Celebrate Oktoberfest in and Around Bellingham
A harvest festival celebrated since the early 1800s, Oktoberfest is traditionally held during the month of September in Germany. Here in the Northwest, we mix it up with some Oktoberfest events starting in September, and others held in October. Regardless of when they are held, Oktoberfest events are as good a reason as any to gather with friends over German-style lagers in the Biergarten.
Here’s where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Bellingham and Whatcom County in 2025. Prost!
September 11, 2026 from 5–9 PM
The evening features live music from The Hot Tomatoes plus a stein-holding contest that will put your strength to the test.
For $15 you’ll get a keepsake ceramic stein, your first half-liter pour included, and pint-priced refills all night. We will be on pouring Festbier straight from the cask, and we’ll be featuring classic German styles on draft.
Our Dog Days food truck will be cooking up Oktoberfest-inspired bites. Prost to good beer, good food, and good company! 🍻 🥨
October 1-25, 2026
Okay this isn't technically an Oktoberfest event but it is a festival in October...and you can always grab a beer from the Pickford's concession stand!
Now in its 19th year, Doctober is the largest documentary film festival in the Pacific Northwest, held annually in the heart of downtown Bellingham, WA, against the backdrop of Mt. Baker and the North Cascades.
