The Rain, Oktoberfest, and Other Things

Arbor Brewing's Matt and Rene Greff in their everyday attire.

Today kicks off the annual two-day Oktoberfest celebration in Downtown Ann Arbor, and in true Michigan fashion, the forecast calls for a cool and possibly rainy autumnesque day, so you'll want to dress accordingly. There is the traditional action of live oompah music, brats, and beers on Washington Street in front of the Arbor Brewing Brewpub, but across the way Grizzly Peak is celebrating not just Oktoberfest, but its 20th anniversary as well. Here are the details.

WHAT: Just in time for Oktoberfest, Washington Street between Ashley and Main streets will set the scene for Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.’s 20th anniversary bash. Revelers are welcome to join in and raise a stein to two decades of success as the highly regarded brewpub debuts a fresh and forward-focused look and menu. Check out live music and DJ Brian Alvarez keeping the beat during this two-day block party, as well as a photo booth and games like giant Jenga and Cornhole. Indulge at delicious outdoor food stations featuring German-inspired fare, Grizzly Peak beer, and a chance to sample brand new menu items, straight off of the grill.

EAT: The Grilling Station will feature slider-sized options of each of three new burgers: The Pork Belly Burger, complete with ale-braised pork belly, jalapeno goat cheese pesto and candied tomato jam; The 2 AM Burger, topped with cheese fondue sauce, fried pickles and crisp bacon; and the Teriyaki Burger, a sirloin burger with prosciutto, pepperjack cheese, pineapple salsa, and house-made Teriyaki sauce.

The Pasta and Sliders Station will feature a Truffled Mac n’ Cheese with three-cheese béchamel and breadcrumb crust as well as the Cuban-style Pulled Pork Sliders with pickled vegetable slaw, Swiss cheese, cilantro lime mustard aioli, and fresh cilantro.

The German Station will feature Pretzels and Bacon Beer Bratwurst topped with sauerkraut, in honor of Oktoberfest.

The Beer Station will quench any thirst with four Grizzly Peak beer options to choose from, including Grizzly Peak XX Pale Ale.

A commemorative beer stadium cup is complimentary with an initial beer purchase and is available for refill.

WHEN: 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Sept. 11, and resuming 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12

In related news, the already nationally recognized Jolly Pumpkin is also achieving international accolades, most recently taking home three gold medals from the Hong Kong International Beer Awards for Oro de Calabaza (Best Belgian-Style Ale), Bam Biere (Best Saison), and Calabaza Blanca (Best Wit). Read more about it on MLive.com.

So put on your lederhosen (and poncho?) and celebrate the awesomeness of Downtown Ann Arbor's beer scene tonight and tomorrow. Prost!