A beer garden serving brews, bratwurst, and sauerbraten—and the booming oompah-pah of a blaskapelle (Alpine wind ensemble)—takes over the historic district of Lovettsville, Virginia, this Saturday, September 26, for its 22nd annual Oktoberfest. That’s when the town—population 1,800—pays homage to the Germans who first settled the area in the 1730s. Last year, about 8,000 people attended the event, making it one of the biggest Oktoberfests hosted by a small town in the Mid-Atlantic. Lovettsville is 55 miles from DC.
When not eating or dancing, you can take the kids to fly on the free moon bounce or browse the 100-plus vendors selling dulcimers, quilts, and candles. When the polka and waltz tunes end, typically around 5, be sure to head to the track to cheer on your favorite wiener in the dachshund race. Afterward, a rock band plays until 11. Admission is free.
