Oaktoberfest in the Dimond, Oakland

Oaktoberfest in the Dimond takes its cue from Germany's Oktoberfest while celebrating the Bay Area's history, people, and flavors. Though the one-day festival is still somewhat new, it actually continues a tradition dating back to the early 1900s, when beer gardens and German vacation resorts lined the boulevard. Today, thousands of people flock to Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard to take part in the annual event, where they spend the day enjoying activities that include:

• A traditional beer hall, or biergarten, with servers filling up steins of traditional German beers and regional favorites. More than 40 breweries and wineries are represented, including Oakland's own Linden Street Brewery and Oakland Brewing Company.

• Live music and entertainment, highlighted by classic sounds of Munich, such as sounds from an alphornist. Several stages host a wide range of performances and a main stage rocks with tunes from popular local acts.

• Lots of food. Vendors from around the Bay area dole out their goods, but attendees can also feast on German delicacies such as bratwurst and strudel.

• Kids activities ranging from a root biergarten to a family stage buzzing with children's entertainment.