Vienna's annual Oktoberfest filled Historic Church Street on Saturday, Oct. 3, drawing crowds for eight hours of live music, German food and local beer despite rain.

The free festival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. across Church Street, Dominion Road, Mill Street and the Town Green. The Town of Vienna said on its X account that residents turned out for an afternoon of food, beer and music even as wet weather settled over the event. The festival has no rain date and operates rain or shine.

The day opened with the Burgermeister Swearing-In and Keg Tapping ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m. at the main stage. Mayor Linda Colbert was slated to swear in 2026 Burgermeister Ike Butler, who would then tap the first keg with the traditional Bavarian toast "O'zapft is!" according to the festival's posted schedule.

By 3 p.m., the competition heated up. The Steinholding contest, known in Bavaria as Maßkrugstemmen, challenged participants to hold a full beer stein straight out at arm's length, elbow locked and parallel to the ground, for as long as possible. No bent elbows. No dipping. The Town of Vienna described the contest as competitive in its post-event post on X.

Three stages of live music played throughout the day, including one dedicated to children. A Best Dressed Oktoberfest Awards contest at 4 p.m. celebrated lederhosen, dirndls and Alpine hats.

Caboose Brewing, Vienna Vintner and Norms Beer & Wine poured drinks at $8 per ticket or four tickets for $30. A physical ID was required to buy alcohol; digital IDs were not accepted, according to festival guidelines reported by Patch. Kids' activities on the Town Green were free.

A free shuttle ran from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., picking up and dropping off at Vienna Metro, James Madison High School and the W&OD Trail.

The Vienna Business Association and the Town of Vienna co-presented the festival, with proceeds supporting local charities. The festival website describes the event as drawing roughly 30,000 attendees from Fairfax County, Loudoun, Arlington and the broader D.C. area, though that figure is a promotional estimate, not a verified count for Oct. 3.

Upcoming in Vienna: St. Mark Catholic Church hosts a free Trunk or Treat on Oct. 23.