Saturday: Vienna Oktoberfest 2016: Schedule, Prices, Performers, Contests and More

VIENNA, VA -- On Saturday, Oct. 1 in Vienna, it’s likely that “prost” will be the most used non-English word, the most popular dance will be the chicken dance or perhaps the polka, and the favorite beverage of the day will be beer, of course. It’s Oktoberfest in Vienna and up to 20,000 are expected to celebrate.

The ninth annual Oktoberfest, hosted by the Vienna Business Association and Town of Vienna, will feature beer and wine, music, about a dozen food vendors, children’s activities, a German auto showcase and more from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, on historic Church Street. Admission is free as are most children’s activities.

The “star” of the day is the beer: Vienna's own Caboose Brewing Company will pour four of its own beers, including a lager, IPA, pilsner, and hard cider. Participants, who are 21 and older, may purchase tickets to fill their festival-provided mugs for $5 each.

The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with the swearing-in of Vienna’s honorary "burgermeister" Friderike Butler followed by the opening of the beer garden.

“Vienna Oktoberfest has truly captured my German heart,” says Butler, “and has added another highlight to feeling at home here in Vienna. There is so much to love about Oktoberfest: great music, German food and other tasty morsels from local food vendors, fun entertainment, local businesses showcasing their wares and services, the participants’ traditional dress contest, a polka contest, and so much more. Oktoberfest offers a wonderful occasion to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors and to meet new people in the welcoming, small town atmosphere that makes Vienna so special.”

Musical and other performances will be staged at three venues – the beer garden, Town Green, and at Church and Center streets – throughout the day. Highlights include:

• Rocknoceros for the younger crowd and PB&J for those more into R&B at 11 a.m.
• Acoustic duo Falling Home at 1 p.m., to be followed by several other outstanding acoustic performers throughout the day
• Sexton’s 11-piece German band will perform classic Oktoberfest music from 1-4 p.m.
• Fat Chance takes the stage from 4-6 p.m.

Throughout the day, fun events such as chicken dance contests, polka lessons and beer stein-holding contests will take place. For a full schedule and more information, visit viennaoktoberfest.org.

Attendees are encouraged to walk, Uber or carpool to the festival with a designated driver.

Dogs are permitted on leash, but may be best left at home as there’s a large crowd and lots of noise at Oktoberfest.

Church Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Center to Mill throughout the day Oct. 1. In addition, Mill Street will be closed from Church to Maple, and Dominion Street will be closed from Church to Ayr Hill.

All proceeds from Oktoberfest support the First Night Vienna New Year’s event.

PHOTO: Oktoberfest in Vienna will kick off Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. with the swearing-in of Vienna’s honorary "burgermeister" Friderike Butler followed by the opening of the beer garden. Photo by Adam Kincaid, Town of Vienna