Joe Sixpack: Get ready for Oktoberfest in September

AFTER A WEEK plagued by an earthquake, hurricane and the loss of Joey Vento, who took the cheesesteak recipe to his grave, Philly hardly needs an excuse to drink. So let's just say that, looking at the beerscape ahead, we're in for a unique array of foam-filled diversions.

Mark your calendars: There's a month of blues, barbecue, Bavarians and a battleship ahead. Enjoy a cold one while you . . .

* Wear your lederhosen. One of the area's most authentic Oktoberfests is this weekend at Northeast Philly's Cannstatter (9130 Academy Road). It's three days of German food, beer, music, beer and more. Saturday through Monday, noon each day. Tix are $6 at the gate; children under 12 get in for free.

* Chow down on ballpark grub. The Phillies are away during the Beer Fest at the Ball Park, but you can still enjoy popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack while sampling 50 beers from more than 25 craft breweries at Citizens Bank Park. 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets are $35 at www.beerheads.com.

* Pop a pils. Pilsner, that is, one of the region's classic styles. The golden lagers will be pouring at the 3rd annual Pils Picnic at Johnny Brenda's (Frankford and Girard, Fishtown). "Noon to night," Sept. 10. Pay as you go. www.johnnybrendas.com.

* Rub elbows with Joe Sixpack. I'm finally going to one of the area's oldest beer events, the 17th annual Warminster Micro Blues Fest. Expect lots of excellent craft beer and live music at the Verienigung Erzgebirge club in Warminster. 1-5 p.m. Sept. 17. Tix $40 at Hatboro Beverage (201 Jacksonville Road, Hatboro). Info: 215-675-1078, www.secretbeerevent.com.

* Get blasted. The WMGK Brew Blast aboard the Battleship New Jersey in Camden brings beer to one of the region's iconic sites. The hulking ship docked on the Delaware is a fine festival venue with a fresh, one-of-a-kind view of the Philly skyline. Lots of local brews and imports will be pouring, and guests can take a free tour of the ship. 1-5 p.m. Sept. 17. Tix $45 at www.wmgk.com.

* Monkey around. The Elwood Park Zoo in Norristown hosts an Oktoberfest on its grounds, 5:30-9 p.m. Sept. 17. Tix $45 at www.epzevents.com.

* Bounce in a school bus. That would be aboard the Pennsylvania Craft Beer Bus, a new suburban beer travel business. Next trip: A tour of Lehigh Valley (Weyerbacher, Fegley's Brew Works) and New Hope (Triumph). The ride includes ample samples, snacks and games. 11 a.m. Sept. 17. Tix $65 at www.craftbeerbus.com.