Oktoberfest kicked off last weekend on Larimer Street, and today another version of the annual festivity will debut at the Lowry Beer Garden, 7577 East Academy Boulevard. The space's inaugural, three-day celebration naturally includes beer, brats and other German delicacies.

There will also be live oompah music, authentic glass steins and chicken dancing. Festivities run today from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is a suggested $2 donation for admission and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Denver Children's Home.

Also on tap today: an "Old World Meets New World" beer dinner at the Briarwood Inn, 1630 8th Street in Golden, featuring beers from eighteen-year-old Great Divide Brewery and England's Samuel Smith Brewery (one of the oldest in existence). Dinner is served at 7 p.m.; call 303-279-3121 for more details.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to cafe@westword.com.

• Booze
• Things to Do