This year, those wishing to attend Oktoberfest will need a DoD ID Card or be sponsored by a DoD ID Cardholder. Oktoberfest will not be open to the general public. Beyond that, Oktoberfest will be similar to previous year's events. Children 12 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

GATE HOURS

To allow for a better flow of traffic for the event, both Tully and Leiber Gates will be open. Tulley will be open for the full 24 hours, and Lieber gate will open for inbound traffic until 10:30 p.m., and for outbound traffic until 11:30 p.m.

Non-Military/DoD Civilians must have 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.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: 

Pets, non-clear bags (except diaper and medical bags), ice chests, coolers, bikes, narcotics, roller blades, skates, skateboards, weapons, beverages (baby formula allowed), food (diabetic foods allowed).

BAG POLICY

All bags are subject to a search and are limited to the following upon entering: 

Permitted Bags

• Small to medium purses with or without a handle or strap
• Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 16” by 16” by 8” (e.g., clear tote bags, clear drawstring bags, one-gallon plastic freezer bag, etc.)
• Diaper bags or medical necessity bags 

Prohibited Bags

• Backpacks
• Non-clear drawstring bags
• Non-clear tote bags 
• laptop/camera bags (with exception to authorized media personnel only.)
• Soft sided cooler bags
• Coolers/Ice Chests
• Duffle bags
• Luggage of any kind 
   

Fun for the Whole Family!

The Carnival features family-friendly rides and classic games (subject to weather conditions and operational needs) during the following hours:

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, September 28. 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 Hofbräu München Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, Hofbräu München Hofbräu Dunkel, Tucher Bräu Tucher Pilsner, Honor Brewing Company Classic Light Lager and Honor Brewing Company Freedom IPA on tap. Those looking for alternative beverage choices can enjoy Potter's Petite Cider, Honor Brewing Company NA non-alcoholic beer, red wine and white wine.

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

Dog-Friendly and Stroller-Friendly 5K/10K Volksmarch (September 27)

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.

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.

Cost: 

• IVV Credit only $4 (if desire)
• Participation is $2.

2025 Volksmarch Brochure (PDF)

Q: When is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Thursday-Sunday, September 25 - 28.

Q: Where is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Fremont Field (2104 Goethals Road), North Post of Fort Belvoir.

Q: Is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest free?
A: Entry to Fremont Field, parking, 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 available for purchase.

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. 

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

Q: Can I volunteer at Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Yes, view our volunteer opportunities here.

Q: Who's allowed to come to Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: This year, those wishing to attend Oktoberfest will need a DoD ID Card or be sponsored by a DoD ID Cardholder. Beyond that, Oktoberfest will be similar to previous year's events.

All non-DoD ID Card holders who wish to attend the event will need to be sponsored by a DoD ID Card holder.  If possible, non-DoD ID Card holders and their sponsors should pre-register with the Visitor Control Center at Tulley Gate anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday before the September 25 - 28 festivities.  Visitors with certain prior criminal history, however, will not be granted installation access even with a sponsor. Non-DoD ID card holders should review the Fitness Determination list to determine their eligibility before requesting a sponsored visitor pass.

Political activity is prohibited.

Q:  What kind of bags can I bring to Oktoberfest?
A:  Oktoberfest guests can bring the following to the event:

• Small to medium purses with or without a handle or strap
• Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 16” by 16” by 8” (e.g., clear tote bags, clear drawstring bags, one-gallon plastic freezer bag, etc.)
• Diaper bags or medical necessity bags 

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. Look for parking flags for designated parking areas. 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: 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, September 28, 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.