Bock Around the Clock

There’s more than one way to oompah

Over the years, Fremont’s Oktoberfest has morphed into a full-on, all-weekend neighborhood block party with over 35 breweries and more than 70 beers to sample—a must for everyone from the home microbrewer to the weekend beer-pong player. Sorry, Klaus von Germanstein: the bands on the live music roster favor electric guitar, jawohl!—accordion, not so much. Though ID is required for the beer gardens, including the new German-style Buxom Beer Garden serving full-size beers, don’t let your underage friends cry and stay home. They’re sure to enjoy making their own felt lederhosen, carving pumpkins with a chainsaw (Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m.), and getting all jacked up on sugar with the kids in the root beer garden. This year, even four-legged children are welcome on Hair of the Dog Day (Sunday) when you can do all of the aforementioned (including beer garden access) with a canine wingman. The admission fee to the gardens gets you a glass and four beer tokens, but cheapsters can get bonus tokens before 6 p.m. on Friday or before noon on Sunday. Saturday’s festivities will kick off with a 5K run, but remember, exercise before oompah-ing can cause minor cramping. Canal Street, between Phinney Ave. N. & First Ave. N.W.

Sept. 21-23, 2007