Butler County is home to a number of different ethnic backgrounds, many of which are celebrated at different points in the year.

As October rushes in, those with German ancestry come into focus as a slew of Oktoberfests are planned.

This weekend, you have your pick of the litter on which “fest” you attend and how you acknowledge German culture. Personally, I’m going to break out my lederhosen and say “guten Tag” more often (just kidding … I’m Irish).

In all seriousness, falling leaves are only going to add to the cozy-clad feelings our many Oktoberfests will inspire this weekend. Who cares if the Oktoberfest celebrations across the pond are traditionally held in September? You will feel like you’re on a European vacation at any one of ours. We’ve got the tasty food, the polka beat and the skills to brew up a good time for all ages.

So wherever you find yourself this weekend, know there is an Oktoberfest nearby and that being German is not a requirement for admission. If those festivals don’t tickle your fancy, there is plenty more to do in and around Butler. See below.

Laugh your socks off at Hobnob Theatre’s First Fridays Improv, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in the studio, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets cost $5 and allow you to watch or play along. For more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.

Enjoy a family-friendly, spooky time at Freeport’s Halloween Carnival, which runs 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 107 2nd St. This event is free admission and gives you access to rides, games, food, and more. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Shop, eat and enjoy the Summit Presbyterian Church Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 181 Caldwell Drive in Jefferson Township. Guests will find household goods, antiques, clothing, holiday decor, delicious doughnuts, hot dogs, sloppy joes and baked goods. All proceeds go to the Summit Church Roof Fund.

Support a good cause when you hitch a ride over to Cruisin’ @ Hope, a car cruise hosted by Hope Lutheran Church, 8070 Rowan Road in Cranberry Township. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Saturday with proceeds benefiting the Helping Hands fund. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Mars Applefest is the perfect way to usher in the cozy fall feels! Shop local vendors, eat delicious food (apple-flavored and otherwise) and participate in activities for all. The fun is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the borough. Visit marsapplefest.com for more information.

The whole family is welcome at Butler Township’s second Octoberfest event Saturday in Preston Park 415 S. Eberhart Road. There will be food, drink, children’s activities and music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the event Facebook page to learn more.

Portersville Steam Show’s Fall Fling runs from Saturday to Sunday at 1516 Perry Highway, and is chock-full of equipment demonstrations, food and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit portersvillesteamshow.com/event/fall-fling.

Slippery Rock’s Oktoberfest takes over the borough’s Main Street from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Eat and drink local fare and hear local musicians, too. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

Concordia Lutheran Ministries is hosting an Oktoberfest (with polka music!) from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Concordia at Cabot campus, 112 Marwood Road in Jefferson Township. Taste the best of German food, decorate pumpkins and even watch fireworks. For more information, visit concordialm.org.

Journey to the past when you experience “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” a show featuring the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and Hobnob Theatre Co. performers. True immigrant stories will be set to beautiful music, with the curtain rising at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Butler Intermediate High School’s auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township. Tickets range from $12 to $36 and can be purchased by visiting butlersymphony.org.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.