PRESS RELEASE: BIER-GARDEN 2023

Richmond, Virginia – Maymont invites everyone to toast the arrival of fall at Bier-Garden, a two-night Bavarian-style festival, September 22-23. All ages are welcome on the spacious Carriage House Lawn to enjoy live music, specialty brews, authentic German food, and festive fun, like the Stein-Hoisting Contest presented by Capital Ale House or a traditional Chicken Dance. Lederhosen and dirndls encouraged!

This year’s Bier-Garden is bigger than ever, with more food, more brews and more seating for everyone. Grab a spot on the lawn under bistro lights, or in one of the large Festhaus tents, and dig into a plate of mouthwatering brats, pierogi or schnitzel while enjoying live music by a brass band. Celebrate Oktoberfest season with a selection of Paulaner drafts, specialty beers crafted by Väsen and Bingo Beer Co., or a draft of Potter’s Cider or non-alcoholic beverage.

On Saturday, children will find live entertainment, crafts and games in the Kinderzone from 11am – 6pm. Grownups can enjoy lawn games, fire pits, and the lively tunes of the Pay Rent Brass Band on Friday night and Saturday evening, and the No BS Brass Band on Saturday night. Saturday afternoon will also feature performances of German polka music by the Original Elbe Musikanten German band and folk dances by the Hirschjäger Dancers.

“Maymont’s European-style carriage house, stone barn and water tower make the perfect setting for an outdoor celebration of Oktoberfest,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “Come enjoy a good time with friends and family for a good cause, as all proceeds support a thriving Maymont.”

Guests are encouraged to register in advance, with all proceeds benefiting Maymont. Admission is $10 per person; $5 for children under 12 years of age. Maymont Members and children under 2 years admitted free. Participants in the Museums for All program enjoy free admission when they present an EBT/SNAP card (at the entrance or in advance on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays). Food and beverages are available for separate purchase. For adults 21 and older, a stein upgrade for $16 includes a large souvenir glass stein, presented by Capital Ale House, with one token for a free serving and larger pours for each additional token purchase.

Tickets are non-refundable. Bier-Garden is a rain or shine event, except in case of severe weather.

Food & Beverage
A selection of German-style food and fun treats will be available for separate purchase; drink tokens are $8 each for a 14-ounce serving of German beer, craft beer, cider or non-alcoholic drafts. (21 and older, ID required)

• Oktoberfest brews from Paulaner, plus specialty beers from Bingo Beer Co., Väsen and Potter’s Cider
  • Stein upgrade presented by Capital Ale House ($16) includes a large souvenir glass stein, one free drink token and larger servings for each additional drink purchase
• Capital Ale House will serve golonka (beer-braised pork shank), chicken schnitzel and sausages on pretzel buns, with sides of German potato salad, sauerkraut, and sweet and sour red cabbage
• Hots & Brats from The Mayor Meats
• Ryba’s Pierogi
• Capital Ale House’s signature Bavarian pretzels
• Treats from Scoops Ice Cream, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Funnel Cake Recess, and Strawberry Street Events

Kinderzone, Saturday, 11am – 6pm

• Live entertainment by Jonathan the Juggler
• Bavarian crafts such as lebkuchen (gingerbread heart necklaces), coloring sheets, flower crowns, leaf art
• Face painting by Goldfish Swim School
• Activity Tent presented by Publix
• Inflatable games, creature features and a planting station

Event parking is available at the Hampton Street parking lot and The Robins Nature Center, in addition to street parking. The Farm entrance is closed for the event. Guests attending Bier-Garden will enter through the Hampton Street Gate at the south end of the parking lot.

For more details on Bier-Garden and other events at Maymont, please visit the events calendar.

Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

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