Fall is sweater season, but the changing weather also brings falltime holidays like the Bavarian celebration of Oktoberfest. The first Oktoberfest festival was held in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of future King Ludwig to his bride. Held at a fairground outside Munich, the event was such a hit that organizers turned it into an annual public festival celebrating German agriculture—which, of course, includes beer.
Whether you’re looking to raise a stein or feast on bratwurst, Seattle’s Oktoberfest season is upon us. Plenty of local celebrations across the Puget Sound bring authentic Bavarian fun. Beyond the basics of pretzels, beers, and brats, many events feature fun events like stein-holding contests, wiener dog races, and 5k races. Let’s get into it.
🍺 Edmonds Oktoberfest
Friday, September 13th – Saturday, September 14th
For a family-friendly Oktoberfest, head to Edmonds. With a community vibe, this event offers live music, food vendors, and even a pet parade. There are also kid-friendly activities with face painting, inflatables, a collaborative art project, and demonstrations from the high school Robotics team. While free to attend, this rain-or-shine event requires tickets for the pet parade and access to the beer garden.
📍 Edmonds Civic Playfield: 598 Edmonds St, Edmonds
🍺 Fremont Oktoberfest
Friday, September 20th – Sunday, September 22nd
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, head to Fremont Oktoberfest. This fest, known for its extensive beer selection, features over 100 seasonal beers and old favorites. Beyond beer and food, test your muscles with a stein hoisting competition or unleash your inner BEERyonce at the fest’s “DJ Tower.” Plus, watch the one-of-a-kind “Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest.” Fremont’s Oktoberfest is adults-only (21+), offering an ideal setting for a grown-up day out. While you have to leave the little ones at home, your four-legged friends can join you for Dogtoberfest on Sunday.
📍 Downtown Fremont — Map here!
🍺 Wallingford Bratwurst Festival
Saturday, September 20th – Sunday, September 21st
While technically not called Oktoberfest, this Bratwurst Festival in Wallingford offers a chill way to partake in food and fun. Shop at local vendors, grab a beer at the beer garden, and enjoy live music from 16 local bands. Fill up on your favorite sausages like the legendary Uli’s. Plus, admission is free for this family-friendly event held in the parking lot of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church.
📍 St. Benedict Catholic School: 4811 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle
🍺 Kirkland Oktoberfest
Friday, October 4th – Sunday, October 6th
A three-day affair, Kirkland Oktoberfest is one of the Seattle area’s oldest and largest Oktoberfest events. However, this year, it’s operated by new producers, who’ve rebranded it as “Moss Bay Hall Oktoberfest.” Enjoy games, live music, traditional German Foods and more on the Kirkland waterfront. And, of course, there will be a Biergarten with imported German and PNW craft brews. Don’t forget to don your lederhosen.
📍 Downtown Kirkland: 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland
🍺 Other Local Oktoberfests to Explore
🍺 Kenmore Oktoberfest: A three-day festive event with local beer, games, a 5k, and more. Don’t miss the wiener dog races.
📅 Friday, September 20th – Sunday, September 22nd
📍 Multiple Locations
💻 Find out more here
🍺 Puyallup Oktoberfest Northwest: Held at the Washington State Fairgrounds, this event includes authentic German food/beer, wiener dog races, Bavarian bier-lympics, and even a root beer garden.
📅 Friday, October 4th – Sunday, October 6th
📍 Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
💻 Find out more here
