Raise a glass for Oktoberfest

Review

On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2025, Back Bay Farmhouse hosted an Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest replicates the traditions of the original festival in Munich, Germany, which features German beer, food, music and dancing. 

“Oktoberfest is traditionally held in Munich from mid-Sept. through early October. This year, the official start date was Saturday, Sept. 20th, so we felt it was the perfect time to celebrate here at the Farmhouse as well” Noah, Back Bay Farmhouse’s marketing manager, said. 

With a slightly cloudy sky and the crisp air of fall sweeping in, the Oktoberfest celebration was the perfect opportunity to grab an ice cold mug of beer or cider.

The parking lot was surrounded by large overhanging trees. Bits of sun peeked through the leaves, giving it a tranquil entrance. Having trailed up the dirt path to the Farmhouse, the sounds of live music and the smell of rich German food filled the air as people trailed by with steins in hand. 

“Oktoberfest is important because it celebrates German heritage and brings people together. It gives our community the chance to enjoy traditional German entertainment, food and German-style beers in a fun, welcoming atmosphere,” Noah said.

On the porch of the house, The Rhinelanders, a local band, played oompah style music (an energetic and festive melody strongly associated with German-Bavarian culture), while a child with an ukulele spun and jumped around. Although there was a stand selling canned drinks outside, a large line formed from inside the Farmhouse to a main bar with draft taps. 

The drinks had unique names like grandpa’s cough medicine, oatmeal cookie stout and pungo strawberry shortcake. 

The bartenders were kind, offering up a sample of the drinks we had considered. After receiving our steins filled with pungo strawberry shortcake ciders, we stepped outside to further explore. There were several large canopies strung with fairy lights, and the benches beneath were packed with families, college students and military members alike. 

There were a few outdoor games on the grass and a sign announcing a singles meetup for anyone looking to have a “stein with someone fine.” The atmosphere was comfortable, which made coming here a pleasant experience all around.

The food trucks offered a variety of foods including bratwursts, fries with beer cheese, pierogies, burgers, snow cones and french fries. After telling close friend and fellow attendee Savannah Hennesy how amazing the pierogies smelled from a truck called Pittsburgh’s Best, she admitted to never having tried one before. She decided to change that, and Pittsburgh’s Best dished up the best. “The cider with these pierogies is the ultimate combination, this is delicious,” Hennesy said. 

The occasion was dog-friendly and many people brought their pets to enjoy the festivities along with them. Multiple groups of people had even brought their own chairs from home, perfect for sitting anywhere along the big grassy yard. 

Moving from the line of food trucks and people enjoying the meals offered, a few stands beside the Farmhouse were selling potted plants, succulents and fresh-cut flowers wrapped in brown paper. A little ways past the colorful flowers and plants was a large metal cage for axe throwing. Killin’ Pine Mobile Axe Range was a mobile axe throwing set up, perfect for anyone looking to test their aim or possibly burn off steam from the school or work week. 

“We came here after the air show and had a great time. The beer is good, the food is good. Overall, we will definitely do this again next year,” patron Kevin Donnelly said. 

“We’ve hosted Oktoberfest every year since we opened, and it’s always such a blast. Seeing guests dress up in lederhosen, drink from their steins and simply enjoy themselves on our property is what makes the day so special. It’s truly one of our favorite events of the year,” Noah said.

And with that, it is safe to say that this year’s Oktoberfest was a success, thanks to the wonderful team at Virginia Beach’s local Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Co. If you enjoy a relaxing day of eating, drinking and socializing, this might be the event for you.