Oktoberfest Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten

Superheroes, a Petting Zoo and Fondue in McLean

Shipgarten, the big outdoor beer garden built out of shipping containers in McLean, is throwing an Oktoberfest afternoon for families on Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 6. Entry is free. One heads-up: I've seen it listed for Sunday on another calendar, but Shipgarten's own page says Saturday.

The afternoon schedule is set up for kids. Spider-Man and Rumi perform from 1:30 to 3, a petting zoo comes in from 3:30 to 5, and there's face painting, chocolate fondue, a grill and local vendors in between. From 5 to 8 it turns into a Commanders party with a DJ, so the first part of the afternoon is the family window.

With a toddler I'd get there around 1:30 for the characters, stay for the petting zoo and head home by 5. Food and fondue cost money, entry doesn't. What makes this place work with little kids is all the open ground between the long tables, so they can move around while you sit for a bit. The free lot is a short walk away on Old Meadow Road.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive by 1:30. That's when Spider-Man and Rumi start.
• ✓Stay for the petting zoo. It runs 3:30 to 5.
• ✓Head out around 5. After that it becomes a football party.
• ✓Pack wipes. You'll want them after the petting zoo and the fondue.
• ✓Take the Silver Line. McLean station is a short walk, and parking is free if you drive.