Raise a Stein at 4 Festive Oktoberfest Celebrations in the Twin Cities

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and then six months later they become German when it's time to celebrate Oktoberfest. Get ready to raise a stein and cry, "Prost!" at one of these great festivals near our Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive communities.

The 120-year-old Progress Center building on the fairgrounds is the site of this popular two-day celebration. Enjoy traditional music and dance performances as you sip on beer and dine on brats and pretzels. Take a break and check out the vendors selling German-themed gifts and food products. Hours are 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and noon until 11 p.m. Saturday.

This annual event closes out its 2016 schedule by transforming into a Bavarian village. Show your skill in events like stein holding, bier pong, keg toss and sauerkraut eating, and compete for awards for best lederhosen and dirndl costumes and best beard. You also won't want to miss the dachshund races. Hours are 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. rain or shine, and admission is $20.95 for adults and $12.50 for kids ages 5 through 12.

It's only fitting that a restaurant named after one of Germany's most iconic regions should hold a king-sized Oktoberfest blow-out. The restaurant will host a day of weddings, vow renewals and anniversary celebrations in honor of the royal wedding that was the origin of Oktoberfest. Each day features another unique event such as a bratwurst bar, cabaret and "Is Your German Better than a Sixth Grader's?" Black Forest Inn is open 10:30 a.m. until midnight seven days a week.

Celebrate Oktoberfest by taking in some of the best views in town on a four-hour lunch cruise. Authentic dishes include grilled sausages with onions, peppers and sauerkraut along with roasted potato wedges, rough-cut vinegar coleslaw, pretzel bites and German chocolate cake. Cruises depart each Saturday at 11 a.m. and tickets are $51.20.

Do you have Oktoberfest plans to add to the list? Share them with us in the comments!