Oktober Fest in Okländ Park

It's October, so it's time to get schnitzel-faced on German beer while dressed like a Bavarian villager and listening to accordion music. And Oakland Park is your place, your little Munich. The town's Oktober Fest is the largest in SoFla, claim the organizers, who also insist, "Everything about our event is authentic." OK, let's not stretch it: The sprawling Bavarian village they're setting up in Jaco Pastorius Park is, after all, a replica.

But the event really is about as authentic as you can find without going to Germany. Hans Huber, head of the award-winning Ambry Restaurant, will supply the cuisine: bratwurst, knockwurst, spicy currywurst, chicken schnitzel, sauerkraut, apple strudel, fresh-baked pretzels, and more. And there's the beer! The amber rivers of German-brewed Tucher Oktoberfest beer! Plus a strudel-eating contest, the "Daschund Dash," beer-stein races, and performances by Euro Express, the Swinging Bavarians, and several other bands and dance troupes with authentically unpronounceable names. Children and adults are welcome. But you have to be 21 and up to drink -- what do you think this is? Germany? The official "keg tapping" commences the Oakland Park Oktoberfest on Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. in Jaco Pastorius Park (4000 N. Dixie Highway). It's $5 for adults, free for children. Call 954-565-2627, or visit oaklandparkmainstreet.com.
Fri., Sept. 30, 5 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 1, 2011