By: Andrew Silverstein

Prost!  That time of the year is rolling around again where Germany and anyone who relates with the German culture celebrates the beginning of the Fall season with Oktoberfest.  From Munich all the way here across the pond, Oktoberfest is a welcome time rife with with beer, food, and revelry for anyone fond of this beloved holiday.  Here are a few 2011 Oktoberfest events around the 727 area worth checking out.

St. Pete Bar Oktoberfest, Downtown St. Petersburg - Taking place at the USF St. Petersburg campus right on the water, the St. Pete Bar Oktoberfest goes down on November 5 (a little late, but hey, just another time to celebrate) from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.  Enjoy a plethora of food and drink, live music, and more.

German American Society Oktoberfest, Pinellas Park - If anyone knows how to do Oktoberfest right, it's probably going to be the German American Society.  Enjoy three consecutive Fridays and Saturdays (Sep. 30 - Oct. 1, Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15) of authentic German beer, food, live music, and more. Head to the German American Society located at 8908 66 St. N. in Pinellas Park and look for the big tent!

2nd Annual St. Pete Oktoberfest, Downtown St. Petersburg - Going down in the Grand Central District (Central Avenue between 20 and 22 St. specifically), the 2nd Annual St. Pete Oktoberfest is celebration of beer, wine and more.  Pay $30 admission to this October 15 event and enjoy unlimited beer, wine and food samples from 5 to 9 p.m.