Brauhaus Schmitz Will Be Hosting the Region’s Largest Oktoberfest Celebrations on South Street, Armory and South Jersey
It’s almost time to put your mugs in the air to celebrate Oktoberfest with Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) as they are poised to bring the sights, sounds and tastes of Munich to the Philly region at three locations this year.
The first celebration will take place on South Street as Oktoberfest returns for its 15th year on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, on the 700 block of South Street. The all-day, all-ages celebration will feature covered seating for over 1,000 people, live Oom-pah music all day, German dancers, the liter lift competition, a dozen German beers, signature Bavarian dishes, face painting, games, family fun and much more.
One week later, Brauhaus Schmitz presents the 6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from Noon to 10:00pm, at Haddon Square Pop Up Garden, 51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, NJ 08108. Considered the largest Oktoberfest in all of South Jersey, this event brings together Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen for a celebration with a giant tent, blue and white Bavarian decorations, imported tables and benches, giant steins of German bier, a pig roast, and other German specialties, plus live music from Maria and John Band.
Two weeks later, they saved the best for last as one of the most authentic celebrations in the United States returns with the 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2023, with three sessions, each able to accommodate 1,400 revelers. Look for the historic Armory to be transformed from top to bottom into a sea of blue and white with miles of fabric and custom decorations, artwork and furniture. Look for opening tap, dancing, German traditions, food, drink and so much more. South Street and Haddon Square are family friendly and free to attend, with South Street also offering an exclusive VIP experience in the Brauer Bund. 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest is a ticketed event for those 21 and older. Armory tickets are on sale now – with a special $10 off the Friday night session. For info and tickets for all three events, visit brauhausschmitz.com/oktoberfest-2023/
“Philadelphia continues to be one of the top spots in America to celebrate Oktoberfest,” said Brauhaus Schmitz Owner Doug Hager. “We have been celebrating Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 15 years now and there’s no slowing down. We are so fortunate that our events have continued to grow and we have hosted tens of thousands of people over the years between 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.”
“South Street continues to be the biggest and we are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone this year. It’s an all day, all ages celebration and it is right at our home base at the restaurant on South Street. We were thrilled to see Maifest return in May and we plan to build off that success. 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.”
He added, “The Armory experience is our most authentic, with 16,000 square feet and 30 foot ceilings. We really go all out each and every year – the crowds just love it. There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing the look on the faces of guests as they enter those big wooden doors. If you can’t get to Munich, this is one of the next best things!”
Break out your lederhosen and dirndl – and keep them out for not one, not two, but three big celebrations over a four week period. PROST!
15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest
Presented by Brauhaus Schmitz
Saturday September 16, 2023, 12:00pm to 8:00pm
700 Block of South Street
Prost! Philadelphia region’s largest Oktoberfest celebration returns. Brauhaus Schmitz presents the 15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Oktoberfest will be held in front of Brauhaus Schmitz on the 700 block of South Street beneath a massive tent with seating for 1,000 people, making the event rain or shine. This is one of fall’s most exciting food-and-drink events and a do-not-miss celebration for beer lovers. Festivities will include nearly a dozen German beers available on draught, a wealth of German food, live Oom-pah music, face painting, German dancers, Liter Lift competition, games, delicious schnapps and more. Music will be provided 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.
6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 12pm-10pm
Presented By Brauhaus Schmitz
Haddon Square Pop Up Garden, 51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, NJ 08108
This is the biggest and best Oktoberfest in all of South Jersey. Our friends in the Garden State really know how to party! This is a partnership between Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen and takes place in Haddon Township’s 20K square foot outside beer garden “On the Square.” Join us under the big tent decked out in Bavarian Blue and White! Imported tables and benches paired with giant steins of German bier will transport you to Munich for this fun filled German festival like no other in South Jersey! A pig roast as well as traditional German specialties will keep your bellies full while you dance the night away with live music on stage from Maria and John Band. This event is family friendly and free to attend.
5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2023
Friday: 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Saturday Day: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday Night: 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Presented by Brauhaus Schmitz
23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street
GA – Friday $20/Saturday $30
VIP – Friday $65/Saturday $75
UBER VIP – Friday $85/Saturday $95
Philadelphia, Brauhaus Schmitz saved the best Oktoberfest of the season for last! Celebrate with Brauhaus Schmitz at the 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest October 13 through October 14, 2023. Staged in the sprawling 23rd Street Armory, the fest includes three sessions, each able to accommodate 1,400 revelers for one of the biggest beer-drinking events to hit Philadelphia and one of the most authentic Oktoberfest parties in the United States. Experience what many call “The most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich!” The fortress-like structure located at 22 South 23rd Street in West Center City (only 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, 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 Die Schlauberger Band for Saturday night. Traditional German dance performances with United German Hungarians. Traditional Oktoberfest food will be provided by Brauhaus Schmitz and beer will be provided by the world famous Hofbräuhaus München – Das Original. There truly is nothing currently like this in the entire region or state. This event draws attendees from Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City, New Jersey, Delaware and beyond. New this year, celebrate the 5th anniversary with $10 off on all tickets for Friday night! General admission is $20 per person for Friday and $30 per person for Saturday. VIP is $65 for Friday and $75 for Saturday, and UBER VIP is $85 for Friday and $95 for Saturday. Tickets are on sale now at: www.armoryoktoberfest.com
“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 number one 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 – or experience all three!”
For ages, pricing and tickets, please note:
* 15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest is family friendly outside, with 21 and up to drink with identification; the event is free to attend with food and drink pay-as-you-go. VIP tickets are also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Those tickets are limited and sell out each year, get them now while supplies last.
* 6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square is family friendly, with 21 and up to drink with identification, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.
* 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest is adults only, 21 and up. Tickets are required for this special event experience. Ticket options vary from admission and first drink general admission package; to VIP tickets with early admission, reserved seating, 2 liters of beer, table service, platter of food and private bathroom access; to UBER VIP tickets with early admission, reserved seating, 2 liters of beer, table service, private bathroom access, Schnapski for four, Bavarian Butchers Platter, and Meat and Cheese Board. Additional food and drink is pay-as-you-go.
