Alright people, Oktoberfest is back, but it’s different than ever before. COVID-19 has completely transformed the idea of drinking in crowds and sharing a pint. To ensure the safety of Oktoberfest enthusiasts, many businesses have extended events to multiple days to help with crowd control. If you’re not comfortable joining in on the festivities, call your favorite local breweries to grab a four-pack curbside to celebrate from home.

Oktoberfest at Bootleggers The brewery’s first annual Oktoberfest will be a three-day extravaganza. This will be a safe and socially-distanced event with seating both inside and outside. Bootleggers rented the parking lot for the weekend to provide shaded seating for attendees. Swing by for food, music, games and a massive amount of booze from both Bootleggers as well as breweries throughout Germany. There will even be a vendors market on Sept. 19 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 18-20. 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Bootleggers Brewing Co., 10256 Causeway Blvd., Tampa. INFO

2nd Annual Oktoberfest The Bier Boutique is pouring up German brew and eats like sausages and kraut, Oktoberfest stew, pretzels with beer cheese, sauerkraut balls, and apple ring fritters. All-day long, the resto is hosting themed contests like a kraut eating contest, liter stein holding, crazy straw drinking contest and beer trivia. Each event is $10 to enter, beer trivia is $10/four person team. If you want in, register by calling 727-827-2691 after 3 p.m. with a credit card or Venmo @Heather-Brookey. If you dress for the occasion, all costumes will be rewarded with a shot. By the way, all registration fees as well as 40% of German lager sales will benefit Habitat for Humanity. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The Bier Boutique St. Pete, 465 7th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. thebierboutiquestpete.com

Barktoberfest at Two Shepherds Taproom The indoor-outdoor park is hosting $1 off festive brew specials. Food trucks are also scheduled to be on-site slinging grub. Just a heads up, you must be 21-and-up to attend and register your dog(s) through Two Shepherd’s website. Sept. 19, noon-6 p.m. Two Shepherds Taproom, 4812 N. Grady Ave., Tampa. twoshepherdstaproom.com

Oktoberfest 2020 at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery The fairly new Gulfport Brewery + Eatery is hosting its first annual Oktoberfest. The three-day event allows guests to safely enjoy themselves while social distancing. Sept. 25-27. Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, 3007 Beach Blvd., Gulfport. gulfport-brewing.com

Oktoberfest 2020 at New World BreweryNew World Brewery is teaming up with 81 Bay, Weihenstephan, Bell’s and Sierra Nevada for Oktoberfest. There’s set to be socially-distanced games and plenty of booze on tap for attendees. Sept. 26. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. New World Brewery, 810 E. Skagway Ave., Tampa. INFO

“St. PetersBARK” The boutique pet market is celebrating its sixth annual customer appreciation event over three days both in-store and online. This year “St. PetersBARK” is raising money for Shelter Dogs With Jobs with a raffle and 50 packed goodie bags sponsored by local vendors. By the way, each customer 15% off their purchase (limit one transaction). In lieu of hosting vendors, adoptable animals and food trucks, the shop is posting virtual vendor highlights of all of cash sponsors on its social media (@stpetersbark) and website. Oct. 8-11. St. PetersBark, 2435 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg. stpetersbark.com

BarrieHaus Oktoberfest The newish Ybor City brewery is hosting a two-day event. Attendees can snag a commemorative 2020 BarrieHaus liter stein with one free fill of the Oktoberfest-Märzen along with a Bavarian pretzel. BarrieHaus is hosting live music, Oktoberfest trivia, stein holding contest, games, and giveaways both days. In order to follow the social distancing rules, the brewery is also selling tables instead of individual tickets. You can reserve shaded outdoor tables or indoor tables in the air conditioning for your party through BarrieHaus’ website. Prices range from $120-$300 depending on size of party and location. October 10-11, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. BarrieHaus Beer Co., 1403 E. 5th Ave., Ybor City. INFO

WOBtoberfest 2020 The World of Beer Westchase location is hosting an outdoor Oktoberfest celebration on the patio. Oktoberfest-Märzen as well as seasonal brews are ready to be poured. The joint is also hosting live music, activities, and a pet costume contest. Saturday, Oct. 10. 2 p.m.-9 p.m. World of Beer, 9524 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. INFO

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