It’s Time For Oktoberfest

5th Annual Oktoberfest. Photo taken October 2014 by Heather Meuret.

Spooky season is here! And while it already felt like Halloween had come early with the Packers performance so far this year, October is just getting started.

This weekend you can try some fall-themed cream puffs at the Harvest Fair, and show off your brat eating and beer drinking skills at Milwaukee Oktoberfest. Enjoy a full day of indoor and outdoor live music at Cactus Club’s Beet Street Harvest Festival, and bring your animal friends to Brady Street for the annual Pet Parade.

October 2-4: Milwaukee Oktoberfest

Brats and beers are on the menu at the 16th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest, a celebration of German culture that will take place at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Fun fact: In the 1960s, Milwaukee mayor Henry Maier established the Henry Maier Festival Park and the vision for Summerfest after visiting Germany and becoming inspired by Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration. So, it should come as no surprise that Milwaukee knows how to throw an Oktoberfest celebration. Spectate or participate in the stein hoisting and bratwurst eating competitions and enjoy live music on several stages as well as a wiener dog beauty pageant. General admission tickets to Milwaukee Oktoberfest are $12. For more information, visit the Milwaukee Oktoberfest website.

October 2-4: Harvest Fair

If pumpkins become your personality once October rolls around, check out Harvest Fair at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Guests can enjoy harvest-themed treats from over 40 vendors and catch lumberjack shows and live music across several stages. The fair will also feature a variety of family-friendly activities like fair rides and animal races, and guests can shop products from a lineup of vendors. And since the fair is at the State Fair Park, don’t forget to check out the event’s harvest-themed cream puffs: Apple Crisp and Pumpkin Spice. For more more information, visit the Wisconsin State Fair’s website.

October 3: Beet Street Harvest Festival

Live music, community causes and seasonal goodies will come together as part of Cactus Club’s annual Beet Street Harvest Festival. The free festival will take over the 2400 block of S. Wentworth Ave. and will feature live music, vendors, community outreach resources and more. Afterwards, head indoors at Cactus Club, where a lineup of DJs will keep the party going. Beet Street will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. before moving indoors. For more information, visit the Cactus Club website.

October 3: Blocktober Fest

Celebrate the arrival of fall with West Allis at the annual Blocktober Fest. Becher Street will be filled with live music, food, craft vendors and more from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free event will take place outside of Station No. 6 and West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe and will, of course, feature plenty of Oktoberfest beer. For more information, visit the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe’s website.

October 3-4: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

Billed as “A Great Race on a Great Lake,” the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is celebrating its 44th run. The marathon will feature a full marathon, half marathon and 5K run/walk and aims to give participants a view of the city’s skyline and lakefront parks. The run even crosses the Hoan Bridge! Those who complete the 5K run/walk on Saturday and one event on Sunday will have completed the Own the Hoan Challenge and will receive bonus swag for their accomplishment. For more information and to sign up, visit the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon’s website.

October 4: Brady Street Pet Parade

Brady Street is always hustling and bustling on the weekends, but what if it was filled with pets instead? Thanks to the Brady Street Pet Parade, that’s exactly what will happen. Pets of all kinds (as long as they play well with others) are invited to hang out on Brady Street for the Pet Parade, which will feature costume contests, vendors, giveaways and more. Pets can compete for the title of Best Contest and Best Trick, and there will be plenty of opportunities to take family photos with your pets. The Brady Street Pet Parade is free to attend and will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.