The month of September is flying by, and that can only mean one thing: It is almost time for Oktoberfest celebrations in the South Sound to begin! So dust off your favorite Bavarian clothing and help kick off the fall season with food, drinks and entertainment. On Saturday, Oct. 1, join Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the MWR Fest Tent on Lewis Main from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for its annual Oktoberfest celebration.

The event will feature all your favorite Bavarian foods like bratwurst, Jaegerschnitzel, German potato salad, sauerkraut, and German red cabbage, among other tasty dishes. Meals will be available for purchase as combination plates, entrees and sides. Guests who are 21 years of age and older can enjoy German brews with a valid ID.

The JBLM MWR Oktoberfest is a family friendly event and will include fun activities for kids of all ages. The little ones can go for wagon rides, battle it out with foam sword fights and climb up a rock wall. Adults can participate in crowd favorites like the keg toss and go-cart races. All guests are encouraged to dress up and participate in the costume contest. Judging for the adult costume contest will take place at 5:30 p.m., and the kid's costume contest will take place at 5:45 p.m.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the 56th Army Band as well as a selection of Bavarian bands. Bonnie Birch, Still Kickin, The Country Dutchmen and the Army German Band will have you on your feet and dancing away with music beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event. Dress in your best Lederhosen or Dirndl dress, bring your appetite, and come out for some good Oktoberfest fun.

The MWR Fest Tent is located next to the Bowl Arena Lanes at 2200 Liggett Ave. on JBLM Main.

Can't make it to the JBLM MWR Oktoberfest? Or maybe you want to celebrate more than once? Here are some other Oktoberfest events taking place around the South Sound:

Oktoberfest NW
Noon to midnight, Oct. 7; 11 a.m. to midnight, Oct. 8; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 9. Cost is $12; kids 12 and under are free. The Oktoberfest at the Washington State Fair Events Center is Washington's largest Munich-style Festhalle Biergarten! It is also home to the Hammerschlagen. Authentic food, beer, and plenty of entertainment will be served. 110 9th Ave SW., Puyallup.

Leavenworth Oktoberfest
11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Oct. 7 and 8, and Oct. 14 and 15. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday entry, $10; Saturday entry, $20. What better place to celebrate Oktoberfest than at the German town of Leavenworth? The annual event will feature all your favorite German foods, arts and crafts, lots of live music, and activities for the entire family. Don't miss the Keg Tapping Ceremony at 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Oktoberfest Bingo
Sept. 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. Event runs 7 to 9 p.m. Game packs cost $10 to $30. When the doors open, come in and enjoy an optional Oktoberfest-themed dinner for an additional $5. Event will include a 50/50 raffle, beer, wine and fun themed cocktails. Tables can be reserved for groups of six. Don't forget to come dressed up in your best Lederhosen! There will be a costume contest for best dressed. 21 years and older only. Olympia Senior Center. 222 Columbia St. NW. Olympia. For more information, call 360.407.3967.