An annual German tradition is coming to Rochester this weekend.

Rochester Mills Beer Co. is hosting its ninth annual Oktoberfest Friday -Saturday, Sept. 25-26.

“The original Oktoberfest has been going on in Munich since 1810,” Eric Briggeman, brewer at Rochester Mills, said. “It started as a celebration of a wedding and has transformed essentially into the world’s biggest beer party.”

During the Munich event, the city estimates about six million liters of beer are sold over the course of two weeks. 

Briggeman mentioned that many people are not aware that Oktoberfest is also a type of beer.

“The Oktoberfest beer has an auburn or orange hue and has six percent alcohol, making it slightly more alcoholic than other beers,” Briggeman said. “It has a really smooth taste.”

Other beer selections in the tent include the Water Street Wheat, a German-style beer, and the Harvest Lite, an American light brew. 

Although the brewery does serve plenty of beer at Oktoberfest, they said they also try to maintain a family-friendly environment.

“We offer children’s activities, including pony rides, moonwalks, face painting and more,” Briggeman said. “Our event is a fall celebration, not just a big beer party.”

In addition to the Oktoberfest beer and the brewery’s usual beer selection, they plan to serve a full menu and nonalcoholic drinks. 

Other activities include eating contests and live entertainment. 

“We’re going to have a couple of eating contests for sauerkraut and bratwurst,” Briggeman said. “The first six people who get to the stage can compete for free. We also have an apple-bobbing contest for kids, which should be pretty entertaining.”

Traditional German entertainment is scheduled. From 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Enzian, an “oompah” band, will perform. Another band performing German music, The Vagabonds, will play Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Dancers from the Carpathia Club, who perform traditional Bavarian Schuhplattler dancing, will take the stage during set breaks. 

Starting at 10 p.m., entertainment inside the bar is scheduled as well. 

Admission to Oktoberfest is $5. Rochester Mills is located at 400 Water Street. For information, call (248)-650-5080.