PHILADELPHIA, PA — As the leaves begin to turn and the air crisps with the promise of autumn, Brauhaus Schmitz, located at 718 South Street, is set to orchestrate a grand celebration, bringing the spirit of Munich’s renowned Oktoberfest to the Philadelphia region. Known for its dedication to German culture and cuisine, Brauhaus Schmitz is hosting three monumental Oktoberfest celebrations, promising to transport attendees into a world of Bavarian tradition, music, and culinary delight.
The festivities commence with the 16th Annual South Street Oktoberfest, taking place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from noon to 8:00 p.m., on the bustling 700 block of South Street. This event, a staple in Philadelphia’s fall calendar, draws nearly 10,000 attendees, eager to indulge in the vibrant atmosphere beneath a massive tent that seats over 1,000 guests. Featuring live Oom-pah bands, traditional German dancers, and the thrilling liter lift competition, the event offers a plethora of German beers and signature Bavarian dishes. As Doug Hager, owner of Brauhaus Schmitz, passionately states, “Philadelphia is one of the best cities in America to be at during Oktoberfest season. We have been celebrating Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 16 years now and there’s no slowing down.”
One week later, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, the celebration crosses the Delaware River to South Jersey, where the 7th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square unfolds at the Haddon Square Pop Up Garden in Westmont, NJ, from noon to 10:00 p.m. This event, heralded as South Jersey’s largest Oktoberfest, is a collaboration between Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen, featuring a Bavarian-themed ambiance complete with blue and white decorations, a pig roast, and German specialty dishes. The Maria and John Band will provide lively musical entertainment, ensuring a day filled with spirited fun for all ages.
Culminating the Oktoberfest season is the 6th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest on October 11-12, 2024, offering three distinct sessions within the historic walls of the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. This adults-only, ticketed event transforms the Armory into an authentic Munich-style beer hall. Guests will be enthralled by the expansive 16,000 square foot venue adorned with traditional Bavarian decor, beer imported from Hofbräuhaus München, and performances by Die Heimatklänge and The Bratwurst Boys. “The Armory experience is our most authentic,” Hager remarks. “There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing the look on the faces of guests as they enter those big wooden doors.”
Each celebration offers unique opportunities to experience German culture, from the vibrant street party on South Street to the community-centric festival in South Jersey, and the immersive Munich-like experience at the Armory. While South Street and Haddon Square events are free to attend with a pay-as-you-go option for food and drink, the Armory requires advance ticket purchase, with options ranging from general admission to exclusive VIP packages offering prime seating and additional perks.
As a city rich in cultural diversity, Philadelphia provides the perfect backdrop for these celebrations, drawing enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Hager emphasizes the appeal, noting, “23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest draws attendees from Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City, New Jersey, Delaware and other states down the East Coast and across America.”
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these Oktoberfest events by Brauhaus Schmitz promise an unforgettable experience, rich in tradition, community spirit, and, of course, exceptional German beer and cuisine. With a nod to the authenticity and grandeur of Munich’s own celebration, these events invite all to don their lederhosen and dirndls and join in the festive chorus of “Prost!”
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