Mid-September is barreling towards us, and it doesn't just mean pumpkin-spiced lattes for all—it also means Oktoberfest. A tradition that began in Germany in the early 1800s, Oktoberfest is a month-long celebration that begins on Sept. 20 this year. Its traditions include ample beer drinking, polka dancing, bratwursts galore and its unofficial sport: Masskrugstemmen, in which a one-liter glass stein is filled with beer, and whoever can hold it the longest with their arm outstretched wins. (A workout and a delicious quaff? Sign us up, stat.) Here where you can celebrate this year.

Oktoberfest at Calusa Brewing

Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20, beginning at noon at 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

Calusa Brewing's Kolben lager (a Bavarian-style Märzen lager) launched a little early this year to get us in the mood for fall—whatever that may mean in Florida. Kolben's toasty malt flavor profile and a snack from PigFish are just the things to get you in the mood for Calusa's two-day Oktoberfest.

Opening Day of Oktoberfest at 99 Bottles

Saturday, Sept. 20, 5-11 p.m. at 1445 Second St., Sarasota

Celebrate Oktoberfest at 99 Bottles, where German importer Ayinger Brewery will feature its Oktoberfest lager and hand out swag. 

Oktoberfest at Gecko's Grill & Pub on Hillview

Saturday, Sept. 20, 3 p.m., 1900 Hillview St., Sarasota

Grab your lederhosen or dirndl for an Oktoberfest costume contest at Gecko's on Hillview Street. Ybor City-based Barriehaus Beer Co. will be slinging its award-winning lagers all day.

Bishop After Hours Presents Oktoberfest

Friday, Sept. 26, 6-9 p.m., 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

Head over to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for an evening of traditional German games, music, food and beer. 

A Month of Oktoberfest at Edelweiss Restaurant

Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Oct. 26 at 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton

Bradenton's favorite German restaurant, Edelweiss, is serving up Oktoberfest specials all month long. Alongside weekend entertainment (with plenty of accordions), the restaurant will feature food deals, $6 half-liters and $12 liters of beer, and weekly costume contests.

Oktoberfest at Back Porch Brewing

Saturday, Sept. 27, noon-10 p.m. at 3469 Precision Drive, North Venice

Beer-braised bratwurst (say that three times fast) with pickled cabbage accompany German brews and music at this family-friendly event.

Paint Your Own Beer Stein at Inner Compass Brewing

Sunday, Sept. 28, at noon at 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton

Hang at the brewery and paint your own ceramic beer stein from Arts A Blaze Studio.

Oktoberfest at 3 Bridges Brewing

Friday, Oct. 3—Sunday, Oct. 5, beginning at noon at 1765 S Tamiami Trail, Venice

Bring your Bavarian spirit (and outfit) for a weekend of beer, food, music, and the obligatory stein-holding contest.

Geier's Sausage Oktoberfest at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa

Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 5, beginning at 11 a.m., 600 U.S. Highway 41

Few of us have moved past losing the Geier's brick-and-mortar on South Tamiami Trail, but it's still making killer sausages out of its Whitfield Park Drive kitchen. Swing by the Palmetto Marriott to grab yours at this year's Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest in Downtown Wellen Park

Sunday, Oct. 4, noon-8 p.m. in Downtown Wellen Park

We know the Wellen Park community turns out for any excuse to hang in the sun with neighbors. Its second annual Oktoberfest is another excuse to get out there, eat some brats, drink some beers and laugh while joining the kids for some polka dancing. 

Pop's-toberfest at Pop's Sunset Grill

Sunday, Oct. 5, 1-4 p.m. at 112 Circuit Road, Nokomis

Sneak some hops at Pop's during its fifth annual Pop's-toberfest. There's not much better than Oktoberfest under a thatched hut and the Florida sunshine.

Oktoberfest at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota

With free polka lessons at 11:30 a.m., a stein-holding contest at 1 p.m. and a yodeling contest at 2 p.m., what more could you possibly need? Oh, yeah: beer. They've got it.

A Day of Oars & Pours Oktoberfest at Nathan Benderson Park

Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota

Enjoy brews and views at Nathan Benderson Park's Oktoberfest and the annual Benderson Chase regatta.

Park-toberfest at The Bay

Sunday, Oct. 12, 5-7 p.m. at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

Pack your favorite sun shade and head out to The Bay for an evening with the DeLeon Family Band. "Oom-pah" the night away to those sweet sounds of polka.