A day of German beers, food and music is coming to Crystal City later this month for the neighborhood’s annual Oktoberfest celebration.
The festival — based on a celebration of beer and Bavarian culture in Munich, Germany — will run from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2200 S. Eads Street.
Pretzels, bratwursts, sauerkraut, local craft beers and other refreshments will be available for purchase from nearby restaurants and bars. Tickets, which come with a complimentary beer, will cost $15 at the entrance and $10 if purchased in advance.
The first 500 guests at the event, which is hosted by the National Landing BID, will receive a free National Landing stein to enjoy the festival’s assortment of beers from Port City Brewing Company.
Drinks will include an Oktoberfest Märzen-style lager that won gold at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, as well a non-alcoholic sparkling hop water.
The event will also feature a stein-holding competition and a best-dressed competition, as well as a variety of lawn games.
Other activities include hair braiding by Drybar and a polka dancing lesson hosted by Now & Then Dance Studios.
Alte Kumpel, “a dynamic band that brings the traditional sounds of German folk music to life with a modern twist,” will be playing live polka and waltz music.
Several businesses on 23rd Street S. plan to provide refreshments and specialty foods alongside Port City. Participating restaurants include:
- Crystal City Sports Pub, serving appetizers and select $4 beers
- The Portofino Restaurant, serving beers, bratwurst and sauerkraut
- McNamara’s, offering homemade Belgian waffles and Schofferhofer grapefruit beer
- Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, serving German chocolate cake and Black Forest cookies
- Los Tios Grill
About 12% of Arlington residents have German ancestry, according to census data.
National Landing Oktoberfest tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite.
