Here Are Your Last-Minute Oktoberfest Plans

Traditional Oktoberfest celebrations typically span from late September to the first weekend of October, so although some local restaurants already held their festivities last weekend, there are still a handful of fun goings-on this week and next. Whether you're looking to eat Bratwurst in a Biergarten to the live sounds of a German oompah band or to compete in a chocolate cake-eating contest after chicken dancing and keg bowling, there's something for everyone. Hit up the tipline or comment below with any suggested additions to the following list.

· The Beehive — "Oktoberfest Der Beehive" takes place on October 2nd, with food and drinks available from 5pm to 2am and a live music from the Octoberfest German Band from 8pm to midnight. Entrees include a roast pork knuckle with Sauerkraut and potatoes. Harpoon will be on hand with their IPA and Octoberfest beers. Dinner reservations are recommended; call (617) 423-0069.

· Bergamot — While Bergamot has hosted plenty of wine dinners, this beer dinner is a first. Taking place on October 2nd, this event will pair five Oktoberfest-inspired courses (think Wurst, Sauerbraten, Späetzle) with German beers for $65. Here's the full menu. Call (617) 576-7700 for reservations.

· Bronwyn — The festivities (live music, games, a special menu) run from Thursday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 6th, 5pm to 1am each day, except for Saturday, when the fun starts at noon. Tickets are $10 before 5pm and $15 after 5pm and include one giant Haus Bretzel. The menu includes options like the Oktoberfest Wurst (Weisswurst, pig's head, sweetbreads, lemon aioli), a citrus-braised turkey thigh, and a Bretzel reuben. UPDATE: A tipster reports that tickets are sold out.

· Harpoon Brewery — Harpoon's Octoberfest has been going strong since 1990. This year, the event takes place on October 4th and October 5th. There's beer, Bratwurst, chocolate cake-eating contests, chicken dancing, keg bowling, oompah music, and more. Pay $20 at the entrance (cash only) — no advance ticket sales. Admission includes a souvenir pint cup and your first drink. Designated drivers get free non-alcoholic beverages.

· Olde Magoun's Saloon — The party has been going on all month and will continue throughout October with at least eight German Oktoberfest beers constantly on tap, served in authentic steins. On Wednesday nights, there's a traditional Oktoberfest menu (Jägerschnitzel, Bavarian stew, etc.), and Sunday nights will feature dinners like Schweinshaxen with potato dumplings, cider-glazed cabbage, and mushroom pan sauce. And on October 5th and October 6th, Paulaner is setting up a portable biergarten outside of the Saloon from noon until 6pm, with six beers on tap and grilled Oktoberfest specials.

· Redbones — The annual Oktoberfest event takes place on October 6th (rain date — the 13th) from noon to 6pm. Admission is free, and there's a beer garden, Bratwurst, and an oompah band.

· Rock Bottom — Rocktoberfest, an Oktoberfest-style beer, was released earlier this month. Through October 13th, there are some German-inspired dishes on the menu, including a "baby brat" appetizer with mini Bratwursts in pretzel buns and a platter of sausages with Sauerkraut-bacon potato croquettes and braised red cabbage.
· All coverage of Oktoberfest on Eater [~EBOS~]