drinkcraftbeer.com Arguably the most essential element for those celebrating Oktoberfest is beer, and this web site knows its brew. Brush up on last year's consumption all-stars with a connoisseur's rundown of both German and American brews, which invite copious inspiration for this year's indulgences. (Search "Oktoberfest 2008.")
globalgourmet.com A simple Oktoberfest search at Global Gourmet reveals a series of articles and recipes specifically selected for this celebration. Host your own event with countless brew-inspired cuisines at the hands of Lucy Saunders' Cooking with Beer, or enjoy fun, food-related guides such as "Where's My Wurst?"
vistawide.com Nearing its 200th birthday, Oktoberfest has a colorful history. Brush up on your knowledge with Vistawide's Cliff Notes version and impress fellow revelers by reflecting on the shift from horse racing to its current, more-boisterous main attraction. The language site also can help you with some basic phrases to help you get around.
oktoberfest.de The second-best thing to actually heading to Munich is a visit to this web site for the world's largest and oldest Oktoberfest. It provides an amusing glimpse into the festivities, including photo galleries and a dictionary of essential terms for the flummoxed English speaker, such as gschwoabats: "undefined alcoholic brew, causing headaches—to be avoided." You also can order official dirndl and lederhosen outfits and souvenir steins for a more authentic experience.
