Oktoberfest around Wilmington: Events and places to celebrate

You don't have to travel to Munich to join an Oktoberfest celebration this fall.

Breweries and communities around the Wilmington area are getting into the spirit with German-style beer and food, live music, stein-holding contests and other festivities throughout September and October.

Whether you're looking for a celebration by the beach, an afternoon at a local brewery or a short drive for even more German-inspired fun, here are several Oktoberfest events and places to check out around Wilmington in 2026.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Oktoberfest celebrations are happening throughout the Wilmington area from September into late October.
• The details: Events range from brewery celebrations to larger festivals featuring German food, beer, music and traditional competitions.
• Why it matters: The celebrations offer another way to enjoy fall around the Cape Fear region while checking out local breweries and communities.
• The more you know: Dates, times and event details can change, so check with organizers before heading out.

Oktoberfest at Outer Dunes Brewing

Outer Dunes Brewing kicks off its Oktoberfest celebration with food, music and traditional competitions. Visitors can enjoy Trolley Stop, pretzels and strudels, music from DJ BCally, a stein-holding contest at 3 p.m., Hammerschlagen at 4 p.m. and a best-dressed competition at 5 p.m.

• Address: 7976 Market St., Wilmington
• Date: Noon-9 p.m. Sept. 19

Good to know: The Oktoberfest celebration begins at noon, with competitions and activities scheduled throughout the afternoon.

Oktoberfest at Mad Mole Brewing

Mad Mole Brewing's sixth annual Moletoberfest brings a full day of Oktoberfest festivities with live music from Harbour Towne Fest Band from 1-6 p.m., special releases of its Moletoberfest German-style Märzen lager and Ledermoleson German pilsner and food from Crofton's Pretzels, Gustu Peruano and Gunslingers. Limited-edition steins will also be available while supplies last, and Sugar & Spice Fairy Hair will be on site from noon-4 p.m. 

• Address: 6309 Boathouse Road, Unit C, Wilmington
• Date: 1-8 p.m. Sept. 19

Good to know: Harbour Towne Fest Band will provide the Oktoberfest music throughout the afternoon.

Oktoberfest at Leland Brewing Company

Leland Brewing Company celebrates Oktoberfest with German food from All Good Kitchen, Oktoberfest beer releases, local vendors and live music from Harbour Towne Fest Band. The family-friendly afternoon also features a stein-holding contest, lederhosen and dirndl contest, beer relay race and yodeling contest. 

• Address: 2115 Ale Ave., Leland
• Date: Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 26

Good to know: Oktoberfest attire is encouraged, with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs during the day's contests. 

Oktoberfest on the Beach at Carolina Beach Pier

Celebrate Oktoberfest with an ocean view at Carolina Beach Pier during this family- and dog-friendly event. The afternoon includes live music from an oompah band, a seaside pumpkin patch and a stein-holding contest, with German-inspired food and drinks available for purchase.

• Address: 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. N., Carolina Beach
• Date: Noon-5 p.m. Sept. 27
• Good to know: Admission is free, and the event is family- and dog-friendly.

Oktoberfest Under the Bridge at Waterline Brewing Co.

Waterline Brewing Co.'s annual Oktoberfest Under the Bridge brings a taste of Bavaria to Wilmington with traditional Bavarian-style live music from a full-size Oktoberfest Blaskapelle band and multiple food trucks serving German-style fare. The celebration also includes lawn games, a best-dressed lederhosen contest and plenty of opportunities to raise a stein. 

• Address: 721 Surry St., Wilmington
• Date: 1-8 p.m. Oct. 3

Good to know: Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. 

Oktoberfest at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. stretches its Oktoberfest celebration from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4, giving visitors more than one day to join the fun. The downtown Wilmington location is pouring small-batch German-style beers and serving a special menu featuring pretzels, brats and Bavarian-inspired pizza, with the celebration overlapping with some of the brewery's regular activities.

• Address: 214 Market St., Wilmington
• Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 4

Good to know: Unlike the one-day festivals on this list, Ponysaurus celebrates Oktoberfest for more than two weeks.

Calabash Oktoberfest

Make the drive to Brunswick County for the 13th Annual Calabash Oktoberfest, featuring German-inspired food and beer along with arm-wrestling and bierstein-holding competitions. Harbour Towne Fest Band and an Alpine horn duo will provide live entertainment during the celebration.

• Address: 947 Carter Drive, Calabash
• Date: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 24

Good to know: This is one of the later Oktoberfest celebrations in the area, extending the festivities into the final weekend of October.

FAQs

Which Oktoberfest event is family-friendly?

Oktoberfest at Leland Brewing Company is promoted as family-friendly and includes live music, German food, vendors and several contests. Oktoberfest on the Beach at Carolina Beach Pier is also family- and dog-friendly.

Which Wilmington Oktoberfest events have live music?

Several events on this list feature live music, including Moletoberfest at Mad Mole Brewing, Oktoberfest at Leland Brewing Company, Oktoberfest Under the Bridge at Waterline Brewing Co. and Calabash Oktoberfest.

Where can I find Oktoberfest contests around Wilmington?

Leland Brewing Company plans several contests, including stein holding, best lederhosen and dirndl, a beer relay race and yodeling. Waterline Brewing Co. also has games and a best-dressed contest, while Outer Dunes Brewing includes stein holding, Hammerschlagen and a best-dressed competition.

Which Oktoberfest celebration lasts more than one day?

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. has the longest celebration on this list, running from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4 with German-style beer releases, food and regular brewery activities throughout the Oktoberfest period.