We’re well into September and that means, confusingly enough, that it’s Oktoberfest time. Why is that? I’m told by a reliable, anonymous source that begins with “W” and ends in “ikipedia” that Bavaria, where the original Oktoberfest is held, has better weather in September than in October (sound familiar?), so years ago festival organizers moved the date back.

Official Oktoberfest this year begins Sept. 19, but here in Ann Arbor you can get started a little early with this week’s groovy beer events, detailed after the jump.

Tonight, Sept. 8, at Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington, from 6-8pm is the release party for ABC’s Oktoberfest beer. An appetizer buffet, growler discounts, and the usual suspects add to the festivities. Free for Mug Club members; $15 for the uncool kids. Tickets can be purchased at the bar or by phone at 734-213-1393.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 7-9pm, also at Arbor, is this month’s beer tasting: Oktoberfests and other fall favorites. Those favorites will include Märzen and Vienna style beers and, I’m willing to bet, various varieties of specialty ales (pumpkin, anyone?). The usual drill: Appetizer buffet, tasting notes, door prize drawings, and lots of great beer and beer drinkers. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 day of. Pick up your tix at the bar or call 734-213-1393 to order by phone.

Friday, Sept. 11, from 5-9pm, is a sneak peek at the new Jolly Pumpkin Café, 311 S. Main, with a benefit for the Peace Neighborhood Center, a local charity that helps the disadvantaged overcome obstacles and lead better lives. The sign is up, but the café doesn’t “officially” open until Sept. 15. $20 suggested donation. For more information on Jolly Pumpkin, see here. For more on the Peace Neighborhood Center, see here.

Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5-10pm at the Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., is the 2009 HomeGrown Festival, a celebration of local food, music, and community. What does that have to do with beer? Plenty, because this year the festival organizers have added a beer and wine tent, featuring brews from Arbor Brewing, Original Gravity, Arcadia, Atwater Block, and Jolly Pumpkin. On the wine side, I hear there’s the red kind and the white kind (hey, read the wine bloggers for that stuff). Admission is free, but someone’ll expect you to pay for the beer and food. More information is at homegrownfestival.org.

Hope to see you at one of these fine events. Watch for Blogtoberfest!, Part 2 next week as Ann Arbor beer drinkers get serious. Until then, cheers!

David Bardallis is a freelance writer and editor, blogger, bon vivant, and man about town. Visit his Web site, DavidBardallis.com, to engage his services or read his latest ramblings insights. Email your beer-related thoughts to annarborbeer@gmail.com.