party

Oktoberfest is a centuries-old celebration in Germany that lasts about two weeks near the end of September and into October. The celebration first began with serving several types of Oktoberfestbiers, or beers, back in 1818 and ended with a horse race.

Since then, countries and states across the globe have adapted their own version of the event, and Rehoboth is no different. This year, several area bars and restaurants will join the festivities, offering special German dishes and drink specials during the event.

This summer, the magic word for bars and clubs at the beach is "outdoors." From Rehoboth Beach to Ocean City, the night life is moving to poolside cabanas, outdoor tiki bars and waterfront cantinas.

Rehoboth Beach

Aqua Grill on Baltimore Avenue will be holding serious parties this summer. After an off-season makeover, the restaurant reopens this weekend as a warm-up for Memorial Day's blowout. Sponsored by PlanetOut, the three-day party features appearances by singer and performer Randy Thompson from Key West, Fla.

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach Club -- As he's done in previous years, veteran local disc jockey Dave Lemmon will spin oldies. Admission is free, but call for reservations; seatings are at 7 and 9 p.m., with "open" seating at 5 p.m.

Lighthouse Raw Bar -- New Year's Eve Bash (free admission)

Baycenter (at Ruddertowne) -- The umpteenth annual New Year's Eve performance by Love Seed Mama Jump (with guests Burnt Sienna and Kristen & the Noize) at Ruddertowne will go on as usual -- with a few slight changes. The Rusty Rudder has closed for the winter for the first time, but the show will go on next door at the Baycenter (and its downstairs sister business, Crabber's Cove). Tickets are $115; they started at $75 or so back in the summer months, but have gone up about $10 per month since then. As the Beachcomber went to press, Ruddertowne entertainment director Vikki Walls said 621 tickets have been sold. The entire left side of Dickinson Street bayside classified as Ruddertowne was recently purchased by new owners, but they're keeping the "no cover" tradition at the Lighthouse Raw Bar for those who would like a cheaper night out in Dewey.

59 Lake. DJ John Mixon, tonight. 59 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach. 226-5900

Adriatico. Cathy Gorman, tonight. Midway Shopping Center, Del. 1, Midway. 645-6160

Arena's Bar & Deli. Trisha Benton, Sat. Nazarites, Tue. 149 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. 227-1272

Aspirations. Steel Drums, tonight. Shawn Wilhite, Sat. 227 N. Rehoboth Blvd., Milford. 424-4228

Blue Moon Restaurant. Pamela Stanley, Sun.-Tue. Sherry Vine, Wed. Pamela Stanley, Wed.-Thu. 35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. 227-6515