For most, the arrival of autumn signifies an excuse to go see the falling leaves in rural Maryland, pick apples at an idyllic orchard in Virginia, or simply enjoy a respite from the humid heat of a D.C. summer. For beer lovers, the beginning of September is just a reminder that Oktoberfest is coming soon. Although many of the events in the area are styled after the original Oktoberfest in Munich, other beer events in the next several weeks are not even German-themed and just happen to be crowding an already crowded schedule. It’s a busy, exciting time to be a beer geek in D.C.

• Tuesday, September 16: Rocktoberfest at Rock Bottom
  Location/Time: Rock Bottom Ballston or Rock Bottom Bethesda. 7-8pm.
  Cost: Free, pay for beer ($2/pint from 7-8pm, normal prices after that).
  Public Transport: 2 blocks from Ballston Metro.
  Lowdown: Although neither Rock Bottom location is in DC proper, they are both vital parts of the local brewing scene. Tapping parties can get a bit crowded here, so it might be a good idea to get there early and grab a barstool before the official start time.
• Thursday, September 18: Tapping Party for Festbier at Gordon Biersch
  Location/Time: Gordon Biersch Chinatown. 6-9pm.
  Cost: Free, pay for beer. $5.50/pint
  Public Transport: 2 blocks from either Chinatown or Metro Center
  Lowdown: Tapping parties at Gordon Biersch are fun. The staff are all dressed up in Oktoberfest gear, and the beer is good. Although head brewer Jason Oliver left a few months ago to start Devil’s Backbone Brewing, the new brewer seems to be picking up right where he left off.

Image courtesy of nivad