Prost! Oktoberfest is a German beer-drinking festival and tradition that dates back more than 200 years; it's now held annually over the course of two weeks in late September and early October. And because the Raleigh area is no stranger to good beer and good times, there are plenty of ways to get in on the fun!

The 11th annual Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary is a two-day affair (Oct. 3-4), with plenty of family-friendly activities including live music, storytelling, dancing, the beloved wiener dog races and traditional Bavarian food and fare from local favorites that include The Butcher's Market and Annelore's German Bakery—strudels, kuchen, bier pretzels, bratwurst, German chocolate and more—plus of course both local and traditional German beers on hand and all-day music from the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band.

Admission to the festival starts at $20 (buy online or at the door), and food and beverages are purchased separately (a sampler pass for unlimited beer pours can be purchased at the venue). 

What other Oktoberfest events are happening? The list below is made up of mostly free-admission celebrations at Raleigh area breweries! 

• Sept. 7: Oktoberfest at Raleigh Brewing
• Sept. 7: Sproktoberfest at Crank Arm Brewing
• Sept. 14: Sharktoberfest at Vicious Fishes Apex
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Heyday Brewing
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Lonerider Brewing
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Bombshell Beer Company
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Compass Rose Brewery
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
• Sept. 20: Oaklyn-Toberfest at Oaklyn Springs Brewery Fuquay-Varina
• Sept. 20: Peaktoberfest at Southern Peak Brewery
• Sept. 20: Oktoberfest at Clouds Brewing Tap Room*
• Sept. 21: Oktoberfest at Fortnight Brewing Company
• Sept. 27: Oktoberfest at Bearded Bee Brewing Company
• Sept. 27: Oktoberfest at Gizmo Brew Works
• Sept. 27: Oktoberfest at Blackbird Brewery
• Oct. 11: Apex Oktoberfest
• Oct. 18: Oktrophyfest at Trophy Brewing Maywood

^{*$20 admission includes one beer and a glass}

And finally, speaking of breweries—did you know that Raleigh has its own Beer Trail? Visit breweries, earn rewards—a beautiful concept. 

Download your digital Passport and plan your exploration of more than 40 breweries across the Raleigh area this fall!

^{Header photo courtesy of Triangle Oktoberfest}