Get ready for Munich-style ales and German bratwursts as one of Portland’s most-loved Oktoberfest celebrations will take place Saturday, September 12 from 3 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., at Widmer Brothers Brewing Co.

Widmer’s Oktoberfest is a tribute to the world-renowned celebration in Munich, Germany, which draws more than six million people annually during the 16-day festival. Widmer’s version, although smaller in scale, is large in Oktoberfest spirit. The festival features a variety of craft beers, traditional German food, accordion players, and live music throughout the day. Each year, thousands of Oregonian’s attend the festival; this year’s celebration is expected to draw more than 4,000 craft beer fanatics.

Apart from the beer, live music is a large draw to the annual event. A variety of music styles will be featured at this year’s festival. Returning to Widmer Brother’s Oktoberfest , new school hip-hopsters, Dr. Theopolis, will headline. Also on the bill are local Portland bands, Quick & Easy Boys, who are best described as a crossover between Parliament-Funkadelic and Willie Nelson, and Hillstomp, a band that melds the two unique worlds of junkbox blues and punk rock with their assorted homemade instruments. Want more? The Dimes, another Portland-based quartet that mixes 60’s era British melodies with a touch of Americana, are slated for later in the evening. The explosive trio, Sneakin’ Out, will also showcase their eclectic sound, combining mandolin, acoustic bass and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink percussion.

Admission to Widmer’s Oktoberfest is free; however, a 2009 souvenir stein is required for consuming beer. All beer and food is purchased with tokens, which cost $1 each. Patrons pay four tokens for a souvenir stein, four tokens for a full stein of beer and food items are $2-$5. Sales of steins and tokens end at 10:30 p.m., one hour prior to the close of the event.

Widmer Brothers Brewery is located at 929 N. Russell Ave., just off of North Interstate Avenue and Russell Street. The main entrance is at N. Russell and Mississippi and is located one block from the MAX Light Rail line and the Mississippi/Albina MAX stop. Only curbside parking is available and alternative modes or transportation are encouraged.

About Widmer Brothers Brewing
What started as a dream for two ordinary brothers who just loved beer has now become a reality for two ordinary brothers who still just love beer. Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their twenties, they dreamed of brewing American interpretations of authentic European style beers. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the first American style Hefeweizen; today, the unfiltered cloudy beer is the company’s signature brew and one of the best selling wheat beers in the country. Based in Portland, Ore., the brewery currently produces a variety of European- and American-style beers including Drifter Pale Ale, Drop Top Amber Ale and Broken Halo IPA. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmer.com.