By: Andrew Silverstein

If you're in Baltimore and looking for a real, no-frills Oktoberfest celebration, you owe it to yourself to check out the Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 8 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

Hosted by the Maryland Brewer's Association, their 10th annual Oktoberfest is slated to be a huge, Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration right in the heart of Maryland.  Head to the fest and enjoy over 80 different beers from 15 local breweries, a ton of German-inspired food, live music, contests, and more.

Live music will include classic, oompah-style German music from Baltimore's Edelweiss Band as well as local acts like Junk Food and Versus the Earth.  Sip on your pint and watch as big guys compete in the Best Beer Belly Competition, or watch the eye candy in the Ms. Oktoberfest Competition.  Other contests include a wife-carrying competition and Maryland Homebrew competition.

Oktoberfest cuisine will include sausages, bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, pretzels and more.  Many of the 80 different beers will come from microbrews in or near Maryland like Flying Dog, Red Brick Station, Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, and a ton of others.

VIP tickets can be purchased for $35 in advance only.  VIP will get you into the fest an hour early, 6 more beer tickets than regular admission, a souvenir beer mug, and beer opener.

Regular tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (if available).  The Maryland Brewer's Oktoberfest kicks off at noon (11 for VIP) and lasts until 6 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.