This coming weekend will be the third and final in a series of local Oktoberfest celebrations and the biggest of the fests will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Pier 48.

Oktoberfest by the Bay has been rated as one of the top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations in the US. It boasts two alternating bands - the 20 piece Chico Bavarian Band and The Internationalists. The Oakland Nature Friends Schuhplattler dance group will perform traditional Bavarian and Austrian folk dance and there will be typical German dainties like sausages and pork cutlets. The festival hosts will be pouring enough Spaten to convince even the skeptics that the chicken dance is genius.

The charity event is hosted by the United German-American Societies of San Francisco and Vicinity (UGAS-SF). While the group hosts other events throughout the year, this is by far their biggest celebration. Friday and Saturday night sessions are 21 and over and several veteran festival-goers prefer to attend on Friday. If you want a guaranteed place to sit, easy access to food, a bar, and bathrooms, then consider buying VIP tickets. Saturday night’s and Sunday’s VIP packages are sold out, but there are still Friday VIP tickets available.

If you want to take the kids, think about attending on Sunday when tickets are half-price and there will be more emphasis on German history and culture. The German-American community clubs and organizations have a parade with their flags and celebrate not only the history of the Oktoberfest but also the pioneers who founded America's first permanent German settlement at Germantown, PA in 1683. One more reason Sunday is family day - the people who attended Saturday night’s session will be too hungover for a final appearance.

Order tickets online and be sure to read the FAQ section for specifics on the fest.

• Friday 9/30 5pm-12am

• Saturday 10/1 Day Session 11am-5pm

• Saturday, 10/1 Evening session 6pm-12amSunday, 10/1 11am-6pm

• General admission $25; VIP $65

• Sunday half price tickets