5 Things to do this week

Oktoberfest in Leavenworth

The Leavenworth Oktoberfest will run Sept., 29-30, Oct., 6-7 and Oct., 13-14 in downtown Leavenworth.

"Oktoberfest returns to Leavenworth this fall with longstanding traditions of music, dancing, and the ceremonial tapping of the kegs," the event page states. "This year, like last year, we have exciting enhancements to Oktoberfest, bringing the event throughout downtown Leavenworth, with two fully programmed venues (beer gardens) located at the Leavenworth Festhalle and at Front Street Park. Sit under our clear-topped tent enjoying tasty local and German beers, lively music, and mountain views for days."

"For the kiddos, a 10,000 sq foot Kinderplatz has been added, free for kids 12 and under, with activities, games, a root beer garden, and a 62 ft Ferris Wheel," the event page states. "It's time to grab your best Trachten (traditional Bavarian garments) and make plans to celebrate Oktoberfest in America's unofficial Bavarian capital."

The Front Street Park Beer Garden (21+ Only) is open on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.

The Kinderplatz is open until 9 p.m.

The Festhalle Beer Garden is open Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday from noon to midnight.

 For more information and to purchase tickets, visit leavenworth.org/oktoberfest.

Autumn Amble

The Wenatchee River Institute will host an Autumn Amble on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Leavenworth Waterfront Park.

"Join the Wenatchee River Institute for a two-hour autumn amble with one of our knowledgeable naturalists," the event page states. "Walk with us through Waterfront Park as the air begins to cool and the leaves turn gold. You will learn about the natural and cultural history of Leavenworth with many scenic views along the way."

Registration is required, and the event is limited to 10 participants.

The trail difficulty is for beginners and is up to two miles round trip. The cost is $10 for ages 16 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 15, and ages five and under are free.

For more information visit wenatcheeriverinstitute.org.

A Night at the Museum

The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center will host A Night at the Museum on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"The Museum's signature fundraiser features talented chefs, tasty gourmet foods, award-winning wines, great beers, ciders, distilled spirits, and live music," the event page states.

"Funds from this event support the Museum's mission-serving programs, including featured exhibits, MakerSpace, robotics clubs, field trips, student scholarships, community cultural events, film and speaker series, and collection restorations," the event page states.

Tickets are $60 for members and $75 for non-members. For tickets and more information, visit wenatcheevalleymuseum.org.

Pawtober Fest

Dog Haus Brewery will host the second annual Pawtober Fest on Saturday Sept., 30 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"Pawtoberfest is an event to support the non-profit organization DogOnGood Dog & People Rescue," the event page states. "DogOnGood Dog & People Rescue supports training and education of humans and their beloved puppies. It provides training, especially for those humans who have found frustration with their soon-to-become best friends and just need some extra understanding or training in order to fully appreciate and understand how to handle their furry friends."

The event includes fun for dogs and people alike with a dog tricks contest, a pie eating contest (for the two-legged attendees), and more.

Admission is free, and donations are accepted.

For more information visit dogongood.org/pawtober-fest.

Local Author Book Reading

A Book For All Seasons will host a book reading by local author Pat West Turner at the Leavenworth Public Library on Thursday, Oct., 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.   

As the result of a near-fatal car accident Turner lost her leg her senior year in high school. But she never let that define her and learned to ski again, competing nationally and internationally.

Turner’s memoir Skiing Uphill: A Story of Strength and Perseverance shares the lessons she learned through adversity.

Turner has always focused on what she could do and hopes to share that inspiration with others through her book.

“From 6:30-7pm will be a meet & greet with the author, followed by a book presentation starting at 7pm with a Q&A to wrap up the event,” the event page states. “Join us at the Leavenworth Public Library.”

For more information visit abookforallseason.com.