Oktoberfest

Arts crafts, games plenty of food and, of course, wiener dog races - that's the line-up for Savannah's annual Oktoberfest!

Presented by the Savannah Waterfront Association, Oct. 1-3, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Call (912) 234-0295 or visit savwaterfront.com for full details and event schedules.


Another Oktoberfest

The Old Village Association of Port Royal will host its second annual Oktoberfest Festival from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 23 on Paris Avenue in the Old Village of Port Royal.

The festival includes live entertainment by the Rhinelanders with traditional Oktoberfest music at the Old Village Association's Beer Garden from 1-4 p.m. The YMCA of Port Royal is sponsoring and hosting activities and games for children of all ages. Other activities include a classic car and truck show and a dog walk sponsored by the Humane Society. A special book signing will be at A Lil Peace of Heaven teahouse and local artists will exhibit at the Union Church on 11th Street. Traditional Oktoberfest foods and drinks, beer and bratwurst, hot dogs and other food specialties will be prepared by local restaurants and the Old Village Association.

Art and craft exhibitors are welcome. The festival is free and the public is invited. Tickets may be purchased for food and beverage items.

For more information about restaurant participation, artist, vendor and sponsorship opportunities, call Joe Lee at (843) 522-9867 or Kit and Lewis Bruce at (843) 470-0699.


Learn about the SKIDAWAY ISLAND MARINE SCIENCE CAMPUS

You may know it's there, but do you know everything that's involved about this Savannah science complex?

You can learn more at an open house, Oct. 16, noon-5 p.m., sponsored by the University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium (UGA MECA), Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SKIO), Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) and FM 91, Georgia Public Radio.

At UGA MECA, visitors will get a behind the scenes aquarium tour, lab tours, view video programs, take in the annual photography exhibit, walk a guided nature trail tour, tour the research vessel "Sea Dawg," and, just for the kids, participate in cool art activities.

At SKIO, there will be lectures, lab tours, a tour of research vessel "Savannah," and more activities for kids.

The staff of GRNMS will demonstrate a remote operating vehicle and present exhibits about the environment of Gray's Reef.

The staff of FM91, the Savannah-based affiliate of Georgia Public Radio, will provide a behind the scenes look at radio broadcasting.

The Savannah Arts Academy Skyline Jazz Band will present a free concert on the SKIO campus.

All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call (912) 598-2447