This weekend, head to Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre for the most exciting Wiener Dog Races in North Carolina. There will also be stein-hoisting and nail-driving contests at the 5th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest.

The Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs, in partnership with the Town of Cary, host the annual fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the two-day festival will benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the two clubs’ ongoing charitable efforts.

“Our vision began in 2013, while watching Germany win the World Cup, as an opportunity to create an authentic German festival and, more importantly, to serve as a great way to support local and international charities,” said Craig Duerr, chair and official burgermeister for the event.

The two Rotary Clubs have collaborated to raise more than $150,000 to date in charitable contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of N.C., Alzheimer’s North Carolina, Western Wake Ministries, U.S. Veterans Corps, and many others. Last year’s event generated $70,000 for charity, and this year, organizers hope to reach $100,000.

“We started in a parking lot at MacGregor Village and, thanks to the hard work from so many volunteers and generous sponsorships, the event has grown into a vibrant festival atmosphere at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre,” said Duerr.

The event now attracts over 3,000 attendees from across North Carolina and Germany who come to enjoy local and Bavarian beers, traditional food, live music and fun activities.

In addition to the Wiener Dog Races and other competitions, entertainment will include The Polka Brothers, a four-man band of young polka lovers known for their extensive repertoire of classic polka favorites; a kid-friendly Kinder Platz with inflatables, face painting and games; and yodeling.

For complete information, go to triangleoktoberfest.org.