Ellington

Jacktoberfest brings beer, bratwurst and bands to the Jackson area.

"It was almost a dare between a group of friends that served on the arts and music board years ago that we need an Oktoberfest in Jackson," says Stephen Barnette, who co-founded the first festival in 2006. "It was really about doing a free street music festival in the tradition of Oktoberfest and (putting) a Jackson take on it."

Bryan and Annie Keller, PJ Lee and the Raise Your Pint crew are the other founders. Jacktoberfest showcases an array of Oktoberfest-inspired events like the craft-beer competition, live music and plenty of food—beer culture and good food in downtown Jackson," Barnett says. The craft-beer competition is one of the highlights of the event. It gives local breweries a chance for local brewers to compete for the title of 2013's best craft beer. Check jacktoberfest.com for a detailed tap lineup the week of the festival.

This year's festival includes music from Superband Wasteband, the Dime Bros, and T-Bird and the Breaks. PJ Lee of Hal & Mal's and Ryan Bell of Sophia's Restaurant created a pop-up eatery.

"The creators of the event wanted to add (another) element and kick up the food a bit. We thought, 'Why not do a pop-up restaurant serving German-type street food?'" Lee says. The authentic German food will have a southern twist.

The craft-beer garden will give people a chance from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to sample and vote on their favorite brew to win the Jacktoberfest 2013 People's Choice Beer Award. The event is both family- and pet-friendly, and admission is free. The craft-beer garden is $15, however. The event starts at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 on N. Congress Street between E. Amite and E. Capitol streets in downtown Jackson, and runs to 11 p.m., so plan on a whole day of eats and drinks.

For more information, visit jacktoberfest.com.