Bockbier or bust

The Sacramento Turn Verein’s Annual Bockbierfest has returned! What is Bockbier and why does it require a festival, you ask? Bockbier is a traditional Bavarian beer that is dark in color and relatively high in alcohol content (as intoxicating carbonated beverages go). Although the Bockbier season varies from country to country, it’s available for a limited time in any region—hence the need for a commemorative celebration. Sacramento’s version includes lively German music by The Al Gruber Band and Sacramento Turner Harmonie, Bavarian folk dancing, German food, coffee cake and Bockbier flowing like the Sacramento River. $10 buys your passport to a true German experience this Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the party lasts until midnight. Sacramento Turner Hall, 3349 J St. Call 442-7360 for more information.