By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Oct. 15, 2026) Craft beer and live folk music are coming to Berlin this Saturday as residents and visitors gather for a German-inspired celebration, Oktoberfest.

Berlin has held its own version of the German beer and folk fair for more than 10 years, said Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who added that the event has added more regional brews and entertainment options over the past three years.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, residents and visitors will find local beer and traditional food such as bratwursts, pretzels and German chocolate cake. The entertainment agenda will include live music and kids’ activities.

Wells said the festival’s new additions include pumpkin carving with award-winning artist Nancy Baker and regional band The Lost Lederhosen, who specialize in Oktoberfest and German party music.

The Lost Lederhosen will perform at the Main Street stage in front of the Atlantic Hotel. As part of the usual Oktoberfest musical lineup, The Dunehounds will play at The Sterling Tavern stage, sponsored by The Sterling Tavern.

Wells said juggler Cascading Carlos is also set to show off his talents during the event.

Beer enthusiasts can keep their drinks cold on Saturday by purchasing a Berlin Oktoberfest-branded stainless steel beer stein. The limited-edition mugs, which include two free drink tickets, are $35 and available for advance order.

Steins can be picked up at ROWAN Kitchens on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Attendees can preorder drink tickets for $5 each, good for one beverage. The vouchers can be used to fill up mugs or get a mixed drink and can be found at https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com/2026-berlin-oktoberfest.

In the Oktoberfest spirit, the event will feature a Stein Holding Contest where competitors hold a mug of beer in front of their bodies to test shoulder strength and endurance. The winner will receive a $100 gift card.

Younger attendees and animal lovers can visit a petting farm, and shop along a sidewalk sale.

Oktoberfest will also include a costume contest for both children and adults.

The best-dressed adult will earn a $100 gift card to a downtown Berlin business of their choice, while the youth winner will receive a $50 certificate to World of Toys, Wells said.

There is no charge to enter Saturday’s event. Free parking will be available at Berlin Intermediate School, with free trolley transportation into downtown.

“Not everyone can make it to Berlin, Germany, for Oktoberfest, so we’re going to give you the next best thing right here in Berlin, Maryland,” Wells said. “You get the beer, bratwurst, music, and steins, but you also get the charm of our historic downtown, our local businesses, and that unmistakable Berlin feeling.”