What does it cost to attend this event?

St. Benedict Oktoberfest is FREE to attend.

Will there be shade?

Our HUGE “Bierhalle” tents offer shaded seating for hundreds of our guests.

Where do I park? Is it free? Can I park in the neighborhood?

#OktoberfestRVA is located in the Museum District. Most of our attendees use on-street parking in the neighborhood, but two of our neighbors have kindly made limited parking available:

•  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) parking deck
  This deck is located at Sheppard Street and Stuart Avenue, and parking is available for $6. Note that gates on the VMFA deck will be closed at Midnight both Friday and Saturday night of our event and will not reopen until the next morning.

•  Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) parking lot
  Entrances to the VMHC open air parking lot can be found on Kensington Avenue and opposite the VMFA deck (from N. Sheppard Street or Stuart Avenue 
• Parking rate: $5 for the first 4 hours, and then $1 for each additional hour.
•  VMHC’s availability 
• Friday & Sunday: Available all day (see parking rate)
• Saturday: Daytime hours only (10:00am- 5:00pm)
  They have an event after 5 on Saturday; Oktoberfest attendees are required to move their vehicles before 5pm

Both of these parking options have automated systems that require payment with credit card.

Park at your own risk.

Is the “Festplatz” accessible for wheelchairs?

The Festplatz is accessible to wheelchairs.

If it rains do I get refunded any tickets I bought?

Food and drink tickets can only be used on the three days of #OktoberfestRVA. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on unused tickets.

Are there rain dates?

Due to scheduling conflicts with the school and Church, as well as the demand for our featured #OktoberfestRVA entertainment, we cannot schedule a rain date. Our event occurs “rain or shine” but there is plenty of shelter to enjoy Oktoberfest!

Do you offer Babysitting services?

We ask that parents please monitor their children at Oktoberfest. Whereas no babysitting services are provided, your children will want to participate in the children’s activities that are offered – like the Chicken Dance!



Do I HAVE to bring an ID?

If you wish to consume alcoholic beverages, you will be asked to present a photo ID – regardless of age. We do this to assure that our consuming guests are of legal age, in compliance with state law.

When are the dancers dancing?

Please check out our schedule under the “Events” section of this Website.

What can my child eat? Will there be children’s portions?

A la carte items include Kinderdog (hot dog), pretzels, gingerbread hearts and assorted German desserts and treats. We are also offering a special Kinder Meal, which includes a Kinderdog, drink, and apple sauce, all served in an Alpine Hat!

Will there be Gingerbread Cookie Hearts?

Any true Oktoberfest must have Lebkuchenherzen! Look for them in Christkindlmarkt.

Will there be a moonbounce?
Our Children’s area will have several activities, including a “Moonbounce.”

Are dogs (pets) allowed?

We ask that you leave your pets at home.

Can I bring my stein from last year?

Beer will only be served in current year St. Benedict Oktoberfest commemorative steins or in the plastic cups provided at our event (if you are not a steinholder).

Can I bring my own stein?

Beer will only be served in #OktoberfestRVA commemorative steins or in the plastic cups provided at our event (if you are not a steinholder).

How do I buy merchandise at #OktoberfestRVA?

This varies per vendor, as some are equipped to take credit cards - but some are not. The St. Benedict Oktoberfest merchandise booth will accept cash or official Oktoberfest tickets for payment.

How do I pay for children’s activities?

Unless you are a sponsor, you must purchase a wristband for your child in the Children’s Area. A Daily wristband is $10 per child and a Weekend Wristband is $20 per child. Wristbands permit your child unlimited games and activities (facepainting not included) in the Children’s Area. If you are a sponsor, see Sponsor Chair in the Sponsor Check-in area to determine if Children’s Area wristbands are included in your sponsorship.

NOTES:

- Facepainting is available for $7.

- Bounce houses have age limitations that are posted in the Children’s Area.

What is the “Steinholding Contest?”

Whereas many oktoberfests have a single arm steinholding contest, the St. Benedict Oktoberfest is again unique with its double arm steinholding contest. These contests are held on a regular basis throughout the event and require the participant to hold in each hand a large water-filled stein by its handle, keeping their arms extended horizontally to either side. Participants are reminded throughout the event that they cannot bend their elbows or permit their arms to be lowered. Should the water in either stein spill, the contestant is disqualified. The last person standing without spilling water is declared the winner and wins the gift-certificate prize(s). Contestants are permitted to keep the two glass steins, but these cannot be used for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. The cost for each participant is $15 per contest. Credit/Debit is accepted.

Will you have the same foods you had last year?

We have made a few changes to our menu and encourage you to check out the “Food & Drink” section of this website for updates.

Will there be drinks other than beer and wine at #OktoberfestRVA?

Soft drinks and water are also available at Oktoberfest.

Where do the proceeds from the St. Benedict Oktoberfest go?

ALL proceeds from each year’s Oktoberfest are used to support Catholic education. A large portion of proceeds support the indirect and direct financial aid needs of students attending Saint Benedict Catholic School, our parish school. Funds from the event are also used for merit-based scholarships for parish students attending Catholic high schools recognized by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

Why does St. Benedict have an #OktoberfestRVA?

St. Benedict Parish has a strong German tradition, being established by the Benedictine monks who staffed St. Mary’s German Catholic Church in downtown Richmond. With the growth of the “suburbs” in the early 20th Century, the Benedictines felt that establishing a new parish (and Catholic Military Boys’ School) in a suburb was a wise move. Many of the charter members of the new St. Benedict parish were German, and a number were actually brewers. When looking for an event to raise funds for scholarships, establishing an Oktoberfest with this history seemed natural!

I know you are having Oktoberfest, but can I still attend Mass?

Mass will still be held the weekend of Oktoberfest!

Check the parish website at https://www.saintbenedictparish.org/ for Mass times .

Our parishioners and guests are encouraged to use the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts parking deck for parking during Mass.

How do I buy Beer (“Bier”) at Oktoberfest? [NEW CHANGES FOR 2024!]

What is an Oktoberfest without Beer?! 

EVERY person (no exceptions) who wishes to consume alcohol at our event must present a valid government-issued photo ID and receive a “St. Benedict Oktoberfest” wristband showing they are at least 21 years of age. Where can you be carded and get a wristband?

• If you are a sponsor, ID check/wristband, stein pickup, and additional Bier ticket purchases can be acquired at the Sponsor Check-in across from the Food Tent Entrance. Only credit/debit cards are accepted.
• If you are not a sponsor, ID check/wristband, stein, taster, Bier or Taste ticket purchases can be acquired at the Main Entrances at Grove, Hanover, or Stuart Avenues OR at the Satellite Ticket tent on the Joe & Judy Dart Festplatz (next to Concessions near the flagpole). Only credit/debit cards are accepted.

Next, you should decide if you are going to purchase a Stein or a Taster. You are not required to purchase a Stein or a Taster. You have the option of receiving beer (no tastes) in disposable 16 oz cups in the beer areas. A Stein is $22 and comes with a Bier ticket for the first pour. You can purchase additional Bier tickets for $8 per ticket, which will refill this year’s commemorative stein or give you a smaller pour in a disposable plastic cup. A Taster Glass is $7 and comes with a ticket for your first Taste. You can purchase additional “Taste” tickets for $3 per ticket. Tastes are only poured in this year’s commemorative Taster Glasses.

NOTE: All alcohol must be consumed on the premises.

How do I buy Wine (“Wein”) at Oktoberfest? [NEW CHANGES FOR 2024!]

Yes, we do offer Wein at our Oktoberfest!

EVERY person (no exceptions) who wishes to consume alcohol at our event must present a valid government-issued photo ID and receive a “St. Benedict Oktoberfest” wristband showing they are at least 21 years of age. Where can you be carded and get a wristband?

• If you are a sponsor, ID check/wristband and Wein ticket purchases can be acquired at the Sponsor Check-in across from the Food Tent Entrance. Only credit/debit cards are accepted.
• If you are not a sponsor, ID check/wristband and Wein ticket purchases can be acquired at the Main Entrances at Grove, Hanover, or Stuart Avenues OR at the Satellite Ticket tent on the Joe & Judy Dart Festplatz (next to Concessions near the flagpole). Only credit/debit cards are accepted.

NOTE: You do NOT need Wein tickets to purchase Wein. The Wein tent accepts credit/debit cards. NO CASH. Wein is $8 a glass or $24 for a bottle. All alcohol must be consumed on the premises.

How do I buy Food at Oktoberfest? [NEW CHANGES FOR 2024!]

Go straight to the Food Tent on the Joe & Judy Dart Festplatz or the Satellite Food Tent on Belmont Avenue. Each Food Tent accepts credit/debit cards. NO CASH. See our Food section for our Menu and prices.

NOTE: If you are a sponsor, make sure you go to the Sponsor Check-in to receive your sponsorship packages that include vouchers that can be used at the Food Tent.

Still have more questions?

E-mail your questions about the following topics to the following:

 General information:

Support@stbenedictoktoberfest.com

Volunteer Information:

Volunteers@stbenedictoktoberfest.com

Sponsorship Information:

Sponsors@stbenedictoktoberfest.com

 Vendor Information:

Christkindlmarkt@stbenedictoktoberfest.com