As we transition into a new season, it’s time to think about beer.

Well, OK, that might be any time, but September brings the start of Oktoberfest season and this year won’t disappoint.

Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South St., brings the sights, sounds and tastes of Munich to the Philadelphia region at three of Pennsylvania and South Jersey’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations.

“Philadelphia is one of the best cities in America to celebrate Oktoberfest season,” said Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager. “We have been hosting Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 17 years now and there’s no slowing down. Over 100,000 people have come out to celebrate with us at South Street, 23rd Street Armory and Haddon Square in South Jersey. We are back this year and bigger than ever, and hope to see everyone out there raising a liter, singing their hearts out and on their feet dancing.”

First up is the eighth annual Oktoberfest on the Square, 51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, N.J., on Sept. 20 from noon to 10 p.m.

Touted as the largest Oktoberfest in South Jersey, this event brings together Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen for a celebration with a giant tent, blue-and-white Bavarian decorations, imported tables and benches, giant steins of German bier, a pig roast, and other German specialty dishes, plus music from This Way to the Egress Band.

One week later, get ready to raise a liter and dance in the street as South Street Oktoberfest returns for its 17th year on Sept. 27 from noon to 8 p.m., on the 700 block of South Street.

The all-day, all-ages celebration attracts around 10,000 people and features a biergarten for over 1,000 people, live oompah music all day, German dancers, the liter-lift competition, a dozen German beers and signature Bavarian dishes.

“South Street continues to be the biggest Oktoberfest in the city. It’s an all-day, all-ages celebration and we can’t wait to see the street come to life outside our restaurant on the iconic South Street,” Hager said.

Then comes the big one as one of the most authentic celebrations in the United States returns with the seventh annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, Oct. 10 and 11, with three afternoon and evening sessions.

Look for the historic Armory to be transformed from top to bottom into a sea of blue and white with miles of fabric and custom decorations, artwork and furniture. Come ready for opening tap, dancing, German traditions, food and drink.

“23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest draws attendees from Philadelphia; southeast Pennsylvania; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; New York City; New Jersey; Delaware and other states down the East Coast and across America,” said Hager. “While the event draws in the locals, the event each year attracts more and more tourists looking to visit the City of Brotherly Love. The No. 1 thing we hear from guests is about the authenticity of this celebration, with some German friends saying it’s the closest thing to being in Munich. We hope you can experience this for yourself this year, or experience all three.”

Armory tickets are on sale now, with a special $30 for Friday night general admission tickets. For info and tickets for all three events, visit https://brauhausschmitz.com.

There are also plenty of other Oktoberfest celebrations on tap around the region.

The annual Roxtoberfest will take over Roxborough Oct. 4. (COURTESY OF PEL PRODUCTIONS)

Roxtoberfest

The 13th Annual Roxtoberfest is Oct. 4, noon to 5 p.m.

The street festival will take place on Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue and Leverington Avenue, with sidewalk activities extending from Leverington Avenue to Hermitage Street, connecting Roxtoberfest to the family fun at Gorgas Park.

Look for a traditional feel of a German beer fest including performances by Galena Brass Band, the dazzling spectacle of circus performers, spirited competitions, an enticing array of food trucks, a mini-classic car show with the Ridge Runners, and a curated market from Fleisher Art Memorial, El Mercardo featuring Latinx artisans.

Top of the Ridge, the ultimate beverage tent at Roxtoberfest, is a special collaboration between two local favorites: New Ridge Brewing and Top Dog Cocktails. Located at the MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum Avenue, this is a one-stop shop for refreshing craft beers and delicious, RTD cocktails.

Also returning is the Scarecrow Walk and Scarecrow Build with Gorgas Park.

This year the Friends of Gorgas Park are bringing back their scarecrow-making event. The RDC and Friends of Gorgas Park are partnering to connect the two events with sidewalk activations including a scarecrow walk with voting for best scarecrow.

For more information, go to https://roxboroughpa.com.

Evil Genius

Evil Genius Brewing is closing down Front Street in Philadelphia for the debut of the inaugural Evil Genius Oktoberfest on Oct. 4 from noon to 6 p.m.

Performance from Philadelphia’s premier oompah band, Polkadelphia, from 2 to 3 p.m. DJ Drini spinning modern hits as well as remixed German classics all day.

Evil Genius will also host the qualifying round for the official United States Stein Holding Association for both men and women. Winners will have been invited to the state championship Oct. 11 for a chance to compete at Nationals in November.

For more information, go to https://evilgeniusbeer.com.

Yards Brewing Co. in Philadelphia will open things up with an Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 27. (COURTESY OF YARDS BREWING CO.)

Yards Brewing Oktoberfest

Yards Brewing Co. will fill the brewery with Bavarian cheer on Sept. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. Every ticket comes with an exclusive Yards Oktoberfest half-liter stein and your choice of one of four exclusive German-inspired beers.

Enjoy live music from Polkadelphia, delicious Oktoberfest eats, games and more.

Test your strength with Masskrugstemmen, a stein-holding competition.

Don your best dirndl or lederhosen: the best-dressed guests will win a prize.

Beer selection includes Yards Brewing’s seasonal Unter Dog, plus event-only exclusives Yards Festbier, Hefeweizen and Schnitzengiggles. Special menu items include house made bratwurst, knockwurst, veggie wurst, pretzels and more.

For more information, go to https://yardsbrewing.com.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/09/08/raise-a-stein-oktoberfest-is-right-around-the-corner/