Oktoberfest at Bavarian Bierhaus

Bavarian Bierhaus is bringing Oktoberfest back to the Opry Mills mall, running from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, October 18. It's a full month of celebration, so you've got plenty of time to fit it in whenever works for you rather than having to clear one specific weekend.

The whole thing is built around a few German traditions. There are keg tappings throughout the month, and the Masskrugstemmen stein-holding competition—where you hold a full beer stein out at arm's length for as long as you can—is one of the main fixtures. If you're into the costumes, wearing Trachten, lederhosen, or a dirndl gets you a discount on your check. The venue welcomes all ages, so it works as a family outing as much as a night out with friends.

Bavarian Bierhaus is one of Nashville's most authentic German-inspired bierhalls, and it's designed to bring a bit of Munich to Music City. You'll find traditional German food and live music every weekend, and the Oktoberfest celebration just layers on top of that. It's the kind of place that's open every day, not just on the weekends, so you can drop in for a beer and a brat on a Tuesday or go all out on a Saturday night.

Admission is free, though some activities do cost extra. The celebration runs from September 18 through October 18 at Bavarian Bierhaus in the Opry Mills mall.