Top Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Philadelphia
Contrary to what the name might suggest, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September and runs into the first week of October. This year's festivities begin on September 20 and end on October 5. The 16-day festival is held annually in Munich, but with Pennsylvania's Dutch roots, you'll be able to find great celebrations right here in our state. These are the top places in Philadelphia to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 909-8814
www.brauhausschmitz.com
Date: Sept. 20, 2014
Brauhaus Schmitz will be shutting down the 700 block of South Street to host its 6th annual Oktoberfest block party on Saturday, September 20. This year's festivities will include German food and beer, live music (including live oompah), German dancers and a lot more fun activities. This street festival is free to attend, and Brauhus Schmitz isn't just celebrating Oktoberfest for one day — you can join in for a week-long celebration with events like ladies' night, flight night and a beer and cheese pairing.
Hop Angel Brauhaus
7980 Oxford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19111
(215) 437-1939
www.hopangelbrauhaus.blogspot.com
Dates: Sept. 27-28, 2014
Hop Angel has four fall festivals this month and next, including Pumpkinfest, Harvestfest, Applefest and, of course, Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest takes place on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 and will feature many family-friendly activities both inside and out. Some beers Hop Angel will have are Flying Fish Oktoberfish, Hoffbrau Oktoberfest and Stoudts Fest. Activities include KanJam, keg bowling and whiffle ball, and if you wear a lederhosen or a dirndl, you'll receive a free sausage sandwich.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com
Dates: Now through Oct. 4, 2014
McGillin's Olde Ale House is known for being the longest continually operating tavern in the city, having opened the year Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860. Even though it's a great Irish pub, McGillin's has been celebrating Oktoberfest since the end of August with a rotating list of German beers and foods and great lunch and dinner specials. On Saturday, October 4, McGillin's will turn Drury Street into an outdoor beer garden complete with DJs, karaoke, German beers and food. The surrounding areas of Midtown Village that day will be packed with street food, activities and performances.
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Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest
143 Spook Lane
Reading, PA 19606
(610) 373-3982
www.readingliederkranz.com
Dates: Oct. 1-5, 2014
The Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest is held an hour outside of Philadelphia and is the oldest and largest Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania, recently being listed by Business Insider as the fourth best place in the world (if you can't make it to Munich!) to celebrate Oktoberfest. This year's Oktoberfest will take place from October 1-5 and will feature an array of events along with traditional food and drinks. Many bands perform throughout the week and children's entertainment is available, such as clown performances.
Xtoberfest at XFinity Live!
1100 Pattison Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 443-6415
www.xfinitylive.com
Date: Sept. 27, 2014
The 3rd annual Xtoberfest takes place at Xfinity Live on Saturday, September 27. Xfinity Live is located near the sports complex in South Philadelphia and is an 80,000-square-foot entertainment and dining destination featuring multiple bars and restaurants. This year's Xtoberfest will have seven different areas and you'll be able to enjoy unlimited samplings of 200 craft beers from more than 100 breweries. Also on hand will be live music all day (including authentic German music), live DJs indoors, games and Oktoberfest-inspired food.
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Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
