PHILADELPHIA, PA — Lederhosen, liter lifts, oom-pah bands and thousands of pretzels are about to take over two very different corners of Philadelphia as Brauhaus Schmitz brings its Oktoberfest celebrations back for another fall.
The German restaurant will host its 18th annual South Street Oktoberfest on Sept. 26, transforming the 700 block of South Street into an open-air celebration expected to draw about 10,000 people. Two weeks later, the festivities move indoors to the historic 23rd Street Armory, where a 16,000-square-foot space will be transformed into a Munich-style festival hall for three ticketed sessions Oct. 9 and 10.
Together, the celebrations combine German food and beer with live music, traditional dancing and the communal atmosphere that has made Oktoberfest a fall tradition for visitors from Philadelphia and well beyond the region.
“Philadelphia is the best city in America to celebrate Oktoberfest season,” Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager said. “We have been hosting one of the top celebrations in America for 18 years and counting. Over 110,000 have come out to celebrate with us — and we are looking forward to dancing in the street and raising liters together.”
South Street Turns Into a Giant Biergarten
The season begins outside Brauhaus Schmitz, where South Street Oktoberfest will run from noon to 8 p.m.
A massive biergarten with seating for more than 1,000 people will anchor the festivities, joined by nearly a dozen German beers on draft, Bavarian food, schnapps, outdoor games, face painting and other family activities.
Die Heimatklänge will provide live oom-pah music, while United German Hungarians will bring traditional folk dancing to the celebration.
Festivalgoers can also test their endurance in the Liter Lift competition, where contestants attempt to hold a full beer stein at arm’s length longer than their rivals.
“South Street’s single biggest day of the year is Oktoberfest,” Hager said. “There’s nothing like singing your favorite songs, watching the dancers and celebrating with 10,000 new and old friends.”
Admission to the street festival is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. The event is open to all ages and is dog-friendly, although guests must be 21 or older with identification to purchase alcohol.
Those looking for an upgraded experience can purchase a $125 VIP ticket for access to the indoor Brauer Bund Bierhall. The package includes a Bavarian buffet, seven beer tokens, access to a separate draft list, dedicated seating, a souvenir liter mug, a 2026 Oktoberfest T-shirt, additional Brauhaus merchandise and private restrooms.
Event Details
South Street Oktoberfest
- What: 18th Annual South Street Oktoberfest, presented by Brauhaus Schmitz
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, noon to 8 p.m.
- Where: Brauhaus Schmitz and the 700 block of South Street, 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: General admission is free; food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. VIP tickets are $125 and must be purchased in advance.
- More Info: www.brauhausschmitz.com/whats-on/
23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
- What: 8th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
- When: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
- Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: General admission is $35 Friday, $45 Saturday afternoon and $40 Saturday evening. VIP tickets are $75 Friday, $85 Saturday afternoon and $80 Saturday evening. Ages 21 and older only.
- More Info: www.brauhausschmitz.com/whats-on/
A Slice of Munich Inside the Armory
For the second celebration, Brauhaus Schmitz will trade the street festival atmosphere for a setting designed to evoke one of Munich’s enormous Oktoberfest tents.
The 23rd Street Armory will be draped in Bavarian blue and white, with festival tables and benches imported from Germany and a lofted stage overlooking the gathering.
Organizers expect about 4,000 people across the three sessions.
Hofbräu beer will be served in traditional liter mugs alongside bratwurst, roast chicken, pig roast and thousands of pretzels.
Die Heimatklänge will perform Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, while The Bratwurst Boys will take the stage for the Saturday night session. United German Hungarians will again provide traditional German dance performances.
The Armory celebration is limited to guests 21 and older, and admission requires a ticket.
General admission includes entry and a first drink, while VIP packages add early admission, reserved seating, two liters of beer, table service, a food platter and access to private restrooms. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.
“While the event draws in the locals, the event each year attracts more and more tourists looking to visit the City of Brotherly Love,” Hager said. “The number one thing we hear from guests is about the authenticity of this celebration — with some German friends saying it’s the closest thing to being in Munich.”
For Philadelphia Oktoberfest fans, that leaves two chances to celebrate: one beneath the open sky on South Street and another beneath a sea of Bavarian blue and white inside the Armory.
Either way, the formula is much the same — long tables, live music, German food and plenty of reasons to raise a glass and shout, “Prost!”
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