While the official Munich Oktoberfest kicks off tomorrow and lasts through October 7th, you don’t have to hop on a plane to get your fix of German beer and celebration. There are more than enough festivals in Washington that will offer German beers, as well as some of our great local craft beers (something you WON’T find in Germany).

Here are just a few options:

Leavenworth Oktoberfest – Everyone’s favorite “Bavarian-themed” village celebrates Oktoberfest on the first three weekends in October. I’ve still never been, but I’m assuming you’ll want to book your accommodations ASAP. Also, don’t miss Icicle Brewing while in town.

Fremont Oktoberfest – Taking place this weekend, starting at 5pm tonight, in the heart of Fremont. This 16th annual festival will feature more than 80 beers from German breweries and local craft breweries. Check out my post from earlier this week for a few beer suggestions.

Spokane Oktoberfest – For those on the other side of the state, the Washington Beer Commission run Spokane Oktoberfest kicks off today and continues through tomorrow. This event will feature 50 different beers from 24 Washington breweries. While you won’t find any beers from German breweries, they’ll have plenty of Oktoberfest/Marzens from local breweries. I’d suggest starting with the one from Alpine Brewing in Oroville, WA.

Enumclaw Oktobeerfest – Taking place October 19 & 20, this event will feature over 32 seasonal beers from local craft breweries as well as German beers. They say, “Join us at the Enumclaw Expo Center for this German inspired beer festival that includes beer, brewing, brats and some Bavarian charm along with live music, lederhosen, dirndls and more!”

Oktoberfest at Safeco Field – For those of you who stopped paying attention, yes, the Mariners are indeed still playing baseball. Join the Mariners as they face the Angels on October 2 and celebrate Oktoberfest before the game in the “Pen”. There will be live music and performers/dancers before the first pitch, and special beers will be available at The Patio throughout the game. Get tickets ahead of time ($25 View Reserved, $40 Field Level) and get your seat, a beer voucher, and a special Mariners Oktoberfest stein.

‘Staches and Steins at Pyramid Alehouse – Join Pyramid from 7pm to 10pm on Friday, October 5 to celebrate their new seasonal release, Pyramid Oktoberfest.

Anacortes Oktoberfest – 30 Washington craft breweries will be pouring beer for the event on October 5 & 6. “The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce kicks off the third annual beer festival on Friday, October 5 from 5PM-9PM and runs until Saturday, October 6 from 12PM-6PM at the Port Warehouse in Anacortes. Anacortes Oktoberfest – “Bier on the Pier” – the event promises to be a highlight for beer lovers. The event will also feature live music and a variety of food vendors with festival style seating.”

Oktoberfest Northwest – Taking place October 5 – 7 at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center. The 8th Annual Oktoberfest Northwest will serve up beer, brats, & authentic entertainment.

The Munich-inspired Festhalle Biergarten will pour Warsteiner Dunkel, Warsteiner Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Paulaner Munich Lager, Paulaner Hefeweizen, Hacker Pshor Mai Bock and Snoqualmie Harvest Moon.  Many of these beers are favorites throughout all of Germany, and are official beers of the Munich Oktoberfest.  Wine is available as well- enjoy a glass of Silverlake chardonnay, riesling or cabernet.

Join the 2012 Festmaster on Friday, October 5, at 6:15pm as he taps the Oktoberfest Firkin to officially open Oktoberfest Northwest!

Oktoberfest in Bellingham – For those of you in Bellingham, join Boundary Bay for their annual celebration on October 4 or Chuckanut Brewery for their Oktoberfest Beer BQ tomorrow, September 22.

From Boundary Bay:

Join us in our epic annual Oktoberfest Harvest celebration in the Boundary Beer Garden! The Celebration will begin at 4pm with the commencement cracking of the Firkin Keg! Live Music by Pickled Herring Band. Of course delicious eats and plenty of ale too! Take a look at last year’s festival: 2011 OktoberfestTrust us, you won’t want to miss this outrageous Harvest Celebration!

Chuckanut’s Beer BQ will feature their Fest Bier:

Once a year we celebrate the fall with our Chuckanut Fest Bier. This lighter Marzen style Oktoberfest lager beer will be tapped in September to celebrate the fall. Modeled after the current type of Oktoberfest beer made in Germany,Chuckanut Fest is lighter in color than the old standard style amber marzen. Acomplicated combination of malts with a light dry finish our Fest Bier is created asa delicious drinking beer. Supplies of Fest Bier will be in limited quantities around Puget Sound and in the Kitchen until we run out sometime in October. You will also find it at Oktoberfest celebrations around Puget Sound. If you see it anywhere make sure to get a pint because you may not get another chance to try it again until 2013!