While Oktoberfest is a traditional German celebration, Vienna has taken its own spin on the festival throughout the 16 years it’s been held. Although the Town of Vienna is small, with a population of around 16,000 people, the surrounding area is much larger, and the festival draws approximately 25,000 to 35,000 people annually. The festival features live music, dozens of local vendors and traditional German food and drink. It is typically located on Church Street and the Vienna town green on the first Saturday of October. This year, it took place on Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In German tradition, Oktoberfest is held during the last week of September. It first occurred in Munich, Germany in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding. The festival has continued as a celebration of the end of the harvest season. 

Vienna’s purpose for running the festival is simply to hold a community event and bring the town together while also supporting many fundraisers and local businesses. The festival is organized by the Vienna Business Association (VBA), and it first occurred in 2008. The festival has been held every year since then, other than 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Every year, the festival grows in size and popularity, as it draws larger and larger crowds from the general Northern Virginia area.