We ain't in Munich, whose Oktoberfest tradition kicked off last month, but the region still has tons of Bavarian celebratin' to do. Check out our Oktoberfest guide below, with an empty belly in mind.
OKTOBEERFEST 2015
Happening: Thursday to Sunday
Dunedin Brewery's annual Oktoberfest observance is finally here. Read more about what to expect throughout the four-day party, featuring food, craft beer and music. Free, money for beer and food. Start times vary each day. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
2ND ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Now through Oct. 25
Every weekend, Motorworks Brewing is set to showcase fun competitions (stein hoisting, yodeling and best lederhosen and dirndl attire) local bands and local food trucks serving German-style eats. The brewery, whose celebration ends Oct. 25, also offers $5 pints and flights of its flagship and Oktoberfest brews. Free, money for beer and food. 11 a.m. 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 941-567-6218, motorworksbrewing.com.
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PINELLAS OKTOBERFEST 2015
Happening: Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 10
This three-weekend festival from the German American Society features samples of Deutschland cuisine like bratwurst, sauerkraut and apple strudel, along with American and German beer and wine. A stein-holding battle, keg-tapping ceremony and live performances will also be highlighted. $6. 5 p.m. 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, 727-238-8201, germantampa.com/oktoberfest-2015.
HARBOR SOUNDS OKTOBERFEST ON MAIN
Happening: Saturday
This family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration, sponsored in part by the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, will highlight tasty eats, live music, arts and crafts, custom cars and other happenings on nine blocks of downtown's Main Street. The Black Honkeys will head the gazebo stage at 7:30 p.m. as you stroll in and out of shops, restaurants and bars. Free, money for goodies. Noon-10 p.m. Main Street, Safety Harbor, safetyharborchamber.com.
YBOR OKTOBERFEST PUB CRAWL
Four-ounce pours of Oktoberfest or premium beer will return as the stars of this themed bar hop around Ybor City, which begins at Crowbar. Twenty bars and more businesses along the way will feature German grub, music, door prizes and drink specials. The first 400 guests will receive a complimentary event T-shirt, too. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. 4-8 p.m. 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa, ybor.org.
6TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST TAMPA
Happening: Oct. 9 to 11
Transforming Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park into the city's largest beer garden, the three-day Oktoberfest Tampa will showcase live music, dancing, authentic attire and, of course, beer. Though the festival has partnered with Coppertail Brewing Co. to create a signature dunkel, other suds — including a German pilsner and daily firkin tappings from Tampa Bay Brewing Company — will also be on hand. Tug-of-war, stein hoisting and keg stacking will be among the individual and team games. $10-$25, free for active or retired members of the armed forces with ID. Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, oktoberfesttampa.com.
OKTOBERFEST AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
Happening: Oct. 10
Food, rides, games, contests, bounce houses and more will be offered at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School's annual gathering. Head to the gymnasium to snag wares from local vendors as well. Tickets for games and the like may be purchased in advance from the school office, or at doors the day of. Free, money for goodies. Noon-4 p.m. 2913 John Moore Road, Brandon, 813-689-1787, ilsbrandon.com.
FALL FESTIVAL & OCTOBERFEST
Happening: Oct. 15 to 18
Held in conjunction with the City of Dunedin's Oktoberfest, the Fall Festival from Our Lady of Lourdes will act as a family-friendly carnival and market. A Ferris wheel, additional rides, games and a big flea market will be highlighted in addition to beer, German food and polka music. Free, money for goodies. Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin, ollfallfestival.com.
TARPON SPRINGS OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Oct. 16 to 18
The Tarpon Springs Oktoberfest, expected to draw 10,000 attendees, will serve up potato pancakes, brats, schnitzel and more from its German biergarten tent. Wine and beer tastings, arts and crafts, dancing and music will continue throughout the event's three-day run. The $5 sneak peek party, with tunes from The Black Honkeys, happens at 7 p.m. Oct. 15. Free, money for food and drinks. Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 21 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-946-5610, floridaoktoberfest.com.
7TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST BEACH CRAWL
Happening: Oct. 17
Starting at the Undertow Beach Bar, this yearly waterfront pub hop will take drinkers through 10 beach establishments for beverages and a good time. Donations, benefiting the Cancer Research Institute, are appreciated. Free, money for drinks. 5 p.m. 3850 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-368-9000.
20TH ANNUAL TOP OF THE BAY OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Oct. 23 to 25
Tampa Bay Downs hosts this something-for-everyone Oktoberfest on the edge of Oldsmar and Tampa. The authentic soiree has classic food and drinks planned for three days, as well as German music, dancing and competitions. The carnival-like "Oktoberfest Big Top" will house the arts, crafts and food vendors, and complimentary parking will also be available. $5, free for military IDs with a plus one and children age 12 and under. Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-7 p.m. 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, 813-855-4233, utbchamber.com/event/oktoberfest.
OKTOBERLINER FEST
Happening: Oct. 24 to 25
JDub's Brewing Company will bring food trucks and 20 styles of Berliner Weisse, such as chai mango, smoked raspberry and salted caramel, to its beer garden's inaugural Oktoberliner Fest. Guests may snag $3.50 six-ounce pours, or 10 6-ounce pours for $30. A two-day tasting pass for the weekend is an option, too. Inside, the brewery's taproom will operate as usual, with a wide selection of German-style brews and a special release of the Honey Habanero Altbier. $3.50-$75. 2-6 p.m. 1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-2739, jdubsbrewing.com.
