For the Germans, Oktoberfest ends in the first week of October, but in Baltimore the beer festivities are just kicking off with Baltimore Beer Week as the foundation of the celebration. Technically starting on October 11, Baltimore Beer Week kicks off with the Opening Tap Celebration at Rash Field, and the highly popular Das Best Oktoberfest at M&T Bank Stadium Parking Lots.

For those who want to get started a little early, plenty of bars are happy to accommodate with specials and events on October 10, while the founders of BBW are celebrating the event’s 6th anniversary with a kickoff luncheon from 12–2 at Horseshoe Casino on Friday, October 10.

With over 300 events, specials, speeches and classes around town there is more than enough to keep beer enthusiasts busy between October 10 and 19. Below, we have a roundup of some of the ongoing events and specials, and a few of the most unique or interesting attractions as well (beer can derby or big wheel races, anyone?).

To find more details on these events, or other information, check out www.baltimorebeerweek.com or follow @BaltBeerWeek on Twitter. And don’t forget to include us (@DrinkBmore) in your tweets throughout the week about your favorite events and where you are enjoying some of the finest craft brews in Charm City.

Cat’s Eye Pub
This go-to Fell’s Point joint for music and great beer is hosting events throughout the week featuring different breweries. Pop in for pint night’s dedicated to the likes of New Belgium, Evolution and Dogfish Head. (1730 Thames St.; 410-276-9866)

Venice
An under the radar basement bar in Highlandtown, this recently renovated 80 year old spot is serving up $3 seasonal local brews Monday through Thursday of Baltimore Beer Week. And since you know the old saying that you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning, they are happily opening at 8 AM each day. (339 S Conkling St.; 410-732-3045)

Mahaffey’s
Mahaffey’s, one of Canton’s best locations for craft beer, is hosting a variety of events throughout the week. Brewskis and Bingo is one of our top picks, but who can resist pumpkin carving with a some fall beers? (2706 Dillon St.; 410-276-9899)

Wharf Rat
All week, Wharf Rat’s signature beer tasting flight is on special, rather than just during happy hour. Go and try three half pints (your choice, but each one different) for $8, including cask conditioned ales. Pop in on Wednesday and get their regular special of half price pizza, too. (801 S Ann St.; 410-276-9034)

Max’s Taphouse
Max’s is exploding with Baltimore Beer Week excitement and is featuring daily events with eccentric beers and a boatload of different breweries. While the beer is the name of the game, of course, we’re also pretty intrigued by the Human Dart event on Wednesday and the MD Brewery Big Wheel Race on Thursday. (737 S Broadway; 410-675-6297)

Metropolitan
Metropolitan is featuring a variety of different breweries throughout the week including Oliver and Flying Dog, and is even highlighting some ciders to sip. On Wednesday, DuClaw and Terrapin go head to head for a food and beer pairing faceoff, but get ready for a real challenge at Sunday’s Beer Can Derby. (902 S Charles St.; 410-234-0235)

Birroteca
The four course Flying Dog/Evolution paired dinner for $45 on October 15 is a steal, and we personally can’t wait to see the pirate costumes at the Heavy Seas sponsored beer run on October 12. Check out the details for the 5k, Beer Mile and Pirate Fun Run around the Birroteca building here. (1520 Clipper Rd.; 443-708-1934)

Duda’s Tavern
This corner mainstay in Fell’s Point is teaming up with a few breweries for some impressive pairings with a beer and brat night, a crab cake night featuring brews from Evolution and a steak night with beer from Lancaster Brewing Co. (1600 Thames St.; 410-276-9719)

Photo via Baltimore Beer Week