Prost! Oktoberfest Kicks off Throughout O.C. This Weekend

Did you know that Oktoberfest actually begins in late September, commemorating the Crown Prince of Bavaria's wedding anniversary? Did you also know that the word Lederhosen translates simply to leather pants? If you happen to own a pair (or a dirndl, if you will), many of O.C.'s Oktoberfest celebrations start this weekend!

The Phoenix Club: One of the longest-running authentic Oktoberfests in Orange County, yet this is the last year in Anaheim before the German heritage club moves up the 57 to Brea. Celebrate in the giant Festhalle one last time! September 16th - October 23rd, 1430 S. Sanderson, Anaheim (57 freeway and Ball exit).

Bottle Logic Brewing: If Albert Einstein were alive, he would no doubt celebrate Quarktoberfest, the brewery's first-ever Oktoberfest party, where the science of German-style Pils and Festbier can be explored, as well as food trucks serving Bavarian-style treats. Steins, as well as Quarktoberfest socks can be purchased. Sept. 16-Oct 3, 1072 N. Armando St. Anaheim

Radiant Beer Co.: Fill a proper 1L Maßkrug with two special Festbier releases! Also, try their dessert stout inspired by German chocolate cake aged in Texas bourbon barrels as well as a light and refreshing Berliner-style Weissbier with yummy woodruff syrup. Hammer Burger is serving food on Saturday. Friday, September 16 from noon through Sunday close, 1566 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim

Green Cheek Costa Mesa: Did you know it's impossible to drink while smiling? Luckily you can smile while doing the secret Green Cheek parrot dance at their Oktoberfest this year, which is sort of like the chicken dance, except you squawk four times instead of clapping. Sept. 24-25, 2957 Randolph Ave., Unit B, Costa Mesa

Gamecraft Brewing: Catch dimple smiles and dimple mugs filled with Festbier every weekend starting Friday at 5 pm. Don't miss their German wurst platter, flammkuchen, and twisty bread with mustard. Let the games begin! Sept. 17th-Oct. 30, 23301 Avenida De La Carlota Suite C, Laguna Hills

Dueling Ducks:Ducktoberfest kicks off on September 23rd from 4-10 pm with a fest-Marzen, wurst, pretzels, and plenty of beer cheese to dip. Friday, September 23rd 4-10 pm, 3150 E. La Palma Ave. Ste. G, Anaheim

Stereo Brewing:  Live music from West Coast Prost, food, beer, and dancing! Saturday, September 17th at 1 pm, 950 S. Via Rodea, Placentia

Chapman Crafted: Break out the dirndl's and lederhosen and test your workouts with a stein holding contest every two hours. Sip on a refreshing grapefruit Radler slushie, and wash down bites from Los Crudos BBQ with of plenty of Festbier. October 8th, 123 N. Cypress St., Orange

Flashpoint Brewing: Food, music, and a special beer! What else does an Oktoberfest need? September 23-25, 7302 Autopark Dr, Huntington Beach

Old World Village: Large-scale, long-running Oktoberfest with live music, dancing, beer and food. Runs every Wednesday through Sunday from Sept. 18th through November 6th. Note that Wednesday-Thursday are free entry and family-friendly. 7561 Center Ave. #50 Huntington Beach