Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Southcentral this weekend and next

Despite the name, Oktoberfest is mostly a September party. Munich's starts in September, and so do most of Alaska's. Between now and Oct. 3, you can yodel in Girdwood, eat German food at a school fair in Anchorage, raise a glass in Valdez or have dinner within sight of a herd of musk oxen in Palmer.

This weekend's celebrations are free and open to all ages, while next Saturday's are ticketed fundraisers for adults 21 and older.

This weekend: free and all ages

Girdwood: Alyeska Oktoberfest

Alyeska Resort turns its Daylodge into a beer hall for two nights, with Bavarian food, local and Bavarian beers and the Alaska Blaskapelle brass band playing both evenings. Friday brings trivia at 5 pm, a costume contest at 6:30 pm and stein games for adults at 7:30 pm. Saturday is the better night for kids, with animals from the Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue from 4 to 9 pm, games for young children at 5 pm and older kids at 6:30 pm and a German spelling bee at 7:45 pm. Both nights end with a yodeling contest at 9 pm. Leave the dog at home, and don't bring outside food or drinks. You don't need a hotel room to attend.

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25–26, 4 to 10 pm. Alyeska Resort Daylodge. Free admission; food and drinks for purchase.

Anchorage: Anchor Lutheran School Oktoberfest

Anchor Lutheran School's all-day community celebration runs from lunch through dinner, with German-inspired food, local beverages, live music, vendors, student performances and games for children.

Saturday, Sept. 26, all day. Anchor Lutheran School, 8100 Arctic Blvd. Free admission.

Valdez: Valdez Oktoberfest

Valdez throws its own two-day Oktoberfest this weekend. Check the organizers' Facebook page for this year's hours and lineup before you go.

Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25–26. Valdez.

Oct. 3: tickets, 21 and older

Palmer: Oxtoberfest at the Musk Ox Farm

The Musk Ox Farm's biggest fundraiser of the year is a Bavarian dinner served within sight of its herd of 77 musk oxen, which stay on the other side of the fence. General admission includes a bratwurst or veggie brat, potato salad made with Alaska-grown potatoes, sauerkraut made with Palmer cabbage, giant Palmer-made pretzels and access to the beer tents. If you catch the Alaska Blaskapelle in Girdwood, you can hear them again here. The farm calls the band "the finest Oompah band outside of Munich."

VIP tickets add a seated dinner in the farm's restored 1930s hayloft, a private bar and a guided tour of the farm. The event is plastic-free, so bring your own pint glass or buy the commemorative one. New this year, ticket holders can enter a raffle for a night in one of the farm's four on-site cabins. The farm says Oxtoberfest has sold out every year, so check for tickets before you make plans. It happens rain, snow or shine.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 5 to 10 pm. Musk Ox Farm, Palmer. $80 general admission, $200 VIP.

Eagle River: Pucks & Pints

The Mustang Hockey Association's Oktoberfest-themed night raises money for youth hockey. Admission includes two drink tickets good for beer, wine or spirits, plus heavy appetizers, a DJ and a silent auction. Lederhosen and dirndls are encouraged.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 to 9 pm. Odd Man Rush Brewing, Eagle River. $65 in advance, $75 at the door.