Event is open to all (100% ID Check) with free entry to Fremont Field.

Once a year, US Army Garrison Fort Belvoir welcomes the general public to celebrate Oktoberfest. That means, in addition to all regular Military ID Card Holders, the general public with a State Drivers' License and their Dependents can enter and enjoy this four-day festival celebrating all things German! Children 12 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Fort Belvoir Gate Access and Hours

• Non-Military/DoD Civilians must request a visitor's pass prior to entering Fort Belvoir.

To learn about visitor passes, visit the Installation Access page on the Fort Belvoir Garrison website.

100% ID Check. Political activity is prohibited. All bags are subject to search.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: Pets, backpacks, large bags, ice chests, coolers, bikes, narcotics, camera bags larger than 1 cubic foot, roller blades, skates, skateboards, weapons, beverages (baby formula allowed), food (diabetic foods allowed).

Fun for the Whole Family!

Entry to Fremont Field is free, however daily wristbands or tickets must be purchased for carnival rides. Tickets and passes are per person.

Unlimited Rides Daily Pass

*Sunday is Military Appreciation Day

All Active Duty Military and their Dependents can purchase a Carnival wristband for $27 on Sunday, October 1. Must present valid Active Duty Military ID Card for discounted wristband.

Daily Tickets

The wristband provides all-day unlimited rides, but you may purchase individual tickets for $2 each. Each ride has a sign posted stating how many tickets are required to ride.

Please note also that the Jolly Shows Carnival reserves the right to determine at which point in the evening it is no longer going to sell wristbands and only sell individual tickets as a more efficient means for getting customers through the line. No refunds will be given for any reason, including inclement weather.

Make sure to work up an appetite!

We have a variety of specialty items to tempt your taste buds. If German food isn't for you, don't worry! There are plenty of other options too.

Enjoy a collection of domestic German Oktoberfest beer!

This Oktoberfest features Franziskaner Hefe, Spaten Oktoberfest, Spaten Premium Pilsner, Goose Island IPA and Michelob Ultra on tap. Those looking for alternative beverage choices can enjoy Stella Liberte non-alcoholic beer, red wine and white wine.

If driving, please make sure to use a designated driver.

* One (1) ticket is $9.

Cash and credit cards will be accepted for purchasing beer tickets. There will also be ATMs on site, but patrons are encouraged to bring cash.

All drinkers must have 100% age verification performed at the BOSS Designated Driver Booth to receive drinking age-verified wristbands. Beer and wine tickets will be available for purchase in the Beer Ticket Tent. Patrons must have tickets and wristband in order to receive drinks inside of the Fest Tent. The Mugs and Steins may be purchased at the register along with tickets in the Beer Ticket Tent.

Souvenir Mugs - SOLD OUT 

No mugs will be filled directly from the tap.  Patrons are permitted to bring any mug or stein to Oktoberfest into which they can pour their drink, but they cannot be filled from the tap.

Dog-Friendly and Stroller-Friendly 5K/10K Volksmarch (September 30)

The trail route planned for this event takes you along sidewalks and post roads on Fort Belvoir’s North and South Post. The course is largely flat with some hills. The slopes on the hills are not steep. The route is rated 2B due to the hills. Weather conditions should have little effect on the trail rating.  Please do not bring backpacks, large bags or ice chests/coolers into the fenced fest area. All bags are subject to search. 100% ID check.

The event will take place regardless of most weather. The trail can accommodate strollers and wagons; however, they may require portaging over road curbs. Trail is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Participants will meet at the Volksmarch Tent adjacent to the festival grounds and start the Volksmarch anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants must complete the event by 3 p.m. This event is free!

Get your comfortable walking shoes ready. Pets can come too! Just remember they must be on a leash and, unfortunately, they are not allowed in the fenced fest area.

2023 Volksmarch Brochure (PDF)

The Oktoberfest offers a variety of entertainment options. It is an exciting time for the whole family. Please note, House Music will be played between set changes.
 

Thursday, September 28

6 - 8 p.m.

• Alt-Washingtonia (Dance Group) Schuhplattler Verein
• Heidi und Heimat Echo German Showband

8:30 - 10 p.m. | Lionel Ward
 

Friday, September 29

4 - 8 p.m. | Heidi und Heimat Echo German Showband

6 - 8 p.m. | Alt-Washingtonia (Dance Group) Schuhplattler Verein

6 - 8 p.m. | German Armed Forces

10 - 11 p.m. | DJ Steven (Degy Entertainment) Karaoke

Saturday, September 30

12 - 2 p.m. | Fritz Polka Band

3 - 5 p.m. | Decades Band

6 - 8 p.m. | 44 Diesel

9 - 11 p.m. | Diplomatic Immunity

Sunday, October 1

12 - 2 p.m. | Fritz Polka Band

2:30 - 5:30 p.m. | The LOW'n'BROWS

6 - 8 p.m. | Chris Munson

Entrance Sponsor

Army Retirement Residence Foundation – Potomac

Opening Ceremony Sponsor

 

Table Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Brynmor Early Education and Preschool

*No federal endorsement implied.

Q: When is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Thursday-Sunday, September 28 - October 1.

Q: Where is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Fremont Field, North Post of Fort Belvoir.

Q: Is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest free?
A: Entry to Fremont Field, parking, Volksmarch, and musical entertainment are all free. A daily wristband or individual tickets must be purchased per person for all carnival rides. Food and beer is not free and, while ATMs will be on-site, bringing CASH is encouraged for all.

Q: Who's allowed to come to Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Once a year, US Army Garrison Fort Belvoir opens its gates to the general public to celebrate Oktoberfest. That means that, in addition to all regular Military ID Card Holders, the general public with a state-issued drivers' license (100% ID Check) and their Dependents can enter and enjoy this four-day festival celebrating all things German! Political activity is prohibited. All bags are subject to search.

Q: Where do I park for Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Several lots within walking distance are available for parking. Parking is free and is first-come, first-served.

Q: Is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest a rain or shine event?
A: Yes. Please follow our Facebook Page for the latest updates on the condition of the festival site. By attending this event, you are assuming the risk of injury by inclement weather. Oktoberfest will be cancelled only in the event of extreme weather conditions. Such a decision will be posted on both the MWR and Garrison Facebook pages, as well as the MWR and Garrison website.

Q: Can I buy individual tickets for carnival rides or do I have to buy the wristband?
A: The wristband provides all-day unlimited rides, but you may purchase individual tickets for $2 each. Each ride has a posted sign indicating how many tickets are required to ride. Potential or actual inclement weather conditions may also impact the availability of wristbands.
Please note also that the Jolly Shows Carnival reserves the right to determine at which point in the evening it is no longer going to sell wristbands and only sell individual tickets as a more efficient means for getting customers through the line. No refunds will be given for any reason, including inclement weather.

Q: Which Oktoberfest activities take credit card payments?
A: Payment for beer can be made with a credit card on any day of the event. Military Appreciation Day wristbands, available ONLY on Sunday, can also be purchased with a credit card. All other transactions are limited to cash. ATMs will be available on site.

Q: What credit cards will be accepted?
A: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: All pets are prohibited on Fremont Field (service dogs are an exception), but dogs are welcome to take part in the 5K/10K Volksmarch.

Q: Which day offers discounted ticket sales for Active Duty Military and their Dependents?
A: Sunday, October 1, 2023, is Military Appreciation Day.

Q: Is there a Lost and Found? Is there a First Aid station?
A: Yes, the Oktoberfest Lost & Found is located in the white trailer next to the main festival tent performance stage. The First Aid station is also located here.

Q: Are any MWR facility hours affected by Oktoberfest?
A: Check Facebook for updates.

All MWR events, programs, prices, and details highlighted on the Fort Belvoir MWR website, Facebook, and all media are subject to change without notice. That said, we do our very best to provide our Fort Belvoir Soldiers, Families, Retirees, and Civilians with the most up-do-date information as we receive it. Thank you for your understanding.