Historic Church Street will shut down to traffic and open up to tens of thousands of neighbors on Saturday, Oct. 3, when the 17th annual Vienna Oktoberfest takes over Church Street, Dominion Road, Mill Street and the Town Green in downtown Vienna.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free for all ages. No rain date.

The Vienna Business Association and the Town of Vienna co-present the event, which has drawn 30,000 to 35,000 attendees in past years. Peggy James, the VBA's festival contact, said organizers are calling this year's edition their biggest yet, with more vendors and food than prior years, according to a preview on TysonsToday. Proceeds benefit the VBA Foundation, which funds charitable organizations across the Greater Vienna area.

What to expect

Three live-music stages anchor the day: the Beer Garden stage, the Town Green stage and the Mill Street stage. One stage is dedicated entirely to kids' entertainment.

The beer and wine garden features four local pourers: Caboose Brewing Company, Norm's Beer and Wine, Vienna Vintner and Settle Down Easy. Drink tickets run $8 each or four for $30.

Food vendors span traditional German fare to international options. The official festival website promises attendees can "eat your way around the world without leaving Vienna." A Business Expo Showcase, Vendor Market and Artisan Market round out the shopping.

The Kids Zone on the Town Green offers free inflatables, games and entertainment.

Getting there

A free shuttle runs 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with stops at Vienna Metro North and James Madison High School. Cyclists can ride the W&OD Trail directly to a dedicated Bike Park at the festival entrance. Organizers ask that attendees leave dogs at home due to crowd size.

The Town of Vienna's event listing places the festival at 131 Church St. NE. Questions about vendor or sponsorship opportunities can be directed to the VBA at [email protected].