Friday, September 5, 2008

The best way to get over the end of summer is to enjoy the best parties the fall has to offer: Oktoberfests. We know it's early (fall technically begins Sept. 22), but, hey, we don't want you missing any of the fun. We also don't want you to miss the first of the season, this weekend.

So mark your calendar, brush up on your oompah steps and get ready to party -- German style.

Herndon Oktoberfest Enjoy Euro Bistro's Austrian-German cuisine, German beer and, of course, music from Heidi und Heimat Oompah Band, Continentals Group and Alt Washington Dance Group. Today 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 3 to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. 314 Elden St., Herndon. 703-481-8158. $5, free for children.

Fort Meade Oktoberfest Five days of the usual German fun with something special: a midway with plenty of rides. Sept. 17 and 18 5 to 11 p.m., Sept. 19 5 to 11:30 p.m., Sept. 20 noon to 11 p.m. and Sept. 21 noon to 7 p.m. Fort Meade Pavilion, Route 175 and Llewellyn Avenue, Fort Meade. 301-677-3912. http://www.ftmeademwr.com/events/Oktoberfest. Free.

Das Best Oktoberfest (Oxon Hill) Think you have what it takes to be voted the Biggest Beer Belly? Even if you aren't ready to win the contest at this year's Das Best Oktoberfest, you can still work on your gut for next year. There will be plenty of beer, food and music. Sept. 27 noon to 8 p.m. 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill. 800-830-3976 or http://www.dasbestoktoberfest.com. $20-$50.

Frederick's Oktoberfest Dress up in your German finest (that means dirndl or lederhosen; German T-shirts and hats don't qualify!) and get into the party free. There will be crafts, bands, food and beer. Proceeds will benefit Community Living Inc., a nonprofit group that helps people with developmental disabilities in Frederick. Sept. 27 noon to 10 p.m. and Sept. 28 noon to 6 p.m. Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. http://www.frederickoktoberfest.com. $5, free for age 11 and younger.

Germantown Oktoberfest This Montgomery County community has put on one of the best Oktoberfests for 25 years, and this year is no exception. There will be plenty of the usual fun (read: beer). There will also be activities for kids, and proceeds will benefit groups including Meals on Wheels of Germantown and Seneca Valley, Northwest and Clarksburg high schools. Oct. 4 11 a.m. to dark. Ridge Road Recreation Park, 21155 Frederick Rd., Germantown. http://www.germantownoktoberfest.org. Free.

Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest Capitol City Brewing Co. presents a day of German beer, food, music and fun at its annual event. Oct. 4 noon to 7 p.m. Village at Shirlington, 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington. 703-578-3888 or http://www.capcitybrew.com/octoberfest.php. $25 for a wristband and samples, otherwise free.

Das Best Oktoberfest (Timonium) Round two of the Das Best Oktoberfest will be in Timonium, where you'll have a second shot at that beer belly competition, or if you are a woman, try the Ms. Oktoberfest competition. Oct. 11 at Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. 800-830-3976 or http://www.dasbestoktoberfest.com. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. $10 for designated drivers.

Accokeek Oktoberfest Fill up on bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut and homemade apple strudel at Hard Bargain Farm in Accokeek. There will also be animals, performances and waltzes. Oct. 11 1 to 6 p.m. 2001 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek. 301-292-5665 or http://www.potomaccleanup.org/oktoberfest.html. $8, free for age 7 and younger.

Oktoberfest at Kentlands Not to be outdone by Germantown, Gaithersburg offers its own Oktoberfest the weekend after its neighbor. Among the usual festivities, visitors can learn traditional dances. Oct. 12 noon to 4 p.m. Kentlands Village Green, 117 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg. No on-site parking, free event parking at Route 28 and Main Street. 301-258-6350 or http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov. Free.

-- Amy Orndorff