Raise a Stein: Philadelphia & South Jersey Oktoberfest Fun

Philadelphia and South Jersey Oktoberfest season is back, and the next several weeks promise lederhosen, steins, and plenty of Bavarian cheer. Philadelphia has earned its spot as one of the top Oktoberfest destinations in the country, ranked #4 in the U.S. by WalletHub, and it’s easy to see why. From South Street to Fishtown to South Jersey vineyards, the region transforms with German food, fall beer releases, blue-and-white tents, live music, dancing, and more.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest celebrations where you can raise your glass and shout Prost!

Kick things off on Saturday, September 20 with two big openings. Over in South Jersey, the 8th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square takes over Haddon Square in Westmont with a 20,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden presented by Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen. Expect giant steins, German specialties like a pig roast, and live music from This Way to the Egress Band. Best of all, admission is free and family-friendly.

Back in Philly the same day, Frankford Hall Oktoberfest lights up Fishtown with polka music, dancing in the streets, sausages, pretzels, and plenty of cold German beer. Also free to attend, this one is both kid- and dog-friendly.

The following Saturday, September 27, South Street Oktoberfest returns for its 17th year, stretching down the 700 block of South Street with seating for 1,000 revelers. It’s one of Philly’s largest fall food-and-drink celebrations with German beer on draught, Oompah music, dancers, games, and schnapps. Those who want the full experience can upgrade to VIP access with private drafts, a Bavarian buffet, bonus beer tokens, and more.

Also on September 27, Yards Brewing Oktoberfest opens its brewery doors for a ticketed event filled with exclusive beers like Unter Dog, a limited-edition Festbier, and a stein-holding competition. Guests can snack on bratwurst and schnitzel while enjoying live tunes from Polkadelphia.

October brings even more reasons to celebrate. On October 4, the neighborhood spirit shines with Roxtoberfest, which includes craft beer from New Ridge Brewing, circus performers, food trucks, and scarecrow-building at nearby Gorgas Park. That same day, Evil Genius hosts its first-ever Evil Genius Oktoberfest in Fishtown, shutting down Front Street for music, beer, and even a qualifying round for the U.S. Stein Holding Association competition.

The largest celebration of all arrives October 10–11 with the 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, where the historic Armory transforms into a Munich-style beer hall with authentic German décor, live music, and Hofbräuhaus beer straight from Munich. Thousands attend each session, making this one of the most authentic Oktoberfest experiences outside Germany.

Finally, Renaultberfest on October 11–12 at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City brings the Oktoberfest spirit into the harvest season, with grape stomping, pumpkin painting, live music, German food, and artisan markets spread across the scenic vineyard grounds.

Of course, Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without seasonal releases. Evil Genius delivers playful brews like Is Butter a Carb? and the spooky Trick or Treat porter. Yards brings back fan-favorite Unter Dog. New Ridge Brewing offers Bierfest and the pumpkin-spiced Horror Business, inspired by the Lincoln Mill Haunted House.

Whether you’re in Philly or South Jersey, there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and dance your way through fall. Grab your dirndl or lederhosen, gather some friends, and head out to celebrate Philadelphia and South Jersey Oktoberfest the way it’s meant to be done, out in the streets, stein in hand, and music in the air.