You don't have to visit Munich, Germany, for strudel scarfing, stein guzzling or wild polka dancing. There's plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations in store for the Bay area over the next few weeks, from three day'rs to family-friendly gatherings, that are sure amount to Munich's 16-day blowout.
If you're looking to experience a slew of German eats, suds and a little competition, here's the bashes to have on your radar. And don't forget your lederhosen.
DUNEDIN OKTOBERFEST BEER DINNER
Happening: Thursday to Saturday
In celebration of Oktoberfest, Kelly’s will serve up a four-course dinner. It starts off with a selected brew conforming to true Reinheitsgebot standards, followed by four more beers, each paired with foods of German influence. Stop by Dunedin Brewery's Oktobeerfest while you're in the neighborhood. 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284, kellyschicaboom.com.
GERMAN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Friday and Saturday, and again Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11
Every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 11, you can enjoy a fall German fest that's one of the area’s most authentic, if not most authentic. Presented by the German American Friendship Society of Pinellas, the family-friendly event will adhere to the traditions of the original celebrations in Munich. See folk dancers perform "schuhplattlers," dance your own polka to an oompah band, fill your belly with homestyle favorites such as red cabbage, brats, fresh-baked soft pretzels and more. $6; free for children ages 12 and under; free parking. 4-10 p.m. 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, 727-541-6782, germantampa.com.
1ST ANNUAL DAS FLIEGENDES SCHWEIN OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Saturday and Sunday
Join the Flying Pig this weekend for German food specials, music and, of course, festbier. Buy a limited edition Das Fliegendes Schwein stein and get discounted refills all weekend. Steins are $25 and include three tickets for festbiers or select grub. Free, money for food and brews. Noon-10 p.m. 1584 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-895-5900, flyingpigtaphouse.com.
2000 BLOCK OKTOBERFEST PARTY
Happening: Saturday, Oct. 11
Get down with businesses and residents during this German-style block party in St. Peteburg's Grand Central District. The evening will highlight local eats, craft beer, live music by Steve McNulty and Brad Smith, games and art. Sly Bar, Central Oddities and ARTpool Gallery are among the participating shops. Free, money for food and brews. 6 p.m. 20th Street and Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, 727-735-4035.
OKTOBERFEST TAMPA
Happening: Friday, Oct. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 12
Downtown's Curtis Hixon Park will transform into a waterfront biergarten for a three-day German smorgasbord. Live keg tappings, food from joints like Brats Sensation and Laugerhaus Brewery, cornhole and more will be featured at this Oktoberfest, now in its fifth year. Get in on all the groovin' and croonin', too. If you buy your tickets in advance, it's $8 for one day, and $20 for a weekend pass. Admission will cost more the day of. $10 general admission, $25 weekend pass. Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-767-7915, oktoberfesttampa.com.
OKTOBERFEST INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Happening: Saturday, Oct. 11
Hosted at Kolb Park, celebrate at one of the friendliest beach communities in Central Florida with live music, cold beer, food and vendors, a 50/50 Raffle, hourly prize drawings, a silent auction and Kinderfest for the kids. Games, too — Keg Throwing and Stein Carrying contests. Free, money for goodies. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1500 Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, oktoberfestonthebeach.com.
TARPON SPRINGS OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Friday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 19
Tampa Bay’s Little Greece makes way for Big Deutschland this weekend. This free three-day celebration, in downtown Tarpon Springs on Orange Street between Safford Avenue (Pinellas Bike Trail) and U.S. 19, opens with a sneak peek featuring the tapping of the first keg by mayor David Archie. The event will include arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday. Prominent locals will make regular toasts throughout the festival, and visitors games and contests include best German costume, beer stein hoisting, best chicken dance, best beard contest and more. Free, money for goodies. Fri., 6-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 21 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-946-5610, floridaoktoberfest.com.
OLDSMAR OKTOBERFEST
Happening: Friday, Oct. 24, to Sunday, Oct. 26
Say javol to the Oldsmar and Upper Tampa Bay's annual fest, the largest and the longest-running Oktoberfest in the area, at Tampa Bay Downs. The family-friendly event attracts more than 10,000 people each year from counties throughout Florida. With a mix of Old Florida and truly authentic Bavarian folk traditions, the celebration was dubbed "Florivaria." Polka dance with your honey, let the kids do the ever popular chicken dance and sing-along with arms locked, swaying back and forth just like they do in Munich. Food and beverage faves include the Hofbrauhaus chicken and a great selection of beer vom Fass. If that's too tame, compete in some of those old crazy fest games, like log sawing and keg tossing. Orlando-based band Europa, a perennial Oktoberfest favorite, will provide the soundtrack. $5, free parking. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sun., noon-7 p.m., 11225 Race Track Road, Oldsmar, 813-855-4233, oldsmarchamber.com.
This article appears in Oct 2-8, 2014.