Fall is here, which means back to school, all things pumpkin, and Oktoberfest! Munich kicks off its 186th Oktoberfest this fall, and Philly can’t help but get in on the fun. While this German Beer-centric celebration is often just for those of drinking age (and if you’re looking for that, we particularly like The Armory’s rendition later in October), this year there are more family-friendly options than ever. So, grab those giant steins, hand your kid a soft pretzel as big as their face, it’s time to party. Prost!

Craft Hall

September 20–October 6 (Wednesdays through Sundays)
901 N. Delaware Ave.

 

Our favorite new spot to drink with kids in tow will be transformed into an indoor street festival with colorful banners and decorations, live entertainment, food and Mainstay Independent Brewery specials, beer steins, activities for kids and adults, and more! Look for Oktoberfest favorites like speltzle, schnitzel, and giant soft pretzels by the resident Lost Bread Co. Catch live music on Friday nights through Sundays. Plus, as always, kids can run wild in the indoor pirate ship playground, play free Nintendo games and table games, and more!

 

PHL Oktoberfest

September 21, noon—10 pm

Outside Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave. (kids’ activities on Shackamaxon Avenue)

 

Fishtown transforms into Oktoberfest with live music, food, and plenty of beer. On Shackamaxon Avenue, find family-friendly activities including music by The Laura and Joe Show, pony rides, and hands-on activities with PlayArts.

The Bourse

 

September 21, noon—6 pm
111 S. Independence Mall East

 

For one afternoon, The Bourse Food Hall transforms into The Bourse Beer Hall! Taste German-inspired food from 20+ vendors and enjoy an extensive list of German-style beers that are available in keepsake mugs to take home. TAPS Fill Station will feature 16 German-style beers available in 12-ounce pours and traditional liter pours, Barry’s Buns is making a Pop-Up Pretzel Bar, and you can find schnitzel and other traditional favorites throughout the hall. There will also be a traditional keg tapping, face painting, performances from the United German Hungarians Schuhplattlers and Polkadelphia.

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 25–October 26 (pumpkin carving on weekends)

Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier brings a full month of special events, beer festivals, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving, Oktoberfest on October 5, and Halloween fun as the festival goes on.

 

 

Piazza Pod Park 

September 28, noon—8 pm

1075 Germantown Ave.

 

This NoLibs spot (and resident giant robot) welcome their first fall season with Bavarian beer, brats, music, dancing, and family fun. Pod Park vendors will feature specials with German and fall releases. Music entertainment will include live bands and DJs. Look for family fun for the kids, too!

Bloktoberfest

September 28, noon–8 pm

Washington Ave. from Broad to 17th

 

Food, drinks, and live music for all take over Washington Avenue!

Dilworth Park

October 11—13

1 S. 15^th St.

 

This weekend-long festival at Dilworth celebrates fall with live music, food and drink specials (including bratwurst, of course), a pop-up beer garden, and more. The whole family will enjoy a variety of games and activities including pumpkin painting, a stein-hoisting contest, and the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market.

 

Oktoberfest Performance at Independence Seaport Museum

October 19, 2—6 pm

211 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

Even non-drinkers can get in on the fun with this lively dance performance. Independence Seaport Museum and Auerhahn Schuhplattler Verein celebrate Oktoberfest with an evening of folk dances highlighting the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The group’s specialty is the Schuhplattler (shoe slapping dance).

 

Lead photograph provided by Morgan’s Pier.