It’s September but for some reason the world celebrates the beer and pretzels of Oktoberfest this month. And yes, we do we love to say prost so check out all the celebrations across the bay. Cheese lovers – this one’s for you, the annual Cheese Fest is this weekend – full of delish food and drink. Demi needs no last name, we know her, we love her and this tomato comes to City Arts and Lectures later this month. Water lanterns are a glowing in the East Bay and Peninsula – join the beauty and immerse yourself in the lights! And listen in to my Happy Hour Podcast interview with the founder of Encore Creativity, singing groups for people over 55.

Oktoberfest Fun All Around the Bay

Break out the dirndls tomatoes and have Mr. Tomato hike up his lederhosen, Oktoberfest has arrived. Even if you are not a fan of beer and pretzels, the festive celebrations around the bay are always filled with good cheer and happy peeps. Read on for a few locations to raise a glass and say “prost”!

Botanicals and Brews at the Conservatory of Flowers

This an ongoing seasonal event. Celebrating Oktoberfest on September 20^th, you have the opportunity to discover the unique tropical collection of the conservatory through the lens of craft brews. Live music includes a polka band in costume and delicious food offerings from some of our fav food trucks. Claim a picnic table early and soak up the views, then sip and wander the galleries, exploring the lush plants. http://www.Conservatoryofflowers.org

Oktoberfest by the Bay

One of the biggest celebrations in the bay takes place September 20 – 22 at Pier 35. You know how the sun shines this month, and smiles abound? Attend this event and you will be singing and stomping with glee. A 21-piece Bavarian Band leads the revelers with nonstop music. Authentic Bavarian dancers will entertain you and perhaps lead you around the dance floor. http://www.Oktoberfestbythebay.com

Redwood City

Most local cities around the Bay hold some version of the festival, and my own community, Redwood City, is my favorite. A tent surrounds Courthouse Square from the 25^th – 29^th, adorned with the requisite blue and white flags and tablecloths. You can go for happy hour and enjo live music while sipping steins of your favorite brews. Pretzels the size of your head are warm and salty and other tasty German delights are served. See you there!

This week’s episode of The Three Tomatoes Happy Hour features Jeanne Kelly, an amazing Tomato who is changing lives through singing. A former opera singer, teacher, conductor and music administrator, she created a program called Encore Creativity for Older Adults, where men and women over 55 have the opportunity to let their voices go as they sing and perform. Community is built through music, improving cognitive function and so much more. Listen in here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sept. 14-15. Cheese Fest

Cheese – yes please! Saturday and Sunday you can immerse yourself in all things cheese. The SF Cheese fest is the premier urban cheese festival in our state and cheese lovers come from all over to sample and taste cheese in our food-obsessed city. The fest features samples of amazing craft cheeses from more than two dozen California cheese makes. If you love food, you’ll want to attend this event celebrating local food pioneers in the art of preservation, which also includes cured meat, jams, pickles, and more.

Enjoy your delicious bites with your favorite beverages from local brewers and winemakers, and dance along to the live 1930s jazz band. For all you tomato chefs, there are educational seminars on Sunday the 15^th in collaboration with The Cheese School of California (who knew?). Learn how to make cheese using some of the actual ingredients from the school’s professional cheese makers. Or take a class celebrating two of life’s greatest pleasures, cheese and SF Chocolate. Can you say decadent?

Sept. 27. Demi Moore in Conversation

One of the most iconic Tomatoes is coming to SF. Demi Moore, actress, producer, director and activist and now author, will be featured in conversation at the Sydney Goldstein Theatre as part of the City Arts & Lecture series. This Tomato remembers her from her early days on soap operas, but her film and television career runs the gamut from St. Elmo’s Fire to Ghost – (cue tears), A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal and G.I. Jane among others.

For decades, Moore has been synonymous with celebrity. From those well-known film roles to high-profile relationships, she has never been far from the spotlight – or the headlines.  In her memoir Inside Out, Moore opens up about her career and personal life – her tumultuous relationship with her mother, her marriages, addiction, her struggles with balancing stardom with raising a family, a skyrocketing career and at times negative public perception and her journey toward open heartedness. What a night out! www.cityarts.net

Sept. 14 & Oct. 6. Water Lantern Festivals

Imagine the glow of thousands of lanterns lighting the water at dusk. You can participate tomorrow in San Leandro or on October 6^th in Foster city. Gather your people and launch your lanterns to create community. Each lantern carries handwritten messages of hope, love, happiness, healing, peace and connection. You write your hopes and dreams or a letter to a loved one and send it out onto the water.

All lanterns are made from rice paper and wood, and a team of volunteers collects all lanterns to ensure and encourage sustainability. Food Trucks will be on hand (aren’t they always?) to feed your body after you have fed your soul! Goose bumps guaranteed. http://www.waterlanternfestival.com