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Best Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest 2012 Near Detroit

Oktoberfest is a German festival that originally began in Munich, Germany running from late September through the beginning of October.It's a colorful celebration of all things German; heritage, food and most importantly the beer. We've chosen some of the best spots around town to partake in the fun and festivities.

So grab your best beer stein and lederhosen and let the games begin. Prost!

Michigan Brewers Oktoberfest
Canterbury Village
2369 Josyln Court
Lake Orion, Michigan 48360
(248) 391-5700
Date: October 7

CBS Radio presents the Michigan Brewers Oktoberfest on October 7th at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, Michigan.   Click here to purchase tickets to this event!

Hopheads and craft beer novices will have the chance to sample from a selection of over 60 different craft beers and ciders, as well as special edition beers from breweries. Many of the brewers will be on site to answer questions and give demonstrations.

Each admission includes 9 tickets for sampling craft beer. Plus, Kroger will be on site with fabulous food sampling!

Breweries and Cideries involved include: Bell's, Kuhnhenn, Dragonmead, North Peak, Right Brain, Cheboygan, Saugatuck, Wolverine, Great Lakes, Detroit Brewing Company, Sierra, Founders, Brooklyn, Tommyknocker, Henry Weinhard's, Leinenkugel, Batch 9, Blue Moon, Magic Hat, Pyramid, Sam Adams, Shiner, Angry Orchard, Woodchuck, Vander Mill, Uncle John's, Affligem, Innis & Gunn, Worthington's, Leffe, Hoegaarden, St. Martins, and LUK Cider.

21 and over only. Legal Id and event ticket required for admission.  Discounted Tickets are avaialble at Kroger locations for $15.  Tickets are available on-line for $20 each.

Brought to you in part by Kroger.

The Dakota Inn Rathskellar
17324 John R. St.
Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 867-9722

Date: Fridays and Saturdays from September 14 through October 27

The Dakota Inn Rathskellar in Detroit has been serving up German fare and libations since 1933. The term 'rathskellar' is a German word that translates as a beer hall or restaurant in a basement.

This is one of Detroit's premiere spots to celebrate Oktoberfest. The celebration takes place in the main hall of the venue. It begins September 14th with the ceremonial keg tapping and continues through the entire month of October every Friday and Saturday.

Related: I Got The Blues: Best Blues Bars In Detroit

Rochester Mills Beer Co. 
400 Water St.
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 650-5080
Dates: September 28-29

Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened its doors in 1998 and has been crafting a fine selection of beer ever since. It is located in the historic Western Knitting factory on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street in downtown Rochester. It begins on Friday, September 28th with the ceremonial keg tapping at 7 p.m. and continues through the weekend.

(credit: istock)

Oktoberfest Summer Cruise Series
The New Detroit - Port Authority Dock
130 Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(586) 778-9060
Date: October 5

Feeling fancy? Looking to splurge a little or try a new spin on Ocktoberfest? Set sail on the Detroit River with the Summer Cruise Series on October 5th. This elegant Oktoberfest celebration will feature a mouth-watering menu of fine cuisine including a premium open bar featuring Michigan-made beer and wine. If you purchase the Captain's Club Upgrade, you'll be able to board early and receive a champagne welcome. Required attire is casual dressy with no denim and entertainment will be provided by Brian Lorente.

Old Town Oktoberfest
1232 Turner St.
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 485-4283
Dates: October 5-6

The Old Town Oktoberfest celebration in Lansing takes place the weekend of October 5th and 6th. The German beer will be flowing and the good times rolling with entertainment provided by Linda Lee & Wild Bill and the Hy Notes on Friday evening. Saturday's music will feature the Happy Wonderers, Zakopane – Polish dancers (dance lesson provided) and The Polish Muslims. Tickets are $13 when purchased in advance before October 6th at 10 p.m. After 6 p.m., the event is 21 and up only. During the day, children 12 and under are free and can enjoy the Children's German Activity Tent.

Frankenmuth
Heritage Park
601 Weiss St.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(800) 386-3378
Dates: September 20-23

The Oktoberfest celebration at Frankenmuth is the biggest in Michigan. It has also been said that it's the biggest celebration outside of Munich, Germany. Frankenmuth is a place of all things German and that is even more enhanced with its Oktoberfest activities. Admission is $8 and the festival will feature live music from a variety of German bands, authentic German cuisine and authetic German beer will be flowing in the beer halls which can hold 10,000 to 20,000 people. On Saturday at 12 p.m., don't miss out on the goofy antics of weiner dog races at the Harvey Kern Community Pavilion.

Related: Best Pool Halls In Detroit

Natalie Sugarman has had a passion for writing and music since a very young age. She currently works for Renaissance Media and handles all social media for the company. Natalie is also a freelance music writer in Detroit. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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