City: Downtown Portland, ME

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (207) 771-7571

Description: Somehow Maine’s version of Oktoberfest got bumped into November (which actually makes sense because the second-to-last month of the year, a dark time when the days are short, is now known as “Drink Maine Beer Month” Down East). The Oktoberfest is now called the Maine Brewers’ Festival, a jolly and sudsy gathering of the many brewers that have put the state on the microbrew map since 1993. Anyone who enjoys a pint—or six—wouldn’t want to miss it. For the price of entry, attendees are given 12 tickets, each worth a single four-ounce tasting. They also get a souvenir tasting glass to tote around to the more than 20 booths. Of course, you’re welcome to buy more. The festivities typically get under way at 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon and last until after midnight. Besides the beer, there are booths by local restaurants and blues bands to take you into the evening. Don’t even think about showing up if you’re under 21, because the brewers enlist members of the Portland Rugby Club to do their bouncing. Portland has lots of taxis if you need a post-party lift.