Cleveland Oktoberfest, Middleburg Heights

For four days in Cleveland, the Cuyhahoga County Fairgrounds turn into a raucous celebration of lederhosen, sausages, and as the Germans call it, bier. The Cleveland Oktoberfest—much like its German predecessor—starts with the annual tapping of the keg, where crowds gather to watch the ceremonial first beer flow. After that, they raise their glasses and head to any number of German-themed activities, including wiener dog races and the Masskrugstemmen strong man competition. Of course, festival-goers will want to keep their mugs full with the fair's official German brews: Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. Beyond the traditional activities, the festival also welcomes a host of modern-day tribute bands, who play everything from Springsteen to Journey.