Summer`s almost gone

...Wauktoberfest, Sept. 17-19, 802 S. Century Ave., Waunakee: We really “wauna” know what is going on in Waunakee! First there was the WaunaBoom fest for the 4th of July; then the big WaunaFest blowout just three weeks later. Now there`s Wauktoberfest, which you may be surprised to learn is not primarily about wauking, but rather a fall beer festival.

Guest brewers and special beers each day, polka bands (including a farewell performance by the Bob Klinger Band at noon on Sept. 19, and more music, too), a limburger eating contest, a sauerkraut eating contest and a dachshund race are just lead-ins to the main attraction, Saturday afternoon`s beer tasting with more than 100 beers. Complete schedule and info at wauktoberfest.com.

...New Glarus Oktoberfest, Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 23-26, downtown New Glarus: Celebrate Oktoberfest in New Glarus, down the road from its iconic brewing company (but note, the brewery`s public areas are closed until October). With music, craft vendors, food and fun for the whole family — and, of course, local beer — the annual New Glarus Oktoberfest celebration goes all weekend long. Sept. 23 is Dirndl Day, with attendees encouraged to wear traditional German clothing and polka down with the Steve Meisner Band from 7-10 p.m. Find the full schedule at swisstown.com.