Get ready for a true German experience at these amazing Oktoberfests!
If you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest in Seattle, you don’t have just one option but five! Each of these celebrations in the area offer several days of festivities that include classic traditions such as lively Bavarian music and dancing, free-flowing German beer, delicious brats and pretzels, and more—plus a few new traditions that put our own Washington-style spin on the fun.
Here are five of the most amazing beer festivals coming to our city this fall:
1. Fremont Oktoberfest
This is the largest beer festival in Seattle, and this year promises a bunch of fun activities for everyone. If you decide to visit, you’ll be able to enjoy more than 100 seasonal beers on tap, including award-winners, microbrews, traditional German bier, ciders, and seltzers. Have a great time cheering with friends, hit the dance floor at the DJ Tower, chug a tall beer at the Stein Hoisting, catch a game at the outdoor Sports Lounge, and challenge your friends to a SPIN ping pong competition. Tickets are on sale now, and going fast; so, we recommend getting yours ASAP!
When: September 16, 17, and 18 2022
Where: 35th St and Canal St, Seattle, WA 98103
Cost: $20 to $60 (depends on the day of your choosing)
2. Oktoberfest in Leavenworth
It’s hard to think of a more fitting place to celebrate Oktoberfest than in the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains. This picturesque setting practically demands that you come dressed in your best lederhosen and dirndl. There will be beer gardens, music and dancing, and even some free kid-friendly fun at the Kinderplatz. Tickets are on sale now!
When: September 30-October 1, October 7-8, October 14-15, 2022
Where: Leavenworth, WA
Cost: $10 to $25
Note: There is also the Leavenworth Oktoberfest in Wenatchee this year. The dates are the same as the celebrations in Leavenworth but you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two events. Leavenworth and Wenatchee are only a 30-minute drive apart (and there is a shuttle between them), so you could book your lodgings in either town and spend a day at each Oktoberfest if you’re willing to pay admission for two events.
3. Oktoberfest Northwest
When the Washington State Fair wraps up at the end of September, the fairgrounds quickly get transformed into Washington’s largest Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration a few weeks later! In addition to authentic Bavarian food and beer, you’ll get to enjoy live entertainment and fun competitions. Tickets are on sale now but you can also buy them at the gate. Kids under 12 are admitted for free, but keep in mind that it’s ages 21+ only on Friday and Saturday after 6:00 p.m.
When: October 7-9, 2022
Where: Puyallup, WA
Cost: $7.50 and up
4. Oktoberfest at Queen Anne Beerhall
Enjoy several weeks of Oktoberfest at Queen Anne Beerhall, where you can savor a huge variety of beers, join the sausage and beer competition, enjoy amazing folk music, and catch an exciting football game! This venue brings an authentic beer hall experience to Seattle, and it offers an amazing atmosphere for celebrating Oktoberfest. Visit their website or their Instagram page (above) to stay updated on this year’s events..
When: September 22 to October 16, 2022
Where: 203 W Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98119
5. Kirkland Oktoberfest
This 3-day fest offers an authentic München-style Oktoberfest Biergarten on the shores of Lake Washington. Enjoy live German music, DJs, games, contests, half-pour beer tastings, and more. If you decide to visit, part of your ticket purchase will support the Chump Change Foundation and other nonprofits in the community. Tickets for this event are available online, and they feature All Day and Weekend Passes.
When: September 23-25, 2022
Where: 25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr, Kirkland, WA 98033
Cost: $20 to $55
Original reporting by Jennifer Moreno; updated September 2022 by Kelly Dougher