South Street will get a Bavarian makeover later this month when one of the neighborhood’s biggest annual parties returns for its 18th year.
Brauhaus Schmitz will bring its annual German celebration back to the 700 block of South St. on Sept. 26, when the 18th annual South Street Oktoberfest takes over the neighborhood from noon to 8 p.m.
The free, all-ages event is expected to draw about 10,000 people and will feature a 1,000-person biergarten, German beer, Bavarian food, live music, dancing and plenty of lederhosen and dirndls.
For owner Doug Hager, Oktoberfest has become one of the signature days on the South Street calendar.
“South Street’s single biggest day of the year is Oktoberfest,” Hager said. “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.”
Hager said the restaurant is expecting a particularly big turnout this year after a summer of large-scale events in the city celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
“We can’t wait to see everyone outside for one of our largest celebrations to date,” he said. “We got a head start with World Cup and our giant block parties – and buzz has been building for months this year.”
South Street Oktoberfest is family- and dog-friendly, with no admission charge. Food and drinks are pay-as-you-go, and alcohol is limited to guests 21 and older with identification.
A $125 VIP package is available for Oktoberfest die-hards. It includes access to the Brauer Bund Bierhall, indoor seating, a Bavarian buffet, seven beer tokens, VIP draft selections, a liter mug, a 2026 Oktoberfest T-shirt, Brauhaus merchandise and private restrooms.
The South Street party is just the beginning of Brauhaus Schmitz’s Oktoberfest season.
On Oct. 9 and 10, the restaurant will host its eighth annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest at the historic 23rd Street Armory.
The 21-and-over event will feature three sessions: Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The 16,000-square-foot Armory will be transformed into a Bavarian festival tent, complete with blue-and-white decorations, German festival tables and benches, a lofted stage and a 40-foot centerpiece.
Hofbräu beer will be served in traditional liter mugs, while the food lineup includes bratwurst, roast chicken, pig roast and thousands of pretzels.
Die Heimatklänge will perform Friday night and Saturday afternoon, while the Bratwurst Boys will take the stage Saturday night. Traditional German dancing will be performed by the United German Hungarians.
Hager said the Armory event has developed a following well beyond Philadelphia.
“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,” he said. “While the event draws in the locals, the event each year attracts more and more tourists looking to visit the City of Brotherly Love.”
He said visitors frequently comment on the event’s authenticity.
“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,” Hager said. “We hope you can experience this for yourself this year – or both.”
Tickets for the Armory Oktoberfest are $35 for Friday general admission, $45 for Saturday afternoon general admission and $40 for Saturday night general admission. VIP tickets range from $75 to $85 and include perks such as reserved seating, additional beer and food, depending on the session.
After nearly two decades of South Street Oktoberfest celebrations, Hager said Philadelphia has earned its place among the country’s top Oktoberfest destinations.
“Philadelphia is the best city in America to celebrate Oktoberfest season,” Hager said. “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.”
He said the two events have welcomed more than 110,000 people over the years.
“We have been hosting one of the top celebrations in America for 18 years and counting,” Hager said. “Over 110,000 have come out to celebrate with us – and we are looking forward to dancing in the street and raising liters together.” ••
