Oktoberfest in Washington, D.C.

Celebrating Oktoberfest on the official German dates, Biergarten Haus offers 11 special drafts from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4. Complete with authentic food and live music, this H Street beer garden is a must for true Bavarian culture lovers.

This Alexandria German restaurant and bar hosts the popular ?Oktobeerfest? on Oct. 9, filled with traditional food such as bratwurst and pretzels, seasonal beers and pumpkin decorating for the kids. Admission is free, and food and drink tickets are sold at the event. It's an outdoor block party perfect for all ages.

Glover Park's Old Europe--decorated with one-of-a-kind beer steins and various crests and seals--sets the atmosphere perfectly for this 16-day festival. From Thursday to Sunday from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, live music can be enjoyed as can the traditional Bavarian menu, which includes delicacies like ?fleischpflanzerl? (Bavarian meatballs) and ?Brez?n,? a traditional pretzel. Wash it all down with Spaten Oktoberfest Bier, the same beer that is served on the fairgrounds in Munich.

An authentic German deli and restaurant, Cafe Mozart gets in the spirit by serving up the traditional menu at up to $4 off. The imported Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer is a crowd-pleaser that goes perfectly with the special platter that includes smoked pork loin, bratwurst and more. For beer lovers who are loyal Hofbrauhaus drinkers, this welcoming downtown cafe is the place to be.

The self-proclaimed largest Oktoberfest beer festival in Northern Virginia, the 10th annual Midatlantic Oktoberfest will host more than 30 breweries and local food vendors in its 11th annual celebration. Admission to the Oct. 2 event, which runs from 12pm to 7pm, is free, but guests must purchase a wristband for $25 to obtain 4-ounce samples from the breweries: http://bit.ly/daYg7h

Beer and food abound at the fourth Annual Fall Brewfest at Centreville's local park special events center. Hosted on Oct. 23 and 24 from 11am to 7pm, the World Beer Experience will feature more than 40 breweries. Tickets are $25 at the door, but are cheaper by advance purchase and for designated drivers: http://bit.ly/arwHu0

Local restaurants such as Clyde's, McCormick & Schmick's and Vinifera partner to create German fare for the Reston celebration, hosted at the Reston Town Center Oct. 8 to 10. Admission is free, and tickets that can be used to cash in for rides and food cost either $1 a piece or $20 for 24. With music and a carnival in addition to traditional food and German beer, Oktoberfest Reston is an all-out festival sure to be a hit. For more information: http://bit.ly/dbdYWO

Organized solely through volunteer efforts, this free admission Germantown nonprofit event raises funds through food and beer sales for local community charities. Hosted from 11am until dark on Oct. 2, the festival features live music and performances by artists such as Jason Malachi, exhibits by local crafters and artists, a biergarten with traditional food and beer and a dance floor for those wanting to waltz or polka after the fireworks display. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/17fvWC