Oktoberfest returns to South Street

The 16th annual Octoberfest will return to South Street on Sept. 21, bringing the sights, sounds and tastes of Munich to the City of Brotherly Love.

Brauhaus Schmitz, located at 718 South St., will once again lead the festivities from noon to 8 p.m. on the 700 block of South Street. The all-day, all-ages celebration expects to attract nearly 10,000 people and feature covered seating for more than 1,000 people. The event will include live Oom-pah music all day, German dancers, the liter lift competition, a dozen German beers, signature Bavarian dishes, face painting, outdoor games and family fun. The fun will continue at the 7th annual Oktoberfest in Westmont, New Jersey on Sept. 28 and at the 6th annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest on Oct. 11-12.

“Philadelphia is one of the best cities in America to be at during Oktoberfest season,” said Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager. “We have been celebrating Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 16 years now and there’s no slowing down. We want to thank the tens of thousands of people over the years that have celebrated with us at South Street, 23rd Street Armory and Haddon Square in South Jersey. We are back this year and bigger than ever – and hope to see everyone out there raising a liter, singing their hearts out and on their feet dancing.”

The South Street Octoberfest has grown to be a fan favorite over the past 15 years.

The event will feature music by Die Heimatklänge with dancing by United German Hungarians. Guests can attend and purchase beers and food on a pay-as-you-go basis or upgrade to an exclusive VIP package, which includes private access to the Brauer Bund, VIP drafts, liter mug, a Bavarian buffet, seven tokens for beer, five private no-wait bathrooms and additional swag.

“South Street continues to be the biggest Oktoberfest in the city,” Hager said. “It’s an all-day, all-ages celebration and we can’t wait to see the street come to life outside our restaurant on the iconic South Street.”

The 16th annual South Street Oktoberfest is family-friendly outside, with 21 and up to drink with identification; the event is no charge to attend with food and drink pay-as-you-go. VIP tickets are also available. Visit brauhausschmitz.com/events1/.

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