Dust off those lederhosen and grab those steins — Oktoberfest is back at Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina for another year of beer, brats and yodeling! Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1-2. Entry and parking are free, as is the bike valet in front of Mountain Sports Center.

Still on the fence about whether or not you care to partake in the celebration? We’ve got five excellent reasons why you should join in on this slice of Bavarian fun in the Sierras!

There is a fun spectrum of seasonal craft brews offered at this year’s Oktoberfest celebration, featuring everything from Leingukegal’s Oktoberfest to Deschutes Fall IPA to Crispin Hard Cider. Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin, New Belgium Sunshine Wheat and St. Archer Pilsner are also available for connoisseurs who love dabbling in a variety of ales.

If a beer buffet isn’t enticing enough, you should know there is also a smorgasbord of German food and dessert. Think turkey legs and IPA beer-infused bratwurst. If you’re great at stuffing wieners in your mouth (or at least watching), there will be a sausage-eating showdown at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the main stage. We promise this is the only sausage fest you will ever have fun at.

Food and beer can be purchased with Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest tickets, available for sale behind the hotel.

We know you’ve been practicing your polka moves in front of the mirror. Now’s your chance to show off those skills! The Gruber Family Band headlines live music with plenty of space near the stage for dancing. If polka is not your forte, fear not — there will be a host of other contests throughout the weekend, including a stein-holding contest, a yodeling contest, and an owner and dog dress-up contest. Winners will receive gift certificates for food, lodging and activities at the resort, as well as their well-deserved 15 minutes of Oktoberfest fame. Those who choose not to participate are invited to cheer from the sidelines. Trust us, it’s just as much fun.

Did someone say bouncy house? Yes, there will be one there. Pumpkin carving? You better believe it. Craft booths, face painting, balloon art, a bungee platform — yes, yes, yes, yes! And there will even be activities for your kids! We joke.

Oktoberfest offers fun for the entire family with a wide range of activities for people of all ages. No need to stay home with the kids because you couldn’t find a sitter. Oktoberfest offers activities to not only keep them occupied, but also wear them out (because, let’s be honest, that’s the real goal here). Dogs are not only welcome, but encouraged to don their best Bavarian garb. You’ll get a kick out of seeing everything from Chihuahuas to German Shepherds strutting their stuff in lederhosen.

What’s a festival without a mini shopping center? Get an early start on Christmas shopping — swing by the assortment of vendor booths at this year’s Oktoberfest. Here you will find handcrafted goods and Tahoe-specific brands unique to the area. Need help with this year’s Christmas list? Let us help you. How about a lavender-scented brick from Tahoe Mountain Soap for grandma, a RISE design tee for your brother and a pendant from High Sierra Crystals for your favorite banker who always compliments your hair. These are just a few of the many amazing vendors that will be present at this weekends’ event. Shopping is always more fun after a few steins of Blue Moon, anyway.

Need we say more? Oktoberfest is one of the largest and most popular family-friendly festivals in South Lake Tahoe. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and enjoy Tahoe’s beautiful fall weather. You have nothing to lose and only laughter to gain. Whether you stop by for a few hours or stay all day, you’ll be sure to leave with fond memories of your time at Camp Richardson’s 22nd annual Oktoberfest.