Five cool things to do this week (September 27 to October 3)

1. Raise a stein

1810 marked the first Oktoberfest in Germany and it has since crossed borders and oceans and become a widespread event in Canada and other parts of the world. Who doesn’t love a good Bavarian pour? With that, the time has come again to get out your lederhosen, dance the polka, and take in some traditional German cuisine. Prost!

September 27-28:

Toronto

Ottawa

Tatamagouche

Regina

Calgary

2. Go for culture

Ever wonder what goes on behind the curtain before a play? Or question who built that something you pass everyday, and why? This friday kicks off Culture Days, a national celebration of arts and culture, that provides access to thousands of free, interactive activities that invite you into the world of artists, creators, designers, historians, architects, and more creative minds. Go on, get inspired!

Culture Days, September 27-29

3. Turn a new leaf

The word "organic" can be a tricky one to decode these days when checking off your grocery list. Over the last few days and through this weekend, Canada is celebrating organic food, farming and products across the country; showcasing the alternative food system and options for clothing and personal care. If you've ever wanted to learn more about what an "organic" label is really saying, now is definitely the time to explore, and take part in an event or two. Farm tour and pickling workshop, anyone? Check the Organic Week interactive map for your local listings.

Organic Week, ends September 28

4. Enrol in wine 101

Reading an extensive wine list can feel a tad daunting. For instance, what makes one wine better than the next? Just the price point? There’s a fix for this: wine school. After even just a day at a wine class you may uncover that your favourite wine is not only affordable, you're able to describe exactly what it is you love about it in proper wine terms. To build your confidence when selecting your next wine and food pairing, why not enlist in wine 101 and sip the basics?

Willow Park Wine Basics 101, Calgary

iYellowWineClub, September 30, Ritz Carlton, Toronto

Ateliers & Saveurs, Montreal and Quebec

5. Get spooked

The spooky season is upon us and a number of haunted houses are opening their gates ready to petrify your pants off. Think you can handle what's lurking around the corner? Face your fears and get ready to run from the dead or take a ghost tour that highlights the most haunted spots in your city.

Bingemans, opens September 27, Waterloo

Fort Fright, opens September 26, Kingston

Ghost Walk, September 28, Victoria

Historical Haunted Tour, ongoing, Winnipeg