Thanks to that stud +Russ for his always awesome photos.

This weekend’s 15th Annual Fremont Oktoberfest is set to kick off later today when the gates open at 5pm. In addition to traditional German beers, the tasting garden will feature over 80 beers from local and national breweries. There will be a little bit of everything for everyone, even the beer geeks in the audience. If you’re headed to the fest, here are some beers I’d suggest checking out:

Alaskan Perseverance Ale – The new 9% ABV Imperial Russian Stout from Alaskan isn’t your typical Oktoberfest beer. Brewed with some of the smoked malt they use for their famous porter, I’d be very interested to try this one (I still haven’t). If you like what you taste, then you can head to a local retailer and pick some up for the cellar. As one of the stronger beers to be served at the festival, you’ll likely have to wait in line with those crazy kids looking for the biggest bang for their buck.

Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA – You’ve surely tried a black IPA, now get your hands on a white IPA. It’s essentially an IPA brewed with wheat, pilsner malt, and Belgian yeast. It’s making its draft debut (at least outside their taprooms) at Fremont Oktoberfest.

Kona Pipeline Porter – This has become one of the six-pack seasonals that I look forward to every year. It’s a light 5.2% ABV porter brewed with Kona coffee, and it’s a delight. I’m not sure I’ve seen it in stores yet this year, so enjoy some on draft till it hits the shelves.

Big Al Fresh Hopped Harvest Ale – Mmmm….fresh hops. This amber ale is brewed with 180 pounds of fresh wet hops direct from Yakima valley. If you still haven’t had the pleasure of trying a fresh hop beer, here you go.

Widmer Falconer’s IPA – Made with the Falconer’s Flight blend of hops, this new rotator series brew is a nice one. If you are drawn to try new IPAs like I am, this is worth a taste.