An official army family and MWR Site

24th Annual Oktoberfest

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The 24th Annual Oktoberfest will be held September 29 - October 2, 2022!

Fort Belvoir’s Family and MWR hosts one of the most anticipated events of the year: the 24th annual Oktoberfest. Located at Fremont Field on Fort Belvoir, Oktoberfest is a four-day festival that highlights authentic German cuisine, beverages, music, and dancing. 

Enjoy an exciting carnival, Volksmarch 5K/10K Walk and much more. This is a fun-filled event geared toward the whole family!

 

Interested in Sponsoring Oktoberfest?

This is Fort Belvoir's premier event of the year, don't miss your opportunity to connect with our community. Visit the Sponsorship and Advertising page to request information. 


Volunteers Needed!

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Get involved with MWR's largest annual special event! Individuals 18 and older may volunteer. Some available volunteer positions include beer pourers/servers and Big Bounce support staff. View our full list of volunteer opportunities and sign up today!

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General Public and Installation Access Information

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.

  • Non-Military/DoD Civilians must request a visitor's pass prior to entering Fort Belvoir.
  • Lieber Gate will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the same hours as the Oktoberfest with additional time on the "back end" after the "park" is closed following the activities for visitor departures.

To learn more about visitor passes and additional gate operations, visit the Installations Access Page on the Garrison's 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).

Carnival Prices
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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

Day Date Hours Cost
Thursday Sept. 29 6 - 10 p.m. $25
Friday Sept. 30 4 - 11 p.m. $30
Saturday Oct. 1 12 - 11 p.m. $30
Sunday Oct. 2 12 - 8 p.m. $30 General Public/$25 Active Duty


*Sunday is Military Appreciation Day

All Active Duty Military and their Dependents can purchase a Carnival wristband for $25 on Sunday, Oct. 2. 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 $1.75 each. Each ride has a sign posted stating how many tickets are required to ride.

Number of Tickets Cost
Single Tickets $1.75
30 Tickets $45
50 Tickets $60


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.

Big Bounce - Presale Tickets Available Now!

***Event Notice*** ATTENTION MWR PATRONS: Due to inclement weather during Oktoberfest, the following sessions at Big Bounce were canceled: Friday, September 30 - 6 p.m. session Saturday, October 1 - 10 p.m. session Sunday, October 2 - All sessions Patrons who purchased tickets for these sessions and did not redeem them on another day/session will receive a refund. Refunds will be processed in 14 business days. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Skip the Line! Purchase your tickets TODAY!

Purchase your tickets to this year's hottest new attraction – BIG BOUNCE! Get ready to experience one of the largest inflatables in the world featuring the most unique and exciting custom-built attractions. The Big Bounce is fun for the whole family.

Age Policy: Children 7 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian, actively supervising at all times while in the Big Bounce. Both parent/guardian and child must purchase a Big Bounce ticket.


Cost:

  • Regular Bounce Session | $18 per person

  • Glow Bounce Session | $22 per person

    • Sessions available September 30 - October 1 only.


Tickets available for:

  • September 30 | 6 - 10 p.m. NEW!
    • Patrons with pre-purchased tickets for Sunday, October 2 may use their ticket Thursday, Friday or Saturday; or refunds will be issued.
  • September 30 | 3 - 10 p.m.
  • October 1 | 12 - 9 p.m.
  • October 2 | 12 - 7 p.m.   Cancelled due to inclement weather!

Authorized users may purchase tickets at the Leisure Travel Services (LTS) office or call +1 (703)805-3714 to purchase your tickets over the phone. 

Tickets are also available for purchase through WebTrac. Please note, the WebTrac system takes a few minutes to load. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tickets are for pre-determined time slots.

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Food, Beer and Wine
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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.

Bag Lady Catering Menu (PDF)

Colombian Station Menu (PDF)

Carol's Concessions Menu (PDF)

Virginia Vendor Food Services Menu (PDF)


Enjoy a collection of domestic German Oktoberfest beer!

This Oktoberfest features Sam Adams OfestAngry Orchard – Apple Crisp, Fair Winds Quayside Kolsch, Yuengling, and Blue Moon Belgian White on tap. Those looking for alternative beverage choices can enjoy Buckner non-alcoholic beer, red wine and white wine.

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

Beer and Wine Cost *Ticket(s)
Beer - 1
Non-alcoholic Beer - 1
Pitcher of Beer - 3
Wine - 1
Bottle of Wine - 4
Mug (old logo) $10 -
Mug (new logo) $15 -
Oktoberfest Stein $25 -

* One (1) ticket is $8.

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.

 

Steins and Mugs

Steins - $25

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Glass Mugs - $10/$15

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No mugs or steins 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.

5K/10K Volksmarch
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Dog-Friendly and Stroller-Friendly 5K/10K Volksmarch (October 1)

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 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.

2022 Volksmarch Brochure (PDF)

Music and Entertainment Schedule
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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 29


6 - 8 p.m.

  • Alt-Washingtonia (Dance Group) Schuhplattler Verein
  • Alte Kameraden
     

Friday, September 30


4 - 8 p.m. | Alte Kameraden

6 - 8 p.m. | German Armed Forces

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

9 - 11 p.m. | The LOW'n'BROWS


Saturday, October 1


12 - 2 p.m. | Fritz Polka Band

3 - 5 p.m. |  DJ Steven Brouchardis

6 - 8 p.m. | Lionel Ward

9 - 11 p.m. | Fritz Polka Band


Sunday, October 2


12 - 2:30 p.m. | Alt-Washingtonia (Dance Group) Schuhplattler Verein

3 - 5:30 p.m. | The LOW'n'BROWS

6 - 8 p.m. | The Band Steele

 

Oktoberfest Store
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Visit our official Oktoberfest store on-site! Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase authentic German clothing, hats, steins, souvenirs and more! Take a look at some of the offerings below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Thursday-Sunday, September 29 - October 2.

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 $1.75 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 2, 2022 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.

Disclaimer

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.


Special thanks to this year's generous Sponsors:

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Federal endorsement not implied.

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