Nightlife: Party like it's OKTOBER

We're only halfway into September, but it's already time for Oktoberfest, that big celebration of German culture. And by culture, I don't mean Beethoven and Brahms. I'm talking about beer, brats and lederhosen.

What started as a party for Bavarian crown prince Ludwig and his bride in 1810 has become an annual, worldwide celebration (and one that starts in September to pack in more partying and warmer weather). While some 6 million people visit the massive Munich festival each year, the Twin Cities is stacked with its own share of Oktoberfests. Here's a quick rundown of what's happening over the next month.

It starts today with Minneapolis' annual celebration along St. Anthony Main. Besides traditional food and beer, there'll be Hammerschlagen, a wiener-eating contest and the Dachshund Dash. (4-9 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., free. minneapolisoktoberfest.com.)

Looking to celebrate at a bar? Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter in Stillwater has one of the largest tent parties. (5-11 p.m. today, Sat., next Fri. and Sept. 20, noon-6 p.m. Sun. and Sept. 21. 8390 Lofton Av., Stillwater. 651-439-7128. www.gasthausbavarian hunter.com.)

The Bierstube in Inver Grove Heights celebrates with the Jagermeister girls and something called "the Bavarian Challenge." (8 p.m. Sat. 6434 Cahill Av., Inver Grove Heights. 651-451-8073. thebierstube.com.)

One of the most beloved tent celebrations happens at Gasthof's in northeast Minneapolis. Remember to bring your own mug for a better deal on the beer. (5-11 p.m. weekends starting next Fri. through Oct. 11. 2300 University Av. NE., Mpls. Free. 612-781-3860. gasthofzg.com.)

Beer haven the Happy Gnome returns with its tent party in St. Paul. (Next Fri.-Sept. 20. 498 Selby Av., St Paul. $5. 651-287-2018. thehappygnome.com.)

New Ulm, Minn. -- home of Schell's brewery -- hosts its 27th annual Oktoberfest with two weekends. (6 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and noon-1 a.m. Saturdays Oct. 3-4 and 10-11. 2101 S. Broadway, New Ulm. 1-877-359-2941. newulmoktoberfest.com.)

The family-friendly St. Paul Oktoberfest, with music and food, happens outside of St. Bernard's parish near the corner of Rice Street and Rose Avenue. (Oct. 11. 197 W. Geranium Av., St. Paul. saintpauloktoberfest.org.)

King of crunk Crazed hip-hop producer Lil Jon is famous for making southern hip-hop's party music -- called crunk -- king of the airwaves, and for holding entire conversations by simply yelling "Yeeeah!" and "What!" He's at Spin Saturday doing a DJ set of his favorite music. (10 p.m. 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. 18 and older. $6. 612-333-5055. spinmn.com)

Prom of the dead It looks like the Twin Cities' zombie population will be busy again this fall. The big zombie pub crawl is still coming. But first is the '80s Zombie Prom at industrial nightclub Ground Zero. It's the first in a monthly series of zombie-themed nights at the club (next month is a zombie pajama party). Cash prizes will be given out for sexiest zombie and most disturbing zombie. (10 p.m. today. 15 NE. 4th St., Mpls. $3 for zombies under 21. Free for zombies 21 and older. 612-378-5115. myspace.com/groundzerompls.)

Def poetry Spoken-word fans won't want to miss this chance to see "Def Poetry Jam" alum Black Ice perform at the Pillsbury House as part of its "Late Nite" series. The two-night performance includes a spoken-word theater piece by Idris Goodwin and aerial arts by Xelias. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 3501 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. $10 adults/$5 students. 612-825-0459. pillsburyhousetheatre.org.)

Late-night hookahs From now until it gets really cold, the Lounge nightclub has hookahs on its patio. They're free to smoke after paying the club's cover charge ($5 Fri., $8 Sat.). (411 2nd Av. N., Mpls. 612-333-8800. theloungempls.com.)