carlyle Square

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Free
Celebrate a festive Oktoberfest in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Get ready for a day filled with traditional music, lively entertainment, a beer garden, shopping, and the unmistakable spirit of Bavarian merriment. READ MORE

Family Oktoberfest at Shipgarten

McLean, VA - Sundays, September 29 - October 27, 2024
Free
Shipgarten is hosting Oktoberfest Kid and Family Festivals on Sundays this fall. Bring the entire family for a day filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. This event is perfect for children of all ages, and admission is free. READ MORE

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest

Fort Belvoir, VA - Thursday - Sunday, October 3-6. 2024
Fort Belvoir Army Garrison celebrates Oktoberfest by welcoming the general public to its annual four-day event featuring carnival rides, games, German cuisine, music, dancing, and large inflatables for the entire family.  READ MORE

Oktoberfest at The Wharf

Washington, DC - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
It’s that time of year to wear dirndl or lederhosen for Oktoberfest. This annual event includes the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash (from 2-5pm) where the speediest dachshunds in DC race for fame and fortune on the District Pier race track to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. READ MORE

Oktoberfest Neighborhood Block Party at Prince of Peace Church

Springfield, VA - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a beer garden, lots of children's activities, door prizes, and more at Prince of Peace's Oktoberfest event. The event happens rain or shine. READ MORE

Vienna Oktoberfest

Vienna, VA - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
Families can celebrate Oktoberfest at this annual festival held in Vienna. Guests can expect a beer/wine garden, German food, music, and free kids' activities. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Oktoberfest

Gaithersburg, VA - Sunday, October 13, 2024
Free
Experience a taste of Germany at the annual celebration of Oktoberfest in Gaithersburg. Enjoy festival food, free wagon rides, pumpkin and face painting, strolling entertainers, and much more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: