Oktoberfest is upon us!

Sunday, September 24th, McMenamins Old St. Francis School has their all-day Oktoberfest celebration:

Come out for live music, McMenamins Oktoberfest Ale, food & drink specials, belly dancing and more! Wander about the entire property, beer and bratwurst in hand, to check out the fun.

It’s free (well, except for the beer and food you’ll have to buy), and live music will start at 3pm. The music will be by the Moon Mountain Ramblers, Coyo & The Gypsy Fire Belly Dancers, and Mark Ransom & The Mostest.

Then, Saturday, September 30th is the 2nd Annual Bend Oktoberfest, in downtown Bend. It runs from noon to 10pm, and will occupy Oregon Avenue—between Bond and Wall only, I think, but I might be wrong on that. Cost is $3.

There will be seasonal beers from all five breweries in town (Deschutes, Bend Brewing, Cascade Lakes, Silver Moon and McMenamins), and food provided by Merenda and the Blacksmith Restaurant. Also, they advertise:

• Oktoberfest Girls Competition
• Live Bavarian Music
• Traditional German food
• Beer Stein Challenge
• Hammerschlagen Contests
• Puppet Shows & a Kinderland area for the kids

I’ll bet it’s going to be fun. Chilly too, probably, so bring a jacket.