How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Hunt Country
Written by Emerson Leger
Oktoberfest began with a wedding — and eventually a whole lot of beer. In 1810, a royal wedding was held in Munich in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities lasted from October 12 to 17 and ended with a horse race. Today, in the States, Oktoberfest is celebrated in September and with events right here in Middleburg and across Hunt Country.
Middleburg Oktoberfest
Middleburg’s sixth annual Oktoberfest will take place on September 19 on South Madison and Federal Street. Come for the traditional German food and live music, stay for the small-town charm. Vendors will be selling local beers, wine, cider, and food.
Unique to Oktoberfest in Middleburg are the corgi races, which have become a signature event, Jennifer Bell, director of community engagement, says. Thirty-two racers are expected to compete, so come see these dogs run their hearts out!
“Middleburg Oktoberfest is the perfect way to spend a September Saturday — enjoying good local beer and wine, festive music, and dancing in the charming setting of the Town of Middleburg. The variety of mouthwatering food offered is always a highlight, with local restaurants and vendors offering everything from delicious pretzels and sausages to strudel,” Bell says.
The event will last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., so bring your friends and family to make some lasting memories.
German Gifts at The Christmas Sleigh
In order to celebrate Oktoberfest properly, the right outfit and gifts are a must. Luckily, The Christmas Sleigh in Middleburg offers a variety of authentic options.
Vests, hats, pins, dresses, and necklaces will help construct the perfect outfit. Shoppers will find traditional lederhosen, too. For shoppers seeking home décor, the shop carries idyllic Oktoberfest scenes, party supplies, and beer steins. And it wouldn’t be The Christmas Sleigh if they didn’t offer Oktoberfest-themed tree ornaments to remember all the fun had at the festivities.
Celebratory Beer at Lost Barrel
On Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lost Barrel Brewing will host its annual Oktoberfest. This family-friendly festival transforms the brewery grounds into a lively Bavarian-style celebration. Guests can enjoy live music, shop from an array of local artisan vendors, and indulge in hearty food.
The star of the show is the brewery’s limited-release Oktoberfest Festbier. This 5.5% ABV crisp, malty lager offers the perfect toast to autumn and this fall tradition. Whether attendees want to gather around firepits with friends, explore all this event has to offer, or relax on the patio with their leashed dog, this all-ages event promises an unforgettable day of community and craft beer. Admission and parking are free, making it the perfect weekend trip for families, beer lovers, and visitors to Middleburg alike.
Live Music at Black Hoof Brewing Co.
Dust off your dirndls and lederhosen, because on September 19 from 2 to 9 p.m., Black Hoof Brewing Co. in Leesburg will host its annual Oktoberfest event. The band Lost Lederhosen will be performing traditional German tunes starting at 4 p.m.
Guests won’t go hungry, as German dinner plates including two bratwursts, German potato salad, Rotkohl (pickled red cabbage), a 5-inch pretzel, and Obatzda (German beer cheese) will be served. Wash the meal down with Opa’s Festbier alongside other Black Hoof craft beers.
Black Hoof Brewing Co. will make sure this is an Oktoberfest attendees won’t forget.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
Lovettsville is hosting its 30th annual Oktoberfest this year, which will surely be special. On Saturday, September 26, the town is moving the celebration from the Town Green directly into the historic downtown streets surrounding Zoldos Square, also known as “The Squirkle.” This reimagined layout focuses on local businesses and community spirit. Attendees will be able to sip local craft beer while wandering through the heart of the business district.
Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the family-friendly event seamlessly blends deep-rooted Bavarian traditions with vibrant Southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy authentic live entertainment, including the traditional oompah sounds of the Alte Kameraden band. When hunger strikes, options span from hearty German bratwursts to classic local barbecue. The high-energy festival atmosphere will be rounded out by unique crowd-pleasing competitions like stein-hoisting, stein-hauling, and the fiercely competitive wiener dog races, alongside a dedicated Kinderfest packed with interactive children’s activities. This event is not one to miss. ML
Featured photo by Caroline Gray.
Published in the September 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.