While Christmas gets all the hype as the “most wonderful time of the year,” a strong argument can be made that Oktoberfest is actually better, or at least a close second.

Running from September 22nd – October 7th in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. Held since 1810, the event attracts over six million people each year.

If the official festival isn’t on your bucket list – it should be. It’s an amazing cultural experience, and a whole lot of fun. But if you can’t make it to Munich this year – don’t worry! The Washington, D.C. area has adopted the Oktoberfest tradition and there are plenty of places to enjoy a nice stein of German beer and bavarian foods. Here are some of the best. Prost!

• Biergarten Haus – 1355 H St. NE

  Including two indoor bars and an outdoor beer garden, you can really get the spirit of the authentic Oktoberfest experience year round! During the run of the actual Oktoberfest, they host ceremonial keg tappings, and stein hoisting competitions. They close things out with a pig roast on 10/8.

• Dacha Beer Garden – 1600 7th St. NW

  This outdoor beer garden in Shaw is both dog and family friendly, serving German, Belgian, and American craft beers. Their seasonal menu is inspired by traditional Bavarian beer garden fare with a local farm to table approach.

• Sauf Haus – 1216 18th St. NW

  Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, this rooftop beer garden gets crowded quickly and is first come, first serve seating – so get there early! Also be aware, they have a strict no dogs and no kiddos policy. Besides steins of their authentic German beer, be sure to enjoy (and share) a giant two pound pretzel!

• Old Europe – 2434 Wisconsin Ave. NW

  A fixture in Glover Park since 1948, this old-world restaurant serves authentic, beautifully presented German food. Guests are served by staff wearing classic dirndils and lederhosen. Take advantage of their special Oktoberfest menu and dinner specials.

• Tysons Biergarten – 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA

  Running an extra long Oktoberfest from September 16th – October 28th, this 8,000 square foot beer garden is both kid and dog friendly. They feature live music seven days a week, and are located only 25 feet from the Greensboro Metro Station.

• Sehkraft Brewing – 925 N Garfield St. Suite A, Arlington, VA

  Sehkraft means “vision” or “eyesight” in German, and this brewery and music space prides itself on its craft brew authenticity. After eating and tasting different beers, you can stop by their butcher and cheese shop on the way out.

• Das Best Oktoberfest – National Harbor, MD

  Taking place September 30th from noon – 6 pm, this outdoor festival is “all you can taste” from 120 international, domestic, and local Maryland beers. Dance along with the oompah bands, compete in beer games, and keep your souvenir tasting glass! Tickets are required.

Living in Washington, D.C.

Emphasis on cultural (and fun!) events like this are just one of the reasons living in the Washington, D.C. area is so great – and desirable. If you’re considering moving to the DMV, take a look at our helpful guide to relocating here. If you want to take advantage of your property value, and are considering selling, let us talk to you about the market and the selling process. Give us a call at 202.270.1081, or email us at anslie@thestokesgroup.com.

The Stokes Group is a team of dedicated professionals who have passion for the real estate business and will advocate for our clients with the utmost honesty, integrity, and confidentiality. We believe in building solid relationships with our clients and that starts by getting to know who we are. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.