Prost, TBAY. The beer may be colder than the temps, but that's just how we like it at Oktoberfest Tampa, the area's largest Oktoberfest event.

The annual celebration is coming up in a few short weeks, so we're raising a glass and giving you the lowdown on how best to enjoy the fest.

Dates | The inaugural keg tapping will take place on Friday, Oct. 13, and the event will continue through Sunday, Oct. 15.
Times | Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Price | $10-$20

Beer, and lots of it — from Helles (pilsners) to Märzen (an Oktoberfest variety).
German dishes like Jaegerschnitzel (roast veal or pork cutlet with a mushroom gravy sauce), bratwurst, frankfurters, and chicken schnitzel.
Bavarian games like stein hoisting, a grain sack toss, and the brat toss.
A beard + mustache competition.

If you'd like a table, get there early.
Bring your own (factory sealed) water — you're allowed to bring up to one liter.

Can't make the big one? Don't throw out the stein just yet. Check out one of these local Oktoberfests:

Piertoberfest | Sunday, Oct. 1 | 12-7 p.m. | St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Enjoy German beer on the pier, plus food, a live band, dancers, and a DJ.
Yuengling Oktoberfest | Sunday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Oct. 29 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, 11109 N. 30th St., Tampa | Free | Check out the special Oktoberfest menu, enjoy live music, and sip on Yuengling Oktoberfest beer.
German-American Society Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 29-Saturday, Sept. 30 + Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 7 | Times vary | German-American Society, 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park | $10 | Celebrate with imported German beers, traditional foods prepared on-site, a parade, and a kinder corner for children.