Summary
Oktoberfest is a beer-friendly celebration originating in Germany that is recognized and celebrated around the world.
Origins of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest began in Bavaria, Germany over 200 years ago when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The event was celebrated with days of feasting, drinking, and watching horse races. It was such a memorable occasion that the event was made an annual affair scheduled to take place toward the end of the harvest season, coinciding with the anniversary of the marriage.
Consequently, it remains a multi-day festival. Oktoberfest in Munich now starts in September and continues until the first Sunday in October, or on October 3, whichever is later. Therefore, shorter celebrations, like those found in the United States, may take place at the end of September or the beginning of October.
Reston’s Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Reston is Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor fall festival, also referred to as Flavors of Fall. This lively festival features seasonal beer and wine, traditional German food from 10 local restaurants, a family carnival, live entertainment, corn hole games, a chili cook-off, and the Great Pumpkin 5K race. Live music includes well-loved traditional German tunes as well as a variety of local performers and bands. You may even learn a German dance or two, adding to the cultural experience.
Dates and Times
Flavors of Fall is typically held on the first Saturday of October, but it’s advisable to check the exact dates in advance. In 2019, the first Saturday of October fell on October 5. The festival generally begins around noon and concludes around 11 p.m. The 5K race takes place the following Sunday morning, offering additional excitement for participants.
Location
The event is hosted annually at Reston Town Center, located at 11900 Market Street in Reston. Reston is conveniently situated just a half-hour drive west of Washington, D.C., making it an effortless day trip or weekend escape for visitors from the capital. The easiest way to access the event is by car, with free parking available on-site.
Admission and Event Tickets
General admission to Flavors of Fall is free. However, tickets for food and drinks do incur additional costs. Each restaurant stand can charge between one to five tickets per food sample, while beers and wines typically range from five to six tickets per drink. Non-alcoholic beverages are more affordable, costing only one ticket. All-you-can-ride carnival wristbands are available for purchase before the event at a lower price than on-site, and wristbands are valid only for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oktoberfest Beers
The festival features a variety of beers on tap, including Beck’s Oktoberfest, Devil’s Backbone Vienna Logger, Dominion Octoberfest, Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, Widmer Hefeweizen, and select craft beers. This selection ensures that beer enthusiasts have plenty of options to enjoy.
Participating Restaurants
While each year brings different restaurants and food vendors, past participants have included notable establishments such as Barcelona Wine Bar, Choolaah Indian BBQ, Clyde’s of Reston, GreenFare, Mom’s Momo, Pittsburgh Rick’s, The Melting Pot, and Tavern64 Regional Kitchen. These local restaurants showcase their fall menus, which may feature traditional German meals or creative farm-to-table dishes, highlighting the richness of the season.
