Saturday marks the start of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, running through Oct. 5, and multiple Sarasota area events will celebrate the annual festival with beer, brats and more — including multiple inaugural festivities.

We start with a handful of Oktoberfest events taking place this weekend in Sarasota, followed by local German restaurants Edelweiss in Bradenton and Sandra's in Punta Gorda kicking off their weeks-long celebrations Sept. 26. (Two German restaurants in Sarasota, Siegfried's downtown at 1869 Fruitville Road and Heidi's Schnitzel Kitchen in Gulf Gate at 6521 Superior Ave., did not have specific Oktoberfest events scheduled as of press time, but are also well worth visiting this time of the year — or any time.)

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