PHILADELPHIA - One of Philadelphia's favorite fall traditions is returning to the pavement. On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Brauhaus Schmitz will host the 18th Annual South Street Oktoberfest, shutting down the 700 block of South Street from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM for an all-day, all-ages Bavarian celebration.
Drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees annually, the block party centers on a massive covered biergarten with seating for over 1,000 guests. Attendees can expect a rotating tap list of nearly a dozen German beers, hearty Bavarian dishes, schnapps, face painting, outdoor games, and the crowd-favorite Liter Lift competition. Live oom-pah tunes by Die Heimatklänge and traditional German folk dances by the United German Hungarians will keep the street lively throughout the day.
Admission to the street festival is free, with food and drink available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Both families and leashed dogs are welcome.
For festival-goers seeking an elevated experience, Brauhaus Schmitz is offering its exclusive VIP package for $125. The VIP pass grants admission to the indoor, air-conditioned Brauer Bund Bierhall with dedicated seating, private no-wait restrooms, an exclusive hot buffet served from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, seven beer tokens valid for specialty VIP draft lines, a take-home glass liter mug, and a 2026 souvenir festival t-shirt. VIP tickets are limited and routinely sell out in advance through the Brauhaus Schmitz website.
