Dust off the dirndles and lederhosen\u00a0\u2013 the start of fall also means the return of Oktoberfests in Philadelphia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The festivals, inspired by the annual celebration in Munich, Germany, bring together Bavarian traditions like stein-holding contests and traditional dancing. They often include soft pretzels, roast pigs bratwurst and, of course, beer, all set to a soundtrack of polka music.\u00a0<\/p>\n
An array of festivities are scheduled starting Sept. 20 and running into October with both family-friendly and kid-free options. Here’s where to get your oompa on in the coming weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oktoberfest on the Square<\/a><\/p>\n Sept. 20\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a051 Haddon Ave., Westmont, N.J.<\/b><\/p>\n This annual celebration takes place under a huge blue and white tent in the 20,000-square-foot Haddon Square Pop-Up Garden. The will be live music, steins and dancing.\u00a0This family-friendly Oktoberfest is hosted by Philadelphia’s German bierhall and restaurant\u00a0Brauhaus Schmitz\u00a0and Keg & Kitchen<\/a> restaurant in Haddon Township. There will be a pig roast and other Bavarian snacks. It is free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and drink.\u00a0<\/p>\n Frankford Hall Oktoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n Sept. 20\u00a0|\u00a01210 Frankford Ave., Fishtown<\/b><\/p>\n The outdoor beer garden gets a Munich makeover on Sept. 20. There will be music by the Polka Brothers and German beers, pretzels, sausages and dancing. The Fishtown District shuts down a portion of Frankford Avenue from 12-8 p.m. for the party, which is both family and dog-friendly outside and 21-and-over only inside the hall. It is free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and beverages.\u00a0<\/p>\n Yards Brewing Co. Oktoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n Sept. 27\u00a0|\u00a0500 Spring Garden St., Northern Liberties<\/b><\/p>\n The brewery opens up its backyard and a portion of\u00a0its facility normally off-limits off to patrons for its annual Oktoberfest. Groove to music from Polkadelphia, test your strength in the stein-holding competition and wear traditional Oktoberfest garb for a chance to win a prize for being best dressed. A\u00a0$30 general admission ticket includes a stein filled with one of Yards’ four German-inspired beers brewed for the event.\u00a0<\/p>\n South Street Oktoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n Sept. 27\u00a0|\u00a0700 block of South Street, Bella Vista<\/b><\/p>\n This annual Oktoberfest shuts down the 700 block of South Street. Look for the the classic blue and white tent. Inside there will be stein-holding, face painting, music and German food and beer. The event, also hosted by\u00a0Brauhaus Schmitz,\u00a0is free to enter and pay-as-you go for food and drink.\u00a0VIP tickets costs $125 and include seven beer tokens, reserved indoor seating and other perks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Evil Genius Oktoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n Oct. 4\u00a0| 1727 Front St., Fishtown<\/b><\/p>\n In addition to the classic polka music and\u00a0lederhosen, Evil Genius’ Oktoberfest will be the site of a qualifying round for the\u00a0United States Stein Holding Association.\u00a0Winners earn invites to the state championship on Oct. 11. This is a 21-and-over event. Tickets are $30 and include a stein filled with beer. Designated driver tickets are $10.\u00a0<\/p>\n Roxtoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n Oct. 4\u00a0|\u00a0Ridge Avenue between Lyceum & Leverington avenues, Roxborough<\/b><\/p>\n Roxborough’s annual fall festival and Oktoberfest fusion includes brass-band music and circus performers, food trucks, a classic car show and an art market. This year, there will be a new beverage tent called Top of the Ridge, with drinks from\u00a0New Ridge Brewing Co. and Top Dog Cocktails. This event is family-friendly and free to attend. The rain date is Oct. 5.\u00a0<\/p>\n