I sampled 6 Octoberfest beers last night and New Belgium's was incredibly flavorful and good. Great Lakes Brewery out of Ohio makes a wonderful Octoberfest as well.  Spaten for traditional and check out the fruits of Fitger's Brewhouse's Dave Hoops many brewing trips to Germany this fall.

One of my favorites is Octoberfest from Sam Adams.

Oktoberfest usually signals the change from IPA's and the like to stouts and imperials for me.

In fact, I'm staring down the barrel of a Bell's Expedition right now.

I tried some Hoptober on tap recently while visting Fort Collins, CO (so I guess it was pretty fresh!). I liked it pretty well. I'm not a fan of massive hops, and this one is hoppy but not over-hopped.

The Brewhouse sounds like a good plan! Anyone know what the plans will be in Superior or Ashland?  Also, are they any particularly good brew pubs in the Twin Cities?

Try out Town Hall Brewery in Minneapolis. Its Washington Ave. near the dome and the edge of the U-MN campus.  I heard it was owned by the brother of the Fitgers Brew Master.  They have some outstanding microbrews.  The Oatmeal Stout is fantastic. 

http://www.townhallbrewery.com/

Digit3.  Thanks for the info about Mike being the brewer and not the owner.