Break out the lederhosen, or dirndl. It's Oktoberfest. What started as a town (Munich) celebrating a prince's wedding in 1810 has turned into an annual international beer party. Oktoberfest, which curiously begins officially on the third weekend in September, is in full oom-pah at the Waldhorn Restaurant (12101 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, 704-540-7047). They are celebrating their 13th Oktoberfest on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the restaurant and until midnight in the 500-seat beer garden tent, which has live music and a dance floor. Admission to the tent is $3, but is complimentary for those who dine in the restaurant first.

The beer tent menu includes Gulaschsuppe (goulash); Brat or Bauernbratwurst with sauerkraut; Holzfäller Geschnetzeltes (pork with bacon) with spätzle and red cabbage; Schweinshaxe (pork shank) with sauerkraut and spätzle; Rindsrouladen (beef roulade) with red cabbage and spätzle; and some non-German entrées like roasted turkey drumstick and cheese ravioli. Of course, there will be pretzels, German potato salad, and the Waldhorn's splendid apple strudel. A full menu is offered in the main dining room.

Beers on the roster include Spaten Oktoberfest Beer (Märzen), Spaten Lager, and Franziskaner Hefeweizen (wheat) in pitchers, steins, and liters. In addition to beer, Jäger and other schnapps are on the list. Two thousand people are expected daily, many in lederhosen. Reservations can be made for parties of six or more for the restaurant, but the tent is on a first-come basis.

Looking for a food you can't find? Or do you know of other food items unique to the Q.C.? Whether it's regional foods or international, talk to me: tricia.childress@creativeloafing.com or 704-522-8334, extension 136.