The quiet buzz of downtown Pullman was interrupted by the sound of wind and brass instruments tuning last Thursday. Auf Gehts ...

Cue the musicians of the Beethoven Concert Band, the venue's all-volunteer ensemble that meets for monthly performances of authentic German folk music, 1940s-era jazz and patriotic standards.

The Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor — German for men’s choir and women’s choir — aims to preserve German culture through the country’s historic folk music.

Oktoberfest celebrations with Oompah bands, beer, bratwurst, Wienerschnitzel and German “Gemutlichkeit” will be happening across San Diego County in Sept. and October.

But, the end of September and beginning of October is also a time for Oktoberfest — a German folk festival that celebrates Bavarian culture with food, beer and traditional activities.