The tradition of the Germantown Oktoberfest was a time-honored event drawing thousands of people to Germantown each year. After a five-year hiatus, the “Germantown Oktoberfest” returned in 2024 with over 4,000 attendees, a vibrant parade, artisan market, live music and dancing, a beer garden, and a children’s carnival. After a wonderful return, our community engagement deepened through additional events, workshops, volunteer committees, and public surveys.
As the event continues to grow, it is also evolving. With strong input from the community, we are excited to introduce the 2026 “October Fest”—reflecting a broader seasonal and cultural focus. While the spirit of the original Oktoberfest will be honored through fun traditions and festive touches, the emphasis will highlight Germantown’s rich cultural diversity and the beauty of fall. This evolution allows us to be inclusive, representative of our vibrant community, and creative in how we celebrate together.The event will take place along Century Blvd. with the main hub of activity on event partners, BlackRock Center for the Arts lawn and surrounding streets. Shuttle parking information will be available by next week. Please RSVP to be notified!
IMPORTANT! Shuttle service will be available! Stay tuned for details.
The main elements of the event, organized by the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) in partnership with and funding granted by the county executive and council, include: a parade at 11:30 am, The MoCo Show Beer Garden, live music stage and DJ entertainment, a free Carnival, the GGCC Business Expo, food trucks and specials from local restaurants.
Before the parade kicks off, warm up with a SPOOKY DANCE PARTY at 11 am SHARP! BlackRock will be sponsoring this ghoulish celebration before the parade for families to get their wiggles out and show off their silly, cute and spooky costumes! Three winners will be selected and escorted to the front of the parade as parade marshalls as well as given free tickets to a future BlackRock show! To sign up to participate, select the Spooky Dance Party add on at checkout!
Winners include: Best family costume, Best Overall and Most Creative/Handmade! All winners can walk with their families.
Please RSVP to keep up with the latest details and to enter for a chance to win an amazing prize pack worth over $500!
(Must be 18 or older to win. No purchase neccesary. Contest will end on and winners will be picked randomly on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. No cash value.)
