It’s that time of year again – as the air turns crisp and leaves change colors, thoughts turn towards beer and bratwurst. The 4th annual Ames Main Street Oktoberfest is your opportunity to break out your lederhosen and dirndls and dance in the middle of Main Street.

“The German tradition of Oktoberfest started over 200 years ago in Munich and is a party that lasts for 16 days,” said Cindy Hicks, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director. “This year the Munich Oktoberfest starts on Sept. 19, the same day as the Ames Oktoberfest.”

Coincidence? Maybe, but like the Bavarian event that inspired it, the Ames Oktoberfest will feature beer, authentic German food and music, and two-person Guten Tag games including keg bowling and Hammerschlagen.

“Hammerschlagen is a competitive game that involves driving a nail into a piece of wood,” said Bill Malone, Oktoberfest organizer. “Having games makes our Oktoberfest more authentic and adds a lot of fun to the day.”

Malone says this year you can expect bigger prizes for the games and a larger variety of beer to choose from than past years.

“We will have 20 beers available for tasting and commemorative tasting cups,” Malone said. “There will also be authentic German food for sale.”

You can tap your toes, and even belt out a yodel, to the live polka music of “Second Chair Brass” from 4-8 p.m.

“It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without polka,” said Malone. “’Second Chair Brass’ is a couple of guys from Ames who will really help you get in touch with your German side.”

If your style of music is something a little more modern, “Pie in the Sky” takes the stage from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The $10 tickets for Ames Oktoberfest are only available at the gate on the day of the event. Those attending are encouraged, but not required, to come in costume.

Cindy Hicks is the executive director of the Main Street Cultural District