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September 05, 2025

    Celebrate Oktoberfest Near These Military Bases

    Who can resist the charm of fall? Despite the seasonal clichés that dominate social media—think salted caramel lattes, picturesque shots of changing leaves, and pumpkin everything—one autumn tradition stands out for many military families: Oktoberfest.

    If you’ve had the privilege of being stationed in Germany, you’re likely already familiar with Oktoberfest festivities. For those who haven’t, here’s a little history from Britannica.com:

    “Oktoberfest, an annual festival in Munich, Germany, is held over a two-week period and ends on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.”

    While Oktoberfest has historical roots, today it's all about beer, good food, and celebration with friends and family. And even if you can’t make it to Munich's Oktoberfest, the largest folk festival in the world, don’t worry. You'll find Oktoberfest celebrations near many military bases, often extending the celebration well beyond the traditional early October finale.

    Check out these Oktoberfest events at a military base near you.

    Oktoberfest crowd with German decorations facing the stage and holding beer glasses up.  Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels via Canva.com

    Oktoberfest in the National Capital Region

    If you’ve made a military relocation to Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, or any of the military bases in the DC area, you'll easily get your fill of beer, bratwurst, schnitzel, and outdoor activities during Oktoberfest.

    While some events end in late September, others extend into October. Check out your base's MWR travel office for local info and discounts, and get more info on DC area Oktoberfest happenings on this Eventbrite list of Oktoberfest Events in DC. 

    Oktoberfest Events near Georgia Military Bases

    Robins AFB

    Military families stationed at Robins AFB can take a quick trip to nearby Macon for Oktoberfest fun. 

    The Macon Beer Fest takes place on October 11, 2025, in historic downtown Macon. The fest features over 100 varieties of craft beer and wine, along with live music.

    From costume contests to a 1-mile Beer Run, there's something for everyone!

    Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield

    The Oktoberfest Plant Riverside District in Savannah is the place to be every weekend from September 26 to October 18, 2025, if you're stationed at Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield.

    Immerse yourself in a world of German-themed activities and food, live polka music, and competitions like the pretzel toss and stein holding challenge. And don't miss the return of the popular Savannah Wiener Dog Race.

    Oktoberfest Events and Wurstfest near Joint Base San Antonio

    The San Antonio area loves to celebrate Oktoberfest. Find a list of events taking place beginning in September at All Events in San Antonio.

    Though not in October, the nearby New Braunfels Wurstfest is legendary, and runs from November 7-16, 2025. This annual festival celebrates the area’s rich German heritage with food, music, dancing, carnival rides, and games; German, Texan, and domestic beer; and special events.

    Your military family may be eligible for military discounts at these San Antonio events. Check in with each venue for more info!

    Celebrate Oktoberfest in the San Diego Area

    Enjoy your beer with a view of the Pacific Ocean. If military life finds you in the San Diego area, nearby Ocean Beach is hosting the OB Oktoberfest October 10-11, 2025. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and take in local bands throughout the weekend, along with loads of other festivities and contests. 

    German men wearing lederhosen and hats while performing at OktoberfestPhoto from Markus Spiske on Unsplash

    Beers and Brats in Hampton Roads, Virginia

    The Hampton Roads region is brimming with Oktoberfest events. In the cities of Hampton, Yorktown, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, there's no shortage of fall and Oktoberfest activities. Military discounts may apply. See below for details and dates near your location.


    Oktoberfest Near Fort Campbell, Kentucky

    Military families at Fort Campbell, KY, can choose from a variety of Oktoberfest events across the state, though some may involve a drive. Live music, German food, games, and, of course, cold beer are on the menu. See Kentucky Oktoberfest events here

    Oktoberfest Tampa Near MacDill AFB

    The Tampa area will hold its annual Oktoberfest Tampa over three days from October 10-12, 2025 at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Tampa's waterfront area is gearing up to host a giant Biergarten, where attendees will enjoy games, entertainment, and delicious food.

    Known as one of the “Top 5 Oktoberfests in the Country,” a military discount of free entrance is offered to military and veterans, along with first responders.

    Is there an Oktoberfest happening at a military installation near you? Please share it in the comments. In the meantime, Prost!

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    Jen McDonald

    Author

    Jen McDonald

    Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising and an award-winning author, podcaster, and longtime cheerleader for military spouses. Over 30+ years of military life, she raised four kids, supported her husband’s Air Force career, kept a freelance writing career afloat, tracked which state her driver’s license belonged to, and perfected the art of unpacking a house in under three days while pretending she meant to put the coffee mugs in that cupboard. Jen is the author of You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, books offering encouragement and “been there” wisdom for military families. Her writing has earned numerous awards, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES, proof that scribbling notes on the back of grocery receipts can pay off. She also hosts the Milspouse Matters podcast, sharing stories and encouragement with military families worldwide. Now happily planted in Texas (and hoping to avoid moving trucks for the foreseeable future), Jen is working on her debut cozy mystery novel and reveling in grandparenting, which comes with all the snuggles and none of the 2 a.m. feedings. Connect with Jen at her site, Jen McDonald and Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.