Beer and Brats

Sure, the Irish are famous for their battles with the “creature.” But really, it’s the Germans who’ve made an international holiday of alcohol with Oktoberfest. It’s not just one day either; it’s nearly a month of getting filled with beer. And we’re not talking about any beer; we’re talking specially designated brews such as Warsteiner Oktoberfest. If kids and Halloween dominate the end of the month, the beginning of October is the purview of zee Germans. In Miami, that means Harald Neuweg and his Fritz & Franz Bierhaus will host their 17th annual Oktoberfest celebration. This year’s ten-day beer-and-wiener-schnitzel fest comes with the usual assortment of lederhosen and live music, beginning Friday and running daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. Among the musical acts will be Bavarian staple Hoo Ruck and Austrian band Alpenland Gaudi. Admission to the party is free, but expect to lay down some American Deutschmarks for the bratwurst and booze.
Sept. 30-Oct. 9, 11 a.m., 2011