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Oktoberfest 2025 – An International Celebration at the German International School

Raise your steins and join us for an unforgettable celebration that’s truly international—just like our community! Enjoy live German music, sizzling bratwurst, refreshing German beer, fun family activities, and a vibrant vendor market featuring amazing local businesses and artisans from around the area. This year’s Oktoberfest is bigger and better than ever, bringing together traditions from Germany and beyond for a day of cultural connection and community spirit.

Every moment you enjoy helps fund GISW’s Global Learning Fund, supporting our language and foreign exchange programs and giving students life-changing opportunities to learn, connect, and explore the world.

Free Entry – Suggested Donation

Your voluntary contribution directly enriches education at GISW and supports future cultural events.

(online before the event or during Oktoberfest)

There are still some positions available for volunteers. Students can receive social service hours for their participation. The registration link is in the email sent to the school community on October 7 and in the Wednesday Mail of October 15.

Festival Highlights

• Live Music & Entertainment: From traditional Oompah bands to lively dance performances, our stage will be packed with energy all day.
• Authentic German Cuisine: Bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and decadent desserts straight from Germany’s culinary heart.
• International Beer Garden: Raise a glass to friendship and fun with authentic German brews and other international favorites.
• Best Dressed Competition (4:30pm on stage): Come in your most authentic German, Austrian or Swiss Trachten-Look
• Beer Stein Holding Competition (right after the Best Dressed Competition on stage): Start practicing now! How long can you hold a full Beer Stein?
• Family Fun Zone: Games, crafts, face painting, and activities for kids (and kids at heart).
• Amazing Local Vendors: Discover handcrafted goods, unique artisan products, and specialty items from talented creators in our community.
• Exciting 50/50 Raffle: Split the pot with GISW—half goes to one lucky winner, and half supports our Global Learning Fund.

Event Program

Vendor & Sponsorship Opportunities

Be part of one of the most anticipated community events of the year!

• Vendor booths: Starting at $150
• Sponsorship packages: From $500 to $5,000
• Benefits include: Brand visibility, recognition on event signage and our website, and a complimentary vendor booth for sponsors.

Become a Vendor |

Suggested Donations

• Adults: $10
• Families: $20
• Children under 12: Free

Your generosity is voluntary and tax-deductible, directly funding GISW’s language and foreign exchange programs and supporting future cultural events.

Location & Parking

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8617 Chateau Drive, Potomac, MD

Free parking at Bolger Center, Lot 5 (9600 Newbridge Dr, Potomac, MD 20854) | Shuttle service available.

Or place your bid on your personal parking spot in the GISW parking lot:

Safety first! If you plan to drink alcohol, we recommend arranging a ride through a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.

Learn more about the Â鶹ÊÓƵ and our German Language Courses