6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Co. to host Fredtoberfest

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6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co.
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6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Co. to host Fredtoberfest

STAFFORD, VA – August 9, 2022 – A celebration of local beer, food, music and crafts will take over the sparkling new Fredericksburg Nationals ballpark on Saturday, Oct. 1. Save the date because all that’s missing now is you.

Fredtoberfest brings together an authentic German-style Oktoberfest, including an oompah band, with great hand-crafted Virginia beer, cider and seltzer, delicious food, vendors, and activities for all ages. The day-long festival culminates with a live concert featuring four of the region’s best bands.

The first annual Fredtoberfest is presented by 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Co. in collaboration with the Fredericksburg Area Beer Trail, Tour Stafford, Visit Fredericksburg, and Visit Spotsylvania.

Fredtoberfest tickets are on sale now. Follow this link for more information and to purchase your passes today: https://www.6bgbrewingco.com/fredtoberfest.

The Fredericksburg-area craft breweries and downtown restaurants have hosted Oktoberfests that have drawn thousands to the region during the past decade or so.

“It’s time to bring Oktoberfest back to the area in a big way,” said Mark Faller, founder and Managing Partner of 6 Bears & a Goat. “And the Fred Nats ballpark offers a perfect spot for community celebration of all things local.”

Fredtoberfest will open at noon on Oct. 1 and begin with the ceremonial tapping of the keg featuring special guests. Faller said he and his veteran-partners at 6B&G are so committed to the success of Fredtoberfest that their Stafford County brew house and restaurant will close for the day on Oct. 1 so the staff can help with the event and find some time to enjoy the festivities at the ballpark.

The early part of the day will capture the traditional flavor of Oktoberfest. So break out your lederhosen, gentlemen, and those dirndls, ladies, because the Alte Kameraden band will get your feet moving with their authentic German-style music. The 14-piece Fairfax-based ensemble formed in 1977 and has introduced American audiences up and down the East Coast to the lush, spirited festmusik played by Bavarian bands at the original fest in Germany.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Ale hosted Oktoberfest in downtown Fredericksburg for 10 years. The event drew thousands each fall. Faller said he expects upwards of 5,000 people to come to the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, the home of the Fred Nats since 2021, for Fredtoberfest.

“In some ways, we’re bringing a Fredericksburg tradition back to life, Faller said, “But Fredtoberfest is something new and different in a beautiful new spot meant to handle a crowd.”

The original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is making a comeback this year as well. The 187th edition of the two-plus week festival in Munich that typically draws millions each year—is slated to return in late September after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here, the first-annual Fredtoberfest is gaining momentum. More than 30 Virginia craft breweries will pour a variety of styles of beers and seltzers. Also, several cideries and meaderies will feature their drinks.

Fans of breweries in Stafford, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania that are part of the FAB beer trail will be able to taste their favorites in one spot in the stadium. “There are other beer festivals in the area, but it’s rare to have so many local beers in one spot,” Faller said.

Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

Nine food trucks will offer their specialties and German fare from 6 Bears & a Goat’s kitchen will include their signature, award-winning O’Dark Thirty Irish Extra Stout braised Bratwurst, among other German favorites.

Traditional Oktoberfest competitions will be on tap in the ballpark such as the Beer Stein Relay Races and Stein Holding Contests. In addition, there will be axe throwing and corn hole for adults. For the kids, there will be a bounce house, face painting, foam pit and the playground. Or you can head down to the outfield and try your hand at the Mega Games—large checkers, chess and soccer pool.

Starting at 4 p.m., Fredtoberfest will feature crowd-engaging bands that please the musical tastes of many. Whiskey Revival will bring its country-rock sounds, bŌn will play soul and hip-hop, Scott McMillan and the Chase will feature country favorites, and the headliner Shannon Peterson in Tennyson Dragon will rock the night away.

Sponsors, who have helped make Fredtoberfest happen include: New Dominion Heating & Air, Halsey Homes, Dragonfly Yoga Studios, 540 Volleyball, Pristine Tile and Carpet Cleaning, Always Flavored, Heritage Title and Settlement, Virginia T-Shirt Company, Self Made Sports and 77 Barbershop. Local brewery sponsors include Highmark Brewery, Barley Naked Brewing Co. and Red Dragon Brewery.

Want to go?
What: Fredtoberfest
When: Oct. 1, noon-10 p.m.
Where: FredNats Stadium, 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Tickets: Advance: $15; At the gate: $20
Includes admission into the event, a souvenir 24 oz. stadium cup and access to all activities and the live music concert.
Check out the event flyer here.
Check out event details here