Das fest of brewskies

Going on its 48th year, the Oktoberfest at the Sacramento Turn Verein (3349 J Street) is perhaps the most authentic celebration in town; the festival will have actual Oktoberfest beer from Munich on hand, traditional German music from the Gruber Family Band, roaming accordionists, dancing from Alpentänzer Schuhplattler and a wide range of German grub. The party goes from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, October 9, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 10; adult admission is $20 and kids 6-12 are $5. More information can be found at http://sacramentoturnverein.com.

And in keeping with the city's continual fascination with combining beer and bikes, there are two options for getting some fitness in with your fermented beverages: Sacramento Century Oktoberfest will host a bike ride Saturday, October 10, that starts at 500 Capitol Mall and goes as far as Isleton, depending on the route you choose. After the ride, the festival takes place from noon to 7 p.m. on Capitol Mall between Fifth and Seventh streets and will have live music from Mumbo Gumbo and the City of Trees Brass Band, plus food trucks from Chando's, Drewski's and others. Tickets range from $10-$85 depending on the ride you choose (or if you choose to attend the festival only). Purchase tickets at www.sacramentocentury.com. Your other option for peripatetic partying is Oktoberfest with Off the Chain Bike Bus Tours on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., wherein riders will help pedal a bike bus as they stop in at Yolo Brewing Co., Bike Dog Brewing Co. and Jackrabbit Brewing Co. Tickets are $35 and space is limited to 120 people; head to http://sactownbikebus.com for tickets and more info.

Meanwhile, over in Davis, the Aggies are ditching the Oktoberfest theme this year during their sixth annual UC Davis Brewfest and instead expanding to include 50 breweries pouring 90 different brews. The drinking begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, and all tickets ($36-$40) include admission to the football game vs. Northern Arizona that starts at 4 p.m. Find out more at www.ucdavisaggies.com/ot/ucdavisbrewfest.html.