If you're not headed to the real thing, there are quite a few Oktoberfest events around town this year. So, ready your stomach for schnitzel, brats, liters of beer, and old dudes in lederhosen and retire to one of the area's best pubs for some Austin-style Deutschamerikaner action.

Gingerman 304 W 4th St. (512) 473-8801 [map]
Eight Oktoberfest beers on draught throughout the month of October. Gingerman will be hosting an annual benefit for Blue Dog Rescue (www.bluedogrescue.com) on Sunday, October 21st from 2-9pm — Dogtoberfest! Featuring live music, beer, food, raffle and silent auction items. All proceeds from the event go directly to the organization. Also, Mondays starting at 6pm the pub gives away glassware for the featured beer of the day (while supplies last). Each Monday in October a different Octoberfest beer will be featured. No cover.

Draught House 4112 Medical Pkwy. (512) 452-6258 [map]
On tap at the Draught House are Spaten Oktoberfest, Live Oak Oaktoberfest, Widmer Okto, and Flying Dog Dogtoberfest this month. The Draught House also gives away German brats made with Live Oak Oaktoberfest beer and served with Dusseldorf mustard and sauerkraut every Saturday. No cover.

German-Texan Heritage Society 507 E. 10th St. (512) 482-0927 [map]
The German-Texan Heritage Society Oktoberfest will be held October 13th from Noon-9pm at the German Free School. Enjoy live music, folk dancing, Deutsch-Tex food, tours of the German Free School, educational displays, vendors, and authentic German games. Admission is free.

North by Northwest 10010 Capital of TX Hwy. N (512) 467-6969 [map]
October 13th and 14th, NXNW hosts the 6th annual Oktoberfest event to include German food, special Oktoberfest craft brew from head brewer Ty Phelps, music, and weiner dog costume contest. This year's fest will benefit the Austin Humane Society. Admission $2.

Zax Pints and Plates 312 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 481-0100 [map]
Throughout the month of October look for weekly Wednesday Pint Night specials to feature various Oktoberfest Beers. The month long celebration will culminate with Zax's 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Party on Thursday October 18th beginning at 7pm. Featuring German food, Oktoberfest beer, and special giveaways. Admission is free.

Mother Egans 715 W 6th St. (512) 478-7747 [map]
Mother Egans' Oktoberfest event will be held October 20th from 11am to close. They'll have liters of beer and a special menu of German foods. No cover.

Independence Brewery's Third Anniversary Celebration 3913 Todd Ln. #607 (512) 707-0099 [map]
Not an Oktoberfest event, but beer-related and in the month of October, Independence Brewery is holding its third anniversary celebration from 5-10pm on October 20th at the brewery. The event will include live music, beer tasting, and games. Admission is free.

Black Star Co-op [map]
Community-owned brewpub Black Star Co-op and DiverseArts will be holding their monthly beer social on October 20th at jazz venue Kenny Dorham's Backyard (1106 E. 11th St.) from 7 to 10pm. (While this list entry is admittedly not Oktoberfest-related, it's still a great way to meet homebrewers and other beer enthusiasts and learn more about the co-op.) Admission is free.

Finally, if you're in the mood for a road trip there's the very popular Oktoberfest Fredericksburg Texas (Oct. 5, 6, 7) and homebrewer nirvana the Houston Dixie Cup (Oct. 19-20). Happy imbibing!

Photo by farbfilm on Flickr