Uptown Jackson celebrates Oktoberfest on Saturday

Ready to get out your lederhosen? Eat some pretzels and bratwurst?

Even if those aren’t on your to-do list, Uptown Jackson’s Oktoberfest should be. There’s plenty more to the event than just good and traditional German clothing.

It’s the fourth year for the event, which had 8,000 in attendance last year. Organizers expect an even larger crowd will be at this year’s event, which is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. There’s no admission charge.

There will be craft beer available and a wine garden, and several vendors cooking up German food.

There’s plenty of activities for the kids, as well. There will be sidewalk painting, a pet parade, and doughnut-eating contest, among other family-friendly activities.

The streets will be lined with craft vendors and music will be performed by Pat Schwent and her German Brass Band, duo Makenna and Brock and the band Outside the Lines.

Several uptown Jackson businesses also will be open and offering Oktoberfest-goers special deals.

“It’s a heck of an event,” said Janey Foust, co-owner of Cobblestone Corner in uptown Jackson and volunteer organizer for Oktoberfest.