Oktoberfest season is making its way through Stafford, Virginia, this fall, with local breweries bringing their own spin to the traditional celebration. From live polka and Bavarian music to stein-holding contests, German food, craft beer and plenty of family-friendly activities, there are lots of ways to raise a glass throughout September and October. 

6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co. — Fredtoberfest 

September 12 | 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 

The area’s Oktoberfest celebrations kick off with the fifth annual Fredtoberfest at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the season with craft beverages from Virginia breweries and cideries, plenty of German food, and a lively mix of music, dancing, and fall fun. 

Highlights: 

• More than just beer: Virginia craft breweries, cideries and meaderies will be pouring throughout the event. 

• German fare alongside other food options. 

• Live music throughout the day and traditional German dancers. 

• Oktoberfest games, contests and family activities. 

• Local artisans and specialty vendors to browse between beers. 

Adventure Brewing Company — 11th Annual Oktoberfest 

September 19 | 12–10 p.m.
33 Perchwood Dr. #101, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 

Adventure Brewing’s Oktoberfest returns for its 11th year with a day built around the traditions and playful chaos that make the celebration so much fun. Expect polka dancing, a stein-holding contest, a firkin tapping and live music from Cold North in the evening. 

Highlights: 

• Stein-holding contest for those willing to put their arm strength to the test.  

• Firkin tapping, Oktoberfest music, polka dancing and the inevitable Chicken Dance.  

• Chapos Tacos and Rosies will offer special event food.  

• Photo opportunities and plenty of room for Oktoberfest shenanigans. 

Full Distance Brewing — Annual Oktoberfest 

September 26 | 12–9 p.m.
650 Corporate Dr. #101, Stafford, VA 22554 

Full Distance Brewing brings Oktoberfest to Stafford with an afternoon-and-evening celebration featuring live music and German-inspired food from two local food trucks. It’s a laid-back way to spend a Saturday: beer in hand, music playing and plenty of food to keep the festivities going. 

Highlights: 

• Chapo’s Tacos and KJ Chatterbox will both be serving German fare.  

• Live music from Dave Nemetz and the Anthony James Band.  

• Raffles and prizes throughout the celebration. 

• Plenty of gemütlichkeit – good times, good friends and a festive atmosphere. 

Laudenbach Brewing Company — 2nd Annual Oktoberfest 

September 26 | 12–10 p.m.
45 Centreport Pkwy, Suite #101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 

Laudenbach Brewing is bringing Oktoberfest back for its second year with a full day of German-inspired food, beer, live music and festivities. Celebrate the season with Bavarian tunes, an evening of crowd-pleasing favorites, hourly raffles and stein-holding competitions. 

Highlights: 

• Catch Bavarian folk music from M&J Volksmusik from 1–4 p.m., followed by High and Dry from 6–9 p.m. 

• Test your strength with stein-holding contests at 4 p.m. 

• Hourly raffles run from 1–6 p.m., with no purchase necessary. 

• Oktoberfest Märzen will be on tap, and commemorative one-liter steins will be available for purchase. 

Barley Naked Brewing Company — Oktoberfest & 8th Anniversary 

October 10 | 12–9 p.m.
15 Tech Parkway, Stafford, VA 22556 

Barley Naked wraps up the local Oktoberfest run with a celebration that doubles as the brewery’s eighth anniversary. The free, family-friendly event mixes Oktoberfest traditions with the brewery’s own party atmosphere, including live polka, vendors, food trucks and activities for kids. 

Highlights: 

• Start the day with a morning Beer Mile before the Oktoberfest festivities get underway – registration is required. 

• Local vendors including Lynx Permanent Jewelry, Hair Tinsel, and Steven Chen Caricatures.  

• Kids can take part in face painting and pumpkin painting.  

• Lucky Duck Lemonade & Dirty Sodas will be on-site providing non-alcoholic options. 

With events stretching from September 12 through October 10, Oktoberfest season offers plenty of excuses to sample local beer, dig into German food and spend a Saturday supporting breweries around Stafford and Fredericksburg. And because these celebrations are free and family-friendly, you don’t have to be a hardcore beer drinker to join in the fun. Just bring your appetite, your best Chicken Dance moves, and maybe a little competitive spirit for the stein-holding contests!