How many Oktoberfests can you pack into one weekend?

Here's to the weekend! A weekend full of fall celebrations and probably more drinking than the average person should partake in.Before I tell you all about all the merriment to be had, here's a little factoid about how everyone's favorite fall kick-off event got started. Courtesy of Wikipedia, of course.So apparently Oktoberfest began in 1810 when Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. They had a grand celebration in Munich that ended with horse races. The celebration and races continued each year with new additions such as an agricultural show (which is still a part of the Munich Oktoberfest every three years) and of course food, beer and other festivities.2013 marks the 180th Oktoberfest in Munich. It's now a 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year.Talk about crazy.So now on to our local celebrations of this event which has little to no relevance or historical significance in Coeur d’Alene.Coeur d’AleneThe downtown Oktoberfest is today from 4-9 p.m. and tomorrow from 1-8 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes a mug and six tickets for tasting. There’s live music, family festivities and food. You can pay and pick up your mug/tickets in the Plaza Shops.HaydenDaanen’s Deli’s annual Oktoberfest is tomorrow beginning at noon. This event is very family-friendly. There’s great food, music, fun activities and of course good craft beer.SandpointThe downtown Sandpoint Oktoberfest is actually on October 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the old Granary. There’s live music from four bands, a funky waiter race, dachshund derby, fire dancing, magic, arts and crafts vendors, and food by Trinity and Jupiter Jane. There’s also a beer taste-off featuring Bitterroot, River City Brewing, Laughing Dog, Selkirk Abbey, and Mick Duff’s. A wine walk featuring wine from Pend d'Oreille Winery will also be happening and of course dancing all day long.SpokaneThe Inland NW Craft Beer Festival takes place in downtown Spokane at Riverfront Park on Friday, September 27 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, September 28 from noon to 8 p.m.This festival features 28 Washington-based breweries and two breweries from Idaho. They’ll be pouring over 90 beers, including a unique selection of pumpkin beers. Live music and food will be on site.So there you have it. All the places to celebrate your Bavarian ancestry - or love of beer.Cheers!Andy