The Belgians might have refined the beer-making process, but the Germans taught us how to drink it.

So get out your lederhosen, because the beer-drinking, bratwurst-eating festival of festivals -- Oktoberfest -- is upon us. Celebrations got underway at some Twin Cities bars last week, but starting today Oktoberfest is in full swing. Here's a look at what some of our best German bars are doing to celebrate.

As is customary, Gasthof zur Gemütlichkeit (aka Gasthof's) is back with its giant tent party in northeast Minneapolis. It'll have beer, food, live music (polka!) and dancing. (5-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Oct. 2-3, 9-10. 2300 University Av. NE., Mpls. Free. 612-781-3860. www.gasthofzg.com.)

Maybe more than any other bar, the Black Forest Inn likes to have a little fun with its 10-day celebration. Each day is dedicated to a different theme. Some are obvious, such as Monday's "The Wurst Night" (dedicated to sausage) and Tuesday's "Home Brew Night" (featuring a beer-making competition).

Others are just hilarious, such as next Friday's "David Hasselhoff Night" (he's big in Germany) and Oct. 3's "Fake German Accent Night." (today-Oct. 4. 1 E. 26th St., Mpls. 612-872-0812. www.blackforest innmpls.com.)

The Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter in Stillwater also has a big tent with the usual food and beer. The Artie Schaefer band plays today and Saturday. Free pony rides for the kids on Sunday. (5-11 p.m. today and Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. 8390 Lofton Av., Stillwater. 651-439-7128. www.gasthausbavarian hunter.com.)

The Bierstube in Inver Grove Heights has specials all month long, plus something it calls "The Bavarian Challenge" on Oct. 17 where bargoers compete in contests such as Hammerschlagen. (9 p.m. Oct. 17. 6434 Cahill Av., Inver Grove Heights. 651-451-8073. www.thebierstube.com.)

Nightlife longevity One of downtown's longest running nightclubs, the Lounge, is celebrating big-time this weekend. The downtown club unveils its remodeled mainroom tonight and then celebrates its 14th anniversary on Saturday. Spin is well on its way to veteran status, too -- it celebrates five years with a party on Saturday.

Lounge: 411 2nd Av. N., Mpls. 612-333-8800. www.theloungempls.com.

Spin: 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. 612-333-5055. www.spinmn.com.

Outdoor concerts Hipsters are in for a busy Saturday. Two of their favorite bars, Clubhouse Jäger and the 501 Club, are hosting outdoor music festivals that day. Jägerfest 2009 will feature a barbecue/beer garden and live bands (including the return of Astronaut Wife), plus DJ Jake Rudh closing the night out. The 501 Club will finally take advantage of its big downtown parking lot with a long list of bands, including First Communion Afterparty, Skoal Kodiak, Parallax and more. The event, called "Pet Rock," will benefit the Pet Project, a group that helps pet owners in need.

Jäger: 5 p.m. Sat. 923 Washington Av. N., Mpls. $5. 612-332-2686. www.clubjaeger.com.

501 Club: Noon Sat. 501 Washington Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-338-3848. www.501.mn.

Wild style beers Hoppy beers are so last year. Apparently, beer geeks are now clamoring for sours and wild beers -- those tangy, tart-tasting brews that literally bite your tongue. On Saturday, fans can get a crash course in the style when Stub & Herb's hosts "Where the Wild Beers Are." This beer event is really a community-driven function, with participants bringing bottles to share. The organizers are asking eventgoers to pre-register online with which wild ales they will be bringing.

Noon-6 p.m. Sat. 227 SE. Oak St., Mpls. 612-379-0555.

Info: www.wherethewildbeersare.com.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909