How to celebrate Oktoberfest at Boston-area breweries

Sam Adams

Both the Jamaica Plain brewery and downtown taproom are holding Octoberfest events this weekend.

• The brewery kicks off the festivities with a VIP Beer Dinner Thursday, including a three-course meal with beer pairings. Tickets are $75.
• The brewery and taproom will have live music and food all weekend. Tickets are $10.

Night Shift

Night Shift Brewing is hosting Oktoberfest events Friday at its beer gardens on the Esplanade and in Allston with jumbo soft pretzels.

• The Everett location has an event Saturday with live music, food trucks and a stein-holding competition.
• The Lovejoy Wharf location celebrates on Sunday with live music from the Hofbrau Polka Band and an Oktoberfest-themed menu.
• All events are free.

Harpoon

Harpoon Brewery will celebrate Octoberfest Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 with stein-hoisting competitions, pretzel eating contests and chicken dancing.

• Be smart: People interested in competing should arrive early to sign up for a slot.

Trinktisch

The Belmont brewery is hosting a four-course dinner with beer pairings on Oct. 3.

• The event, which runs 6pm-9pm, features "Fest of Both Worlds," a collaboration beer by Jack's Abby and Weihenstephan.
• Tickets are $65-$80.

Aeronaut

Aeronaut Allston is hosting an Oktoberfest event Oct. 7 from 1pm-9pm.

• There's a multi-round stein-hoisting competition.
• Tickets are $12 — or $35 if you opt to keep the 1 liter stein and a first pour.