WHERE: The lederhosen capital of the Pacific Northwest: Leavenworth, Washington. WHY: For the 16th annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest (10/3–10/4, 10–11 and 17–18. $10–$20). WHAT: This gigantisch celebration of Bavarian beer features a bevy of both imported German beers (Hofbräu, Weihenstephan, Zwick’l) and locally crafted German-style brews (from Oroville’s Alpine Brewing and Leavenworth’s own Icicle Brewing). The fest kicks off at 1 p.m. each Saturday with the traditional tapping-of-the-keg ceremony, when the mayor hammers a spout into a wooden keg from Germany, much to the delight of the beer-thirsty crowd. Locally made sausages are also on the menu—with about 14,000 sold each Oktoberfest—including brats from popular Leavenworth deli Cured by Visconti. Take some time to digest the fest while listening to traditional oompah and polka music performed live by bands, including The Beer Barrels, Alpen Vagabunden and the Oregon Polka Beats, and watching Bavarian dance by groups such as Münchner Kindl and Enzian Schuhplattler. ON THE WAY: Time it right and pair your trip with a stop in Ellensburg for the 10th anniversary of the Ellensburg Film Festival (10/3–10/5), screening films both internationally and locally made. Prost!