One of the biggest parties of the year takes place Sept. 21 on South Street as Brauhaus Schmitz hosts its annual Oktoberfest street celebration.
Now in its 16th year, the South Street Oktoberfest will run from noon to 8 p.m. along the 700 block of South Street.
“Philadelphia is one of the best cities in America to be at during Oktoberfest season,” Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager said. “We have been celebrating Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 16 years now, and there’s no slowing down. 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 big party on South Street is just the start of Oktoberfest. Brauhaus Schmitz also is holding celebrations at the Haddon Square Pop Up Garden (51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, N.J.) Sept. 28 and the sixth annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest Oct. 11-12.
For other information on all three Oktoberfest festivals, check out brauhausschmitz.com/events.
South Street
“South Street continues to be the biggest Oktoberfest in the city. 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,” said Hager. “For Haddon Oktobefest on the Square, we can’t wait to join forces again with Keg & Kitchen for the biggest celebration there is in South Jersey.”
Oktoberfest on South Street will be held beneath a massive tent with seating for 1,000 people. Nearly a dozen German beers will be available on draught. There is also a wealth of German food, oom-pah music, face painting, German dancers, competition, games, schnapps and more.
Music will be provided by Die Heimatklänge with dancing by United German Hungarians. Guests can purchase beers and food on a pay-as-you-go basis or upgrade to a VIP package that includes access to the Brauer Bund, VIP drafts, liter mug, a Bavarian buffet, seven tokens for beer, five private no-wait bathrooms and additional swag.
New Jersey
In South Jersey, a partnership between Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen takes place in Haddon Township’s 20,000-square-foot beer garden “On the Square.” Imported tables and benches paired with giant steins of German beer will transport visitors to Munich. A pig roast and other German specialties will keep bellies full while guests dance the night away with music from Maria and John Band. This event is family friendly, and there is no admission charge.
Armory
Finally, Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia draws patrons from all over the region.
“The 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,” Hager said. “While the event draws in the locals, the event each year attracts more and more tourists looking to visit the City of Brotherly Love. The No. 1 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.”
The party, ticketed for those 21 and over, includes three sessions, each able to accommodate 1,400 revelers.
The fortress-like structure located at 22 S. 23rd St. in West Center City (a 5-minute walk from 30th Street Station) will mimic an authentic Munich festival tent. The 16,000 square foot space will be decked out with Bavarian blue and white ceilings, festival tables and benches imported from Germany and a stage for musical acts, including Brauhaus regulars Die Heimatklänge on Friday night and Saturday daytime, and The Bratwurst Boys Saturday night. There will be traditional dance performances with United German Hungarians. Traditional food will be provided by Brauhaus Schmitz, and beer will be provided by the world famous Hofbräuhaus München.
Source: Berkshire mont
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