Cap-City Bartoberfest
September 26

A Chinatown pub crawl to celebrate Oktoberfest? Apparently so. The Cap-City Bartoberfest will take you to seven neighborhood bars—Greene Turtle, Bar Louie, Clyde's, the Irish Channel, Rocket Bar, Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, and RFD—for drink and food specials, including $2 Coors Light and $3 Blue Moon. There will also be a bratwurst eating contest. Start at the Greene Turtle between from 1 to 6 PM; drink specials will be available until 9. Advance tickets, available here, are $10. Tickets at the door will be $13, but you can get them at the advance-ticket price with the donation of a school supply, benefiting children's charity Horton's Kids. 

Faust at the Sonic Circuits Festival
September 27

Tired of the lager-and-lederhosen routine? Try experimental music on for size. The Hamburg-based art-rock band Faust, which was at the heart of the Krautrock movement in the 1970s and still retains a big US fan base, plays in DC on the final day of the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music. The festival is held at venues throughout the city, but Faust will perform at the Black Cat at 8. Tickets are available here.

Barktoberfest
October 1

Barkley Square Bakery, an dog bakery and boutique in Alexandria, is hosting Barktoberfest to benefit animal rescue organization Homeward Trails. Make a donation and you can get beer, hotdogs, and brats, and dogs can enjoy complimentary homemade treats and doggie beer. German dress—think dirndls and lederhosen—is encouraged. The store will also be offering 50 percent off toys, leashes, collars, and more, and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be on-hand with dogs looking for homes. 5 to 9 PM. 

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest
October 1 through 4

Enjoy beer, brats, and a volksmarch—literally, "people's march"—at Fort Belvoir's annual Oktoberfest celebration. The 5- and 10-kilometer walks, a German tradition, take place October 3 and 4 with start times between 10 AM and 2 PM. Other Oktoberfest activities include live music, a carnival, and kids activities. Admission is free, but some events, such as the carnival, have fees. For more information, go here. 

Capital City Brewing Company
October 3

The Shirlington outpost of this local chain is celebrating Oktoberfest with pours of beer for more than 30 breweries. Of course, there will also be German food and live music—because what's Oktoberfest without good eats and tunes? If you want to drink beer, tickets are $25; nondrinkers get in free. The rain-or-shine event runs from noon to 7.

Germantown Oktoberfest
October 3

Who says mixing beer and explosives isn’t a good idea? The 27th annual Germantown Oktoberfest honors the area’s heritage by setting up a biergarten, playing German music, and blasting fireworks into the night. Choose from Miller Lite or Sam Adams Octoberfest on tap to wash down that sauerkraut. Festivities get under way at 11 AM. Free parking and admission.

Balktoberfest
October 3

For something a bit different, head to the Balkans’ version of Oktoberfest in Silver Spring. Sure, you don’t normally equate the St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral with bacchanal, but so what? Peruse the Balkan Bazaar, munch on traditional mezze, and down it with a pint (or two or three). At least 12 Balkan bands and dancers will bring their unique Eastern European blend of Slavic beats to the party. The Eastern European soire runs from 4 to midnight. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, under 18 free.

Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest
October 3

For $25, revelers at the Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest can sample four-ounce tastes from more than 30 breweries. Each patron gets ten drink tickets—depending on your thirst, that could either add up to a bargain or bust. Regardless, the folks at Capital City Brewery, which is sponsoring the event, will close off a street in Shirlington Village, pitch their own beer tent, and offer a day’s worth of German music as a drinking soundtrack. Swing by from noon to 7.

Vienna Oktoberfest Celebration
October 3

This family-oriented Oktoberfest celebration takes place along Church Street in Vienna and includes a beer garden, food vendors, live entertainment, a marketplace, and free children's activities. The event is free and runs from 11 to 7, rain or shine. For more information, call 703-281-1333 or go here.