What's German For "More Please?"

Did anyone else see where September went? It was Labor Day, we went to the closet to pack up our white shoes, and suddenly it's the terminal week. Next year, September, give us a little more transition time? Also, knock it off with the 90s.

One good thing about September's passing is that October is beginning, and all the lovely holidays and festivals that come with it. This weekend kicks off Oktoberfest in our fine city (well, McGillin's has been celebrating since August, but since they're Irish we'll forgive them), starting tonight at the Morris Arboretum and Gardens with a guided beer tasting, complete with nosh.

Saturday, Ludwig's Garten kicks off their 9th annual Oktoberfest at noon; food, beer, and fun will all be available on the streets, along with a 12-piece German band. Saturday is also the Midtown Village Festival, so Ludwig's will be in good company - but when it comes to beer and brat we'll stick with the King.

If you're feeling a road-trip, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is celebrating with potato pancakes, polka, kegs, and lederhosen. Jolly Joe & The Bavarians will provide the soundtrack, and you'll have a chance to chat up brewmeisters and wax rhapsodic over your ale of choice at the Swashbuckler's Stage.

Next weekend brings German-American Day, and a slew of programming, care (mostly) of the German Society of Philadelphia. A word of caution: some of the activities are not for the faint (read: Anglo) of heart. Friday night's lecture and film are in the mother-tongue, and of course, as this is more hardcore than your average American beer garten you may be looked at askance if you attempt the polka unaided by any instruction. But anyone can jive to a brass band or enjoy a cabaret or dance demo, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be offering German-themed tours throughout the weekend. Need we say that as long as "Prost!" is in your lexicon you will not hunger nor thirst? And the Ecumenical Worship Service held on Sunday at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church will be bilingual. Cause God is cool like that.

Beer Tasting Event
Morris Arboretum and Gardens
Friday, September 28, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
100 E. Northwestern Avenue
Members $45, Non-member $50

Oktoberfest
Ludwig's Garten
1315 Sansom Street
Saturday, September 29, 12-8 pm

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Saturday September 29 & Sunday September 30
11 am - 8 pm
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545
(717) 665 - 7021
$9.95 Child, $27.95 Adult

German-American Day 2007
Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 7
Various Locations
Prices vary by venue

Image Credit: Flickr user RobK