Frequently Asked Q’s

What are the answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions?

No Outside Food, Beverages or Alcohol allowed
No Weapons allowed
No Pop Up Tents allowed
Must be 21 and over with Approved ID
No Aggressive Behavior
No Standing or Dancing on the Tables, Benches, or Chairs
No Behavior that is Disruptive to other guests enjoyment of the festival

Bags will be searched at entry
No Children or Babies allowed
Dog Allowed ONLY until 8pm for safety reasons (darkness and large crowds)
No Cash. Credit and Debit Cards gladly accepted

What is Kirkland Oktoberfest?

This is a full-on, full-pour authentic German Oktoberfest featuring an acres of biergarten, multiple entertainment stages, games, competitions, and more serving only the best imported German and NW craft brews. You can do tasting sessions if you prefer too. This three day festival on the waterfront in downtown Kirkland is the Seattle area's largest and oldest “real” Oktoberfest.

When we say authentic, we mean it. Kirkland Oktoberfest is all about sausage, bier, and sizzling oompah.

And, of course, we spell bier with an 'i', the German way. Pretty authentic, eh?

This München-style biergarten includes the Festhalle (long tables swaying, arm in arm), SportHaus (watch the football game and play corn hole, beer pong, stein hoisting, keg rolling, and more), food trucks, Northwest craft brewers, hot pretzels, and more.

Must be 21+ with valid ID to enter Oktoberfest including Biergarten, Standehalle and Festhalle.

When is Kirkland Oktoberfest?

The 10th annual Kirkland Oktoberfest runs for three amazing days. Dates for 2022 are September 22rd, 23th, and 24th.

FESTIVAL HOURS

Friday, September 22nd: 4PM - 11PM

Saturday, September 23rd: 12PM - 11PM

Sunday, September 24th: 12PM - 6PM

FUN FACT:

Oktoberfest in Munich starts in September because its final day has a fixed spot on the calendar. The last day of the festival is always on the first Sunday of October. ... In October 1810, the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and locals celebrated in Munich. (source)

Where is Kirkland Oktoberfest?

The best event venue on the lake in Downtown Kirkland, of course! On the waterfront in Marina Park (25 Lakeshore Plaza), voted the favorite venue on the Eastside for major events. For directions, click here

Can I buy advance tickets?

Of course! Tickets for Kirkland Oktoberfest are on sale now!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

How does it work?

Daily and Weekend Passes  get you into the festival with re-entry. You heard that right - the entire weekend you’ll have re-entry so you can come and go as you please! Festival Passes come in various packages. Some are entry only (beer tickets ala carte, available for purchase inside the festival) and some come in a beer ticket bundle.

Designated Drivers: We love you! Water is complementary as you enjoy the festival. Not planning to drink? Get the “Festival Admission Only” weekend pass.

Bier, cider, wine, seltzers and our signature cocktails start at $9 and up. Food items generally sell from between $10- $20. Close your eyes and you can almost smell the enticing aroma of sizzling bratwurst. Mmmm.

What is The Bavarian Handshake?

Well, we are glad you asked! The Bavarian Handshake was invented at Kirkland Oktoberfest way, way back in 2016. It is a relatively informal way to say, “hello friend” while wearing Lederhosen. Make new friends with The Bavarian Handshake! Be sure to join us in beating the World Record Bavarian Handshake™! Appropriate attire is required, of course. Most pants don’t have the necessary flap like Lederhosen. So dawn your ‘Hosen and start shaking hands!

Do I need to bring ID? What ID is accepted?

YES! Oktoberfest is 21+ with valid ID. Did we say that already? Echo... echo... echo...

Wiener Dog Races on Sunday are all ages.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board requires everyone entering the Biergarten to present valid ID.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board states that any of the following is acceptable:

a driver’s license with a photo from any state
a current passport
a DMV identification card*
a military card*

*The DMV identification card and the military card must have a picture of the person, the person’s name, address, date of birth, a physical description, and the signature of the person.

Can I leave the festival and re-enter?

You can leave and re-enter and leave and re-enter and leave and re-enter until 1 hour prior to close.
That's customer friendly and that’s how we roll. Not too shabby.

Can I bring my dog?

Well-behaved owners and dogs are welcome until 8pm nightly. Sunday is Dogtoberfest at Kirkland Oktoberfest. Festoon your pooch and enjoy the festival. Also, Sunday at 1pm is when the Great Kirkland Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races begin. Click here to get your dog registered.

Is there free beer?

No. That’s false advertising.

What's the best way to get to Kirkland?

METRO BUSES

The Kirkland Transit Center is just a 2 block walk from the festival gates.

UBER, LYFT OR TAXI

Choose your favorite. Play it safe and leave your car at home.

Yellow Cab: 206-622-6500
Gray Top Cab: 206-282-8222
Orange Cab: 206-552-8800
Redtop Cab: 206-789-4949

PARKING

Downtown Kirkland has several public parking lots available. Parking Map PDF

For full parking details, visit City of Kirkland Transportation Website.

Free Parking

2 Hour Parking
– On-street 

4 Hour Parking
– Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Garage located under the Kirkland Library. Entrances are on 3rd Street or Kirkland Avenue.
– 1st Street and 3rd Avenue
– 2nd Avenue South and State Street

Weekend Non-Restricted Parking

-Wester Lot on 3rd Ave. (next to City Hall)

Pay Parking Stations

Up to 4-Hour Parking from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Mon-Sat
– Lake Street
– Lakeshore Plaza

All Day Parking (9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Mon-Sat)
– Park & Main Lot

Pay Parking Garage

All Day Parking
– Library Parking Garage

Where should I book a hotel?

Visit Explore Kirkland to learn more about booking hotels near the festival.

Should I wear a costume, hat or Lederhosen?

YES! Be sure to wear your Lederhosen (guys) and Dirndl (gals) as there will be contests for the best dressed, Mr. and Miss Oktoberfest, and more. We encourage you to be creative!

What is Kirkland Oktoberfest's Guest Conduct Policy?

Kirkland Oktoberfest has a strict alcohol policy that is designed to protect the guests and the public from alcohol-related incidents.  All festival guests are expected to maintain responsible and appropriate behavior at all times.  Any behavior defying the guest conduct policy as determined by festival management can result in ejection and possible arrest.

Festival management has the right to refuse entry to any guest deemed intoxicated upon arrival to the Festival.  Additionally, the Festival has the right to remove any guest from the premises who is intoxicated or causing a disturbance or is potentially dangerous to himself/herself or other guests.

Ejected guests will not receive a refund for their tickets or be compensated in any way.

Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Drunk and disorderly conduct
Fighting or challenging others to fight
Throwing, tossing, or discharging any object
Bringing weapons of any kind in to festival
Failure to comply with festival personnel
Violating festival rules, regulations, and policies
Violating any local, state, or federal laws
Interference with the event, or participants of the event in any way
Standing on chairs/seats
Taunting or using offensive language
Disturbing other guests enjoyment of the event
Alcohol brought from outside the festival
Attempting to enter the festival with a fraudulent ID

Kirkland Oktoberfest reserves the right to deny entry or eject from the facility guests displaying inappropriate behavior, as determined by festival management.
The purpose of the guest conduct policy is to assure the safety and well-being of all guests.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Are there things for kids to do?

Frankly, Sunday is the day, however options are limited as children are not allowed in the Biergarten. On Sunday, September 24, we are proud to present a free, family event:

Sunday at 1 PM be sure to be onsite for the extremely popular 10th annual Great Kirkland Wiener Dog Races. The Parade of Wieners begins at 12:45pm. The races start at 1PM and people begin gathering onsite an hour early! Don't miss these zany dogs in costume!

FACT: Wiener Dogs are nuts. And that’s why we love ‘em! If you’re looking for a good laugh, the Great Kirkland Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races brings smiles, laughter and lots of waggy tails.

Bag search policy

All bags and backpacks will be searched by security prior to entering the festival.
No weapons or illegal substances of any kind will be allowed on site.
No coolers are allowed on site.
No liquids, cans, containers or bottles, are allowed on site (free water is available onsite).
No outside food
No chairs are allowed on site.
No umbrellas or signs are allowed on site.

Is smoking allowed?

Kirkland Oktoberfest is an outdoor event and smoking is permitted in the designated area only. We ask that you refrain from smoking in other non-designated areas. We ask that you do not litter, use the trash receptacles, and be respectful of other guests.

What about marijuana?

In accordance with Washington State law, marijuana is not permitted to be smoked in any public place, including Kirkland Oktoberfest. Please respect this law. 

When are the Wiener Dog Races?

The Great Kirkland Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races are on Sunday at 1 pm sharp! They are all-ages and FREE! Want to race your wiener? Register today!

Is there a ‘Secret Tiki Bar’ at Kirkland Oktoberfest?

Nope. Don’t know what you’re talking about, pal. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Absolutely no. Nada. That’s a negatory on that inquiry.

Never heard of it.

Nope. But we do serve a signature cocktail!