Can you believe it? It’s happened again: summer is over, the kids are back in school, cooler weather has started and September is here. But not to worry! To ease our transition into the gloomier weather ahead, the Germans of old – in their wisdom and foresight – created for us a holiday that we could celebrate for ages after their passing. Here are some venues and ways in which you can enjoy Deutsch tradition – with the whole family!

Mt. Angel Oktoberfest

Sept 15-18

Less than an hour south of Portland lies the small town of Mount Angel. Don’t let the size of the town confuse you though; it hosts a sizeable Oktoberfest and has been doing so for over 50 years, making it one of the longest running celebrations in all of Orgeon! Head on down there this weekend for some family fun activities like the hay maze, petting zoo, pony rides, balloon arts, pedal tractor race, and more. The Kindergarten will host most of these activities and is free of charge. Fun for the family at no additional cost to you! Tickets to other events $5-33, oktoberfest.org

Bend Oktoberfest

Sept 16-17

If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous trip to take with the fam, then look no further than Bend! Lying three hours south of Portland (it might be a hike, but one well worth it), Bend will be celebrating with plenty of activities for the whole family, especially on Saturday. Activities will include bouncy houses, yodeling, bendhamershlagen (if carpenters came up with a game, this would be one of them), treats, weiner dog races, tricycle races and more! Free to attend, drink tokens start at $5, bendoktoberfest.com

Because Bend is such a distance from the Portland, you might want to get more out of your trip. Good thing there is plenty of family fun in the area! Consider checking out the High Desert Museum, the Juniper Swim and Recreation Center, or the Sun Mountain Fun Center for some extra fun for the kiddos!

Oaks Park Oktoberfest

Sept 23-25

Head down to Oaks Park for some good ole fashioned fun with the kids. $5 for adults and $2 for the chillins will grant you admission into a festival teeming with music and activities. There will be mini-golf, roller skating and carnival games all weekend along with special activities at certain times at the Kinderplatz. Don’t miss out on the Weiner Dog races either! Oktoberfest can be that much more fun too by taking advantage of Oaks Park’s already existing amusement park offerings. Look forward to some mini golf, age appropriate rides and carnival games! $2-5 gate admission, attractions additional, oaksoktoberfest.com