Yes, it’s that time of year again — September! In other words, it’s time for Tempe’s Way Out West Oktoberfest, which starts today and ends Sunday at 6pm. (If you’re wondering why Germany’s Oktoberfest is frequently held at least partially in September, the answer has to do with the origins of Oktoberfest: the wedding of Ludwig I, the crown prince of Bavaria to Therese von Schasen-Hildburghausen.) But here it’s held in September or October because that’s when the weather starts to cool down and people are in the mood for a party.

So if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, head on down to Tempe Beach Park near Mill & the Rio Salado. Admission is free, and a sheet of 25 tickets for food, beer, and games is only $20. There’ll be beer gardens with authentic German beers (Paulaner Oktoberfest-Marzen and Hacker-Pshorr Original Oktoberfest), bands of all sorts (including polka & a sextet from Regensburg), games and activities for kids, and information on Tempe’s Sister Cities.

The whole thing is to benefit the Tempe Sister City Program, which sponors a variety of exchanges all over the world. Having been a participant in one of their exchanges myself, I can tell you that it’s really a great program and of course an amazing experience. So go have a beer & a brat and know you’re supporting a great cause.

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