Despite temperatures still pushing 90 degrees, cooler weather, changing colors and pumpkin spice everything are on the way.
This year, Crystal City welcomes the fall season with the inaugural Crystal City Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 29.
More than 1,000 beer enthusiasts are expected to attend this event — which coincides with the middle weekend of the real Oktoberfest in Munich. Attendees will enjoy 100 craft beers and ciders from 50 regional, national and international brewing companies, as well as live music and food from a variety of local food trucks and food vendors.
“I’m super excited for the upcoming Crystal City Oktoberfest!” says Charlie Adler, Founder of TasteUSA, the company bringing Oktoberfest to Arlington, “I’ve always loved this time of year with the cooling weather, craft beer and other German “oompah” celebrations, but when I heard that the Shirlington Oktoberfest had been cancelled, I knew that I wanted to continue the tradition. After seeing all the great events and fun energy in Crystal City right now, the decision to bring the Festival there was a no-brainer!”
Adler and TasteUSA have been organizing events in the area since 1997 including the creation of the Chesapeake Oyster and Wine Fest and taking on management of the Virginia Wine Festival, now in its 43rd year. The Crystal City Business Improvement District in partnership with JBG SMITH is sponsoring the event.
“We are thrilled to host an event that celebrates the outstanding local craft beer scene in Virginia and D.C.,” says Tracy Gabriel, Executive Director and President of the Crystal City Business Improvement District. “We’ve always found creative ways to repurpose parking in Crystal City, and this time we’re converting a parking lot into a biergarten to bring great beer, live music and outdoor fun to the area!”
Participating breweries include Blue Mountain Brewery, Caboose Brewing Company, South Street Brewery and Starr Hill Brewery, with more to come. Wine and cideries, including Bold Rock Hard Cider, will also be available for those non-beer drinkers in the crowd.
In addition to drink and food, attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment and visit unique vendors, like the Arlington Psychic.
General Admission tickets are $30 in advance and include admission to the festival and 10 tasting tickets. VIP tickets are also available for $50 in advance and include 1-hour early admission, 15 tasting tickets, and a private tent with bathrooms. The first 500 VIP guests will also receive a Crystal City tasting glass.
Event: Crystal City Oktoberfest
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 12-6 p.m. (VIP: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Location: The Lot at 220 20th Street S. (two blocks from the Crystal City Metro Station)
Tickets: General Admission: $30 in advance, $45 at the door, VIP: $50 in advance, $65 at the door