Brauhaus Schmitz’s Oktoberfest Delivers Bavarian Flair to Philly

The 17th annual Oktoberfest, organized by Brauhaus Schmitz, took place on South Street in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 27. This event attracted thousands of attendees to the city.

Held on the 800 block of South Street, the festival featured German food, music, and cultural festivities. Traditional German foods like bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and roast pork were served. Guests could also purchase handmade flower crowns.

The musical group Heimat Klänge — “Homeland Sounds” in English — provided musical entertainment. Performers featured traditional German melodies along with interpretations of popular songs such as Jimmy Buffet's “Margaritaville” and John Denver's “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

A highlight of the event was a ceremonial keg-tapping by Aidan, the grandson of Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager, who opened a beer keg with a wooden mallet.

Several participants, including children and adults, dressed in Bavarian outfits. Individuals like Lucas Ruiz, who moved to Philadelphia in mid-September, fully embraced the festival atmosphere by wearing complete costumes, according to a CBS News Philadelphia report. In addition, approximately 50 employees from Brauhaus Schmitz donned traditional Bavarian garb, along with Doug Hager, who was born in Germany.

Hager told CBS News Philadelphia that he estimates at least 5,000 people attend the festival each year. 

Saturday's event marks the beginning of the Oktoberfest season for Brauhaus Schmitz. The South Street restaurant crew will host a two-day Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory on Oct. 10-11. Tickets for this upcoming event can be found online.