Time for Fall Fun: Lovettsville Oktoberfest!

Located in gorgeous Western Loudoun County, German immigrants settled Lovettsville in the early 18th Century. Preferring to maintain their German customs, language, and heritage, the settlers had little association with the English colonists around them for decades (Lovettsville Museum). Today, a Virginia historical marker placed outside the town's St. James Church recognizes it as the oldest continuous German congregation in the state. While Lovettsville has grown and changed over the past 275 years, many of its residents can trace their family trees back to the German settlers, and Lovettsville holds strong to its German roots.

Oktoberfest is the largest German celebration in the community, and everyone is invited! An extensive three-day event running Friday, September 26 through Sunday the 28th, there is something sure to please anyone. Below are highlighted several Oktoberfest events; The full schedule is available from the Town of Lovettsville.

Friday: Oktoberfest Dinner Featuring Traditional Dancers
The opening night of Oktoberfest, Friday September 26, take your partner out for a German meal and dancing at the Oktoberfest Dinner. Held at the town Community Center from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, this event features Bavarian and Austrian Dancers. Their boisterous performance is sure to put you and yours in the mood of some dancing of your own! Fortunately, there's an after party in the main tent!
German meal $8, Kids Meal $4, Pay at the door

Friday: Swing Dance with Loudoun Jazz Ensemble
After dinner on Friday, head over to the Main Tent in town for dancing and entertainment with the Loudoun Jazz Ensemble. Between the 7 and 9 o'clock hours, merrygoers are encouraged to dance and celebrate together the opening of Oktoberfest.
Free

Saturday: Volksmarch
Start your day out right with a pancake breakfast at Lovettsville Elementary (8 to 11 AM). Then enjoy a pleasant walk on the back roads of Lovettsville and take in the town's gorgeous scenery.
Free, Register at (540) 822-5748

Saturday: Maypole with Mrs. Stillman and Children
Sure to be a crowd pleaser, head over to the Maypole at Noon to watch the children pay tribute to this European tradition.
Free

Saturday: Live Entertainment Under the Main Tent
Along with beer, beer, and more beer, enjoy a day full of celebrating with Polka, Cloggers, plus Alpine, Bavarian and Austrian dancing, and then rock out the evening with the Concrete Blues Band and Jessica Brooke and The Band. Full schedule at the Town of Lovettsville.
Free, Beer sold on tap outside the tent

Saturday: Live Entertainment on Loudoun Street
From 1 to 4 PM, join the party at the second stage outside of Lovettsville Pizza & Subs, featuring student bands from Loudoun Music Instruction. Do not underestimate these kids -- you are in for some surprisingly good music! LMI specializes in bringing musical kids together to do what they were going to do anyway: Rock. Then from 4 to 8 PM, get your groove on with Bad Influence blues band.
Free, Food and drinks for sale in Lovettsville Pizza & Subs

Saturday: Activities All Day Long
Check out the full schedule at the Town of Lovettsville.

Sunday: Community Church Service Under the Main Tent
From 10 to 11 AM, join New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, one of the town's two original German congregations, for a community service.
Free, Donations accepted

Sunday: Student Performers Under the Main Tent
Enjoy more free music in town and support the next generation of rockin' artists. Visitors to Loudoun County will undoubtedly be impressed by the student bands from LMI.
Free

Visit the Town of Lovettsville website for further information, including a listing of the full schedule of events plus a map of the activity area.

Sources and Further Information:

"Activity Guide (pdf)." Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.

"The German Settlement - Lovettsville Our American Roots." Lovettsville Historical Museum.

"About LMI." Loudoun Music Instruction.

"Oktoberfest 2008 Activities and Entertainment Schedule (pdf)." Town of Lovettsville.