As quickly as summer ended, the region has moved right into Oktoberfest.
Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South St., is again bringing the sights, sounds and tastes of Munich to the region at two of Pennsylvania’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations.
“Philadelphia is the best city in America to celebrate Oktoberfest season,” said Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager. “After hosting thousands of fans for World Cup, we are ready to host record breaking crowds for South Street Oktoberfest and 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest.
“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. Come ready to sing your hearts out and enjoy Bavarian food, beer, music and decor for two of our city’s most iconic annual fall celebrations.”
Thousands will take to South Street Sept. 26 to celebrate Oktoberfest. (Courtesy of Brauhaus Schmitz)
Get ready to raise a liter and dance in the street as South Street Oktoberfest returns for its 18th year Sept. 26, from noon to 8 p.m. on the 700 block of South Street. The entirety of South Street from Seventh to the Delaware River will be closed for an all-day celebration. Each block will have different themes.
The all-day, all-ages celebration attracts around 10,000 people and features a bier garten, live German music all day, German dancers, the liter lift competition, a dozen German beers, signature Bavarian dishes, face painting and more.
“South Street’s single biggest day of the year is Oktoberfest,” said Hager. “There’s nothing like singing your favorite songs, watching the dancers and celebrating with 10,000 of new and old friends. It’s an all day, all ages celebration that is a rite of passage heading into the autumn. We can’t wait to see everyone outside for one of our largest celebrations to date. We got a head start with World Cup and our giant block parties, and buzz has been building for months this year. As the song says, meet me on South Street.”
For a bigger experience, VIP tickets include access to the Brauer Bund Bierhall where festival-goers can enjoy indoor seating, with an exclusive VIP buffet. In addition to beer ticket also includes a glass liter mug to take home, an annual souvenir Oktoberfest T-shirt with a new 2026 design, Brauhaus swag, private bathroom access and VIP food buffet.
Go to https://brauhausschmitz.com for tickets and more information.
Two weeks later, one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations returns with the eighth annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest Oct. 9-10, with three afternoon and evening sessions.
The historic Armory will once again transformed from top to bottom into a sea of blue and white with miles of fabric and custom decorations, artwork and furniture.
“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,” said Hager. “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. We hope you can experience this for yourself this year.”
The fortress-like structure located at 22 S. 23rd Street in West Center City will mimic an authentic Munich festival tent.
The 16,000-square-foot space will be decked out with Bavarian blue and white ceilings, authentic festival tables and benches imported from Germany, as well as a lofted stage area for musical acts, which includes Brauhaus regulars Die Heimatklänge on Friday night and Saturday daytime, and The Bratwurst Boys for Saturday night.
Traditional Oktoberfest food will be provided by Brauhaus Schmitz and beer will be provided by the world famous Hofbräuhaus München – Das Original.
Go to https://brauhausschmitz.com for tickets and more information.