In Munich, Germany, on Oct. 18, 1810, the first Oktoberfest was celebrated in commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Since 1950, the traditional festival opening has included a 12-gun salute and a midnight tapping of the first keg of beer. The mayor of Munich does the honors and then shouts, "O'zaptft is!" (It's tapped!).

Now a world-famous event, Oktoberfest has its pros and cons. There are still problems every year with over-consumption -- in Germany they carry especially intoxicated revelers to a medical tent when they pass out, and call them Bierleichen (beer corpses). And, celebrating any holiday with copious amounts of liquid can result in a marked lack of restroom access. In 2004, the lines for the bathrooms outdoors in Germany became so long that police had to regulate the entrances. The event now boasts approximately 1,800 restroom facilities.

In Anchorage there are a bevy of beer-oriented events to celebrate the event, honor German heritage and culture, or just join others in merry-making and wear a costume involving lederhosen. Just remember that, above all, Oktoberfest is a celebration and celebrating means being smart, safe an sure of who's driving you home at the end of the night.

Beer lovers can party in the Valley as well, with the Mighty Matanuska Brewfest, Oct. 16-17, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. The Odom Corporation sponsors the event and will pour more than 50 craft brews from vendors including Deschutes Brewery, Glacier Brewhouse and Silver Gulch.

For $30 each day, participants can sample 20 three-ounce glasses of the featured brews and enjoy food and music all night. Proceeds benefit the Creation Station, the educational exhibit featured each year at the Alaska State Fair. Visit alaskastatefair.org for more information and tickets.

Around Anchorage there are several other ways to celebrate Oktoberfest, autumn and all things hops.

Visit the Midnight Sun Brewing Co. at its new location (8111 Dimond Hook Drive) on Oct. 16 for the release of Autumnfest Lager, an Oktoberfest-style festive brew. Find out more at midnightsunbrewing.com.

And finally, find two chances to celebrate in German style with an Oktoberfest feast at Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse at 6 p.m. Sunday Oct. 4 and 11. Tickets run $65 per person and include a five-course German style meal with six different beer pairings. The Alaska Blaskapelles strut their musical stuff once again at both events. Call 276-BEER (2337) to make reservations in advance; tickets go quickly.

And finally, don't forget the 43rd annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Egan Center this weekend, sponsored by the German Club of Anchorage.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday and include live music and German food and drink for $15. Call 345-4662 for more information.

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate, do it in style and try not to look at the termination dust on the mountains. Have a wonderful October and Prost! (cheers!) with the best of them.

Last Call online

Play's Last Call columnist is online; check out her nightlife updates at play.adn.com/lushlife