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An official army family and MWR Site

28th Annual Oktoberfest

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Thursday - Sunday, September 24 - 27.
 
Q: Where is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest?
A: Pullen Field (9625 Middleton Road), South Post of Fort Belvoir.
 
Q: Is Fort Belvoir's Oktoberfest free?
A: Entry to Pullen 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: Patrons may use credit cards to purchase beer, wine, merchandise tickets and Military Appreciation Day wristbands (available Sunday only). The Carnival and many food vendors also accept cash payments.
 
Q: What credit cards will be accepted?
A: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Military Star card.
 
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: Those wishing to attend Oktoberfest will need a DoW ID Card or be sponsored by a DoW ID Cardholder. All non-DoW ID Card holders who wish to attend the event will need to be sponsored by a DoW ID Card holder.  If possible, non-DoW ID Card holders and their sponsors should pre-register with the Visitor Control Center at Tulley Gate anytime between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday before the September 24 - 27 festivities. Visitors with certain prior criminal history, however, will not be granted installation access even with a sponsor. Non-DoW 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. Learn more! 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 the Garrison 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 the 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 within the fest grounds (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 27, 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 Family and MWR trailer next to the track and main festival tent performance stage. The First Aid station is also located here.
 
Q: Are any MWR facility hours affected by Oktoberfest?
A:
Check this website for updates.

Ask Army Answers

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