2021 Oktoberfest guide to the Philly area

The arrival of September means many things — the start of fall, pumpkin season, and beer-fueled Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the Philly region.

Favorite breweries, entire neighborhoods, and beer bars celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest with Munich-inspired Oktoberfest brews, full-on beer festivals complete with German-inspired music and food, and more opportunities to sip seasonal beer outdoors before it gets too cold.

Keep in mind that the coronavirus pandemic is causing last-minute changes to many events, be sure to check before the event for the most up-to-date information and updated COVID-19 precautions, including if you’ll need to show proof of vaccination, wear a mask, or socially distance.

Here’s where to celebrate Oktoberfest throughout the Philadelphia region.

Usher in autumn down the Shore with German-themed food and beer at an outdoor biergarten at Jumbo’s Pub and Grub, live entertainment, family activities, and, of course, rides.

🕑 Fridays through Sundays Sept. 17-Oct. 10. Event hours vary; check website link for info,📍 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, N.J., 📞 609-729-3700, 🌐 moreyspiers.com, 📷 @moreyspiers

A week-plus of Oktoberfest events are on the agenda at Craft Hall where you and your kids can visit for age-appropriate Oktoberfest activities. For grown-ups, there’s beer, deals on stein refills, and themed food. For kids, there’s pumpkin painting and an indoor playground.

🕑 Wed.-Sun., Oct. 1-10, 📍901 N. Delaware Ave., 📞 267-297-2072, 🌐 crafthallphilly.com

Dilworth Park’s multiday fall celebration combines a traditional Oktoberfest party with the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market. Look for seasonal food, beer, and bourbon cocktails from Maker’s Mark, as well as live music, circus performers, DJ sets, and more. There will also be family-friendly activities like the Hay Maze on Greenfield Lawn, pumpkin painting, and a professional pumpkin carving demonstration.

🕑 Oct. 8-9, noon-8 p.m., Oct. 10 noon-6 p.m.,📍 1 S. 15th St., 📞 215-440-5500, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 📷 @centercitydistrict

In addition to lots and lots of Attic brews, expect live music from Arthur Thomas & The Funkitorium, food trucks, vendors, and more.

🕑 Oct. 9 📍137 Berkley St., 📞 267-748-2495, 🌐 atticbrewing.com, 📷 @atticbrewing

Paoli’s Oktoberfest is family-friendly with bouncy houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating, live music, and a dog costume contest, with 100% of the proceeds going to different humanitarian charities, both local and international. Don’t worry, though, there’s still beer.

🕑 Oct. 9, noon-7:30 p.m.,📍 212 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, Pa., ✉️ umlrotary@gmail.com, 🌐 umlrotary.org

» READ MORE: Find more great things to do in our events calendar

Dover’s take on the traditional Oktoberfest celebration is huge, with a multi-block street festival that features beer, wine, spirits, and food from local restaurants, as well as outdoor performances from local musicians.

🕑 Oct. 9, 3-9 p.m.,📍 Loockerman St. Dover, DE, ✉️ destinationdowntowndover@gmail.com, 🌐facebook.com/OktDoverFest

Your ticket to Morgan’s Pier Oktoberfest gets you access to a four-hour open bar, all-you-can-eat soft pretzels, live music, and German food specials at the waterfront bar.

🕑 Oct. 9, 2-6 p.m.,📍221 N. Columbus Blvd., 🌐 morganspier.com, 📷 @morganspier

OctoberFeast has two days of German brews and food in its own beer garden, plus live music, family fun, and (of course) shopping. And you can kick off your Sunday morning with a walk in the Scarecrow Shuffle as well, a neighborhood classic event.

🕑 Oct. 16-17, 11-5 p.m. 📍 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, 📞 215-794-4000 🌐 peddlersvillage.com 📷 @peddlersvillage

Returning after a year off, this year’s Roxtoberfest will be a full-day festival with a variety of food, drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

🕑 Oct. 23, 1-6 p.m.,📍 Ridge Avenue between Lyceum and Leverington Avenues 📞 215-508-2358, 🌐 roxboroughpa.com/events/roxtoberfest-2021

» READ MORE: Live your best life in Philly: Read our most useful stories here

Steven White contributed to this article.