Oktoberfests on tap in Modesto region

With the many festivals packing the October calendar, the annual Bavarian beer and brat blowout of Oktoberfest remains among the mainstays.

Oktoberfest is one of the most well-known celebrations in the world, as well as one of the largest. The 16-day German festival has been held annually in Munich most years since 1810.

The celebration draws plenty of crowds in the greater Modesto region as well, many held as fundraisers for local organizations. Here's a look at some of the Oktoberfests on tap locally:

Modesto Oktoberfest 2015 – Oct. 2: 32nd annual Oktoberfest tasting event with a sampling of West Coast microbrews, California wine tasting and traditional German fare including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato salad. Live entertainment and midway games. 5:30-10 p.m. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive. $30. 209-577-5757.

Pints in the Pines (nee Oktoberfest) – Oct. 3-4: Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce presents its 10th annual Oktoberfest (being renamed as Pints in the Pines). There will be craft and food vendors and live music from Chains Required on Saturday and Threshold on Sunday. There will be a separate beer and wine booth as well as a Beer Garden for beer and food tasting, cost of entry to the beer garden is $20 and includes a tasting mug. Eproson Park, Twain Harte. www.twainhartecc.com or 209-586-4482.

VFW Oktoberfest – Oct. 10: Turlock Veterans of Foreign Wars Oktoberfest, Bavarian music, beer with souvenir mug, bratwurst or tri-tip sandwich, German potato salad. 3-8 p.m. Turlock VFW, 1405 Linwood Ave. $10 209-202-7457.

Hermann Sons Oktoberfest – Oct. 17: Celebration by the local Hermann Sons Lodge features a German dinner, beer and dancing from 1 to 6 p.m. at Eagles Hall, 126 Camellia Way, Modesto. $15 for food and festival. Food served 1:30 to 2:30. 209-571-2667 or 209-524-1317.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Oktoberfests on tap in Modesto region."