Raise a stein for another Oktoberfest celebration at Gordon Biersch

"I've never been to Munich - or anywhere else in Germany - but I absolutely love Oktoberfest season. Whether it's the big downtown Campbell celebration, listening to The Internationals band along with a beer at Teske's Germania in downtown San Jose or having a backyard gathering with friends, the combination of beer, pretzels, sausages and oompah music brings a smile to my face every time."

"Gordon Biersch co-founder Dan Gordon loves Oktoberfest, too, and not only has he been to Germany, that's where he learned the art and craft of brewing. He put his brewing degree to very good use, as fans of the various styles of Gordon Biersch beer will attest to between drinks. That beer is brewed in San Jose's historic Japantown district, and that'll be the site of the annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, which I consider to be the start of the season."

"The festivities start at 3 p.m., with food trucks like Paper Platez and Roy's Barbeque joining traditional food offerings like bratwurst, schnitzel, Black Forest cake, pretzels and something called "kartoffelsalat." Google Translate says it's just potato salad, but it sounds much more interesting in German. The entertainment will be provided by saxophone player Aaron Lington and his band from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Polkgeist from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Gordon, who plays the trombone, tells me he'll be sitting in with both groups."

Gordon Biersch co-founder Dan Gordon learned brewing in Germany and applies that training to beers brewed in San Jose's historic Japantown. The annual Oktoberfest celebration takes place Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. Food trucks like Paper Platez and Roy's Barbeque join traditional offerings including bratwurst, schnitzel, Black Forest cake, pretzels and kartoffelsalat. Saxophonist Aaron Lington and his band play from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Polkgeist performs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Dan Gordon, a trombonist, will sit in with both groups. Events include beer-stein holding contests for men and women, plus dirndl and lederhosen contests. Admission is free and the event is all-ages, with food and beer available for purchase.

Read at The Mercury News