West Virginia is the 10th-smallest US state but doesn’t shy away from some grand Oktoberfest celebrations. With the stunning background of the Appalachian mountains, places like Charleston, Richmond, and Shepherdstown create a magical atmosphere by hosting the famous German Oktoberfest celebrations every fall.
Locations of Oktoberfest West Virginia
After its hiatus in the pandemic, Oktoberfest has returned to West Virginia with a blast and is here to stay.
- Charleston: 480 East Bay St, Charleston,
- Richmond: Meadow Event Park ( 13191 Dawn Blvd, West Virginia)
- Shepherdstown: 164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown
Some Major Oktoberfest Celebrations In West Virginia
West Virginia offers some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in several different places, such as:
Oktoberfest Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston will be celebrating its 16th year of Oktoberfest, and all the funds raised from this festival will go to Charleston’s Main Streets—West Side's programs, public art, community, and other projects for the betterment of society. So you can participate in a worthy cause just by having some fun.
Presented by Encova Insurance, Oktoberfest in Charleston is the largest celebration of Geman culture and beer in West Virginia. It offers a sampling of over 150 craft beers, local foods, and live music by three bands. And not just that, but loads of other German culture-inspired activities. Some excellent activities during Charleston Oktoberfest include:
- Stein-holding
- Keg Rolling
- Best Traditional Dress Contest
- Sausage Toss
- Beer Belly Contest
The general admission ticket for this event is $40 and includes six 12-ounce beer tickets and access to the Ktoverwest concert series. The ticket for children 12 and under is $10 and provides access to the Kid’s Zone and Oktoberfest concert series. Children under two must remain in a stroller as the festival gets crowded at peak hours.
Oktoberfest Richmond, West Virginia
Attendees of Oktoberfest celebrations in Richmond will also get a chance to attend a mini version of Christkindlmarkt, a European-style Christmas market mostly held in Germany and Austria before Christmas. Here, the guests will find cute Christmas decorations, handmade wooden toys, crafts, and traditional German treats such as lebkuchenherzen and gingerbread hearts.
This event takes place in Meadow Event Park, which creates its version of the Munich Oktoberfest. It features many fun games and interactive activities like the Chicken Dance and Stein-holding contest to keep you and your family on your toes. And don’t worry about the kids, as they will have their own children’s area with games and activities specifically designed to appeal to the younger audience, such as face painting, moon bounce, and so much more.
Oktoberfest Shepherdstown, West Virginia
This event is an outdoor festival on 11-acre grounds. It was arranged by Bavarian Inn Resort and Brewing Company, a European-inspired boutique resort in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It usually begins on Friday, and the guests are invited to an afternoon of authentic German cuisine, beer, music, and cultural activities.
It is perfect for attending with family and friends as the festival offers several food options, including separate options for kid’s meals and desserts. For legal-aged adults (IDs will be required), along with German beer, there will also be the event’s onsite brewery, the Beers of Bavarian Brother's Brewing. Lastly, tickets will be available at the door for $5 per person, and handicapped and overnight hotel guest parking is also available.
Date and Time of Oktoberfest West Virginia
Oktoberfest in West Virginia occurs every year between September 18 and October 20, mainly over the weekends. The weather is favorable during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Charlestown: September 30th from 4 PM - 9 PM.
- Richmond: Friday, October 18th, and Saturday, October 19th
- Shepherdstown: September 18th3 PM-10 PM
Dress Code for Oktoberfest West Virginia
Dressing up for Oktoberfest is a norm for the Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, where 90% of the visitors dress up on some level. The women wear traditional dirndl dresses while men wear leather lederhosen. There are thousands of variations in these outfits, and these changes are primarily seen in embroidery, color combinations, and formal accessories.
There is no “ right way to dress for this festival, and you can even have fun wearing jeans and a T-shirt; all that matters is your comfort and enjoyment of the event. So if dressing up in the traditional costume would make you enjoy the festival more than go for it, or if being in your comfy clothes is what rocks your boat, it's all your choice in the end as you know yourself best!
Tips For Making the Most of Oktoberfest West Virginia
- Have fun, drink a beer or two, but remember to pace yourself and eat.
- While beer is always the highlight of Oktoberfest, try including West Virginia’s wines in the festivities. Host a wine pairing session with local wines and German-inspired food.
- If you don't have reservations, go early, such as till 9:30 a.m., when they let anyone in. There is usually a changeover around midday and again around 5:530. If you're waiting for a table, join another group as they prefer to sit whole tables simultaneously, allowing you to sit quickly.
FAQS
Where is the Oktoberfest in Virginia?
A colorful Oktoberfest is held at Meadow Event Park in Richmond, Virginia, and several other events are arranged in Charleston and Shepherdstown.
Will there be drinks other than beer at Oktoberfest West Virginia?
If you don't like one of Germany's popular beverages, Oktoberfest, Virginia, offers several other drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and cider.
What is the steinholding contest in West Virginia?
Steinholding is a traditional Bavarian strength competition in which competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein (or Masskrug/Mass in German) with a straight arm parallel to the ground. You go as long as possible, and the last person with solid arms wins.