A Fest Fit For A Fortnight:Oktoberfest, SF & Other Cities

I wish I still fit into the lederhosen I bought in Switzerland on my first trip to Europe. I could have worn them as I hoisted a bratwurst in one hand and a stein of German beer in the other at the 173rd Oktoberfest in Munich. Though it ended on 10/10, I can now frolic at one starting today in San Francisco.

This two-week party has been held annually in Munich since 1810. It began as a huge wedding reception for the whole town to honor Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his wife, Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It lasted 14 days and the rest is history. Now it’s a global party and San Francisco has its own Oktoberfest by the Bay, running from today through Sunday at Fort Mason Festival Pavillion. So if you love live music, love folk dancing, accordians, sauerbraten, sausages, and a sudsy stein of lager, wilkommen!

Oktoberfest by the Bay kicks off Thursday night with a $25 admission price, which includes admission, a souvenir glass, a tasty cold Spaten of your choice, and a bratwurst. Tickets may be purchased at the door or through their website. Call 510-568-9536 for details.

The schedule:
October 12-15, 2006:
• Grand Opening, Thursday 5 PM – Midnight.
• Friday 5 PM – Midnight.
• Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM.
• Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM.