Enjoying the sights and sounds of the 2009 Cap City Oktoberfest

October is one of the best beer months of the year! Here in DC, there are festivals every weekend and many other mid-week events that make this area one of the best in the country for craft beer lovers. Don’t believe me? Check the recent Washington Post blog post that describes how D.C. leads the nation in brewery density!

Here’s my fall beer event to-do list:

1.  Capitol City Brewing Company – 13^th annual Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest Festival
What: More than 50 breweries offering samples of more than 100 different beers. Capitol City Brewing Co. will serve traditional German favorites including bratwurst, sauerkraut and fresh soft pretzels and feature its popular seasonal selections: Oktoberfest Lager and Pumpkinator Ale. The Mid-Atlantic’s premier duo for live authentic German Alpine music – Liab’ und Schneid – will entertain revelers with traditional dance music as they sample select hand crafted beers and enjoy food from a variety of local vendors and popular Shirlington Village eateries.
Where: Shirlington Village, 4001 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 map
When: Saturday, October 6, 2012, Noon to 7:00 p.m. (taps close at 6:00 p.m.)
Cost: $25 to sample beer. Includes  wristband, tasting glass and 10 tickets. Additional tickets are sold for $1 each with a 5 ticket minimum. Free to everyone else who wants to attend.

2.  Widmer Brothers Brewing – Washington DC Explore Your Craft
What: An unforgettable night of handcrafted Widmer Brothers beer paired with gourmet food, live music, onsite brewing and artist demonstrations. Live artist demonstrations and live music alongside an interactive art experience for patrons. Meet Widmer Brothers Brewers and partake in a home brew demonstration alongside Widmer Brothers brewers. Features local chefs and Widmer Brothers brewers working in collaboration to create a customized menu exclusively for each event.
Where: Long View Gallery, 1234 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 map
When: Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $45 all inclusive ticket includes tastings, entertainment, souvenir glass, and event guide with beer diary.

3.  Snallygaster
What: The collective minds behind Rustico, Birch & Barley, ChurchKey, Bluejacket and more are bringing it bigger than big with and unprecedented single day craft beer festival featuring over 100 amazing, often rare and occasionally exclusive beers- along with a cascade of gastronomic goodnes and an array of rollicking entertainment all set to the beautiful waterfront backdrop.
Where: Yards Park, 10 Water Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20003 map
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 to get straight to the suds with a guaranteed entry through will-call, where 25 food + drink tickets and a beer mug will be conveniently waiting for you. This pass includes a $5 donation to Arcadia, Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture.

4. 6th Annual Northern Virginia BrewFest
What: This world beer experience will feature more than 40 of the world’s best breweries, plenty of delicious food to complement the craft beers, and outstanding local and regional bands providing entertainment.
Where: Bull Run Regional Park‎, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, Virginia 20121 map
When: Saturday, October 20-21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (taps close at 6:00 p.m.)
Cost: $20 in advance, provides a commemorative BrewFest sampling glass and 4 beer sampling tickets. The glass is 6.75 oz; beers will cost between 1-2 tickets depending on the beer you’re drinking. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1.00 per ticket. Designated driver tickets and bus transportation available.

Hope to see you there!

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