Long before Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, people across the greater Fayetteville area will be joining together to celebrate a German holiday to kick off the autumn season with brews, community and contests. 

Oktoberfest, an annual celebration held in the German city of Munich, is coming to several locations across the GFBJ’s coverage area from late September to early October. 

Here are a few ways you can join the celebration: 

Hope Mills:

Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, located at 5435 Corporation Dr, in Hope Mills,  is inviting the community to join them for the 10th annual Dirtbag Ales Oktoberfest, happening Friday, Oct. 6th through Sunday, Oct. 8th! 

The three day event will include a number of activities including a Bavarian Brass Band, German Field Games run by Rouge Alpha Athletics, the Dirtbag Farmers Market and more! 

You can learn more about the event online here. 

Southern Pines: 

The Southern Pines Growler Company, located at 160 W New York Ave, in Southern Pines is hosting Oktoberfest for the remainder of September with events planned for Sept. 23 and 30! 

Featuring 5 German Biers on tap, a Stein holding competition (for both men & women) and food trucks featuring German dishes, there is plenty to do to get your Oktoberfest on! 

You can learn more about SPGC’s Oktoberfest online here.

Fort Liberty: 

Fort Liberty will be joining in on the celebration by hosting their own Oktoberfest on Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Iron Mike Conference Center. A number of activities have been planned including kicking off the 2023 Oktoberfest with a Volksmarch! 

The Volksmarch will start and end at Iron Mike Conference Center beginning at 11:30 am. Open to everyone!

Food and beer tents and bounce houses will open at 12 pm. Win prizes all day long! Raffles will be held every hour from 1-9 pm. FREE German meal to the first 250 beginning at 5 p.m.

The Fall Market will be open from 12p.m.-6 p.m. for you to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. The Fall Market will be located inside Iron Mike Conference Center.  

Costume Contest:  Come dressed in your best German attire for our Oktoberfest costume contest!  Sign up on site ahead of time to take the stage at 4 p.m. to put your attire to the test!  Prizes will be awarded for winners in the following categories: 12 and under; 13-17 years old and 18 and over.

Stein Holding Contest: How long can you hold a full stein? The first 20 men and first 20 women to sign up with be able to showcase their strength and endurance!  Sign up will be on site with the contest beginning at 7 p.m.

Learn more about Fort Liberty’s Oktoberfest here.