NEWS FOR THE WEEKEND

Lederhosen, beer, bratwurst, bargains--but no Wursthaus--will greet the attendees at tomorrow's 18th annual Oktoberfest.

The day-long festival with food and entertainment begins at noon.

The event will offer "kiddie rides, plenty of food and drink, and arts and crafts throughout the Square," according to posters.

There are 43 Harvard Square and Cambridge businesses participating this year. Oktoberfest is also an open-air market at which Harvard Square merchants set up stands with their merchandise.

"A lot of the businesses use Oktoberfest to clear out seasonal and left-over merchandise," said Cindy Miller, associate director of the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA). "There are fabulous bargains for quality products."

For example, HMV Records will have six bands playing in front the store from noon until 6 p.m. The performers' products will be sold on the HMV stage.

Oktoberfest will also feature folk music sponsored by Club Passim outside the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, according to HSBA press releases.

A farmers' market will be held between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"Operation Identification," a program organized by the Cambridge Police Department, will allow parents to get ID cards for their children.

Later in the evening, the Brew Moon Restaurant and Micro-brewery will host a "Moon Over Harvard Square" party.

Oktoberfest is jointly sponsored by HSBA, the USTA Visa Card, The Boston Phoenix, Audi and 100.7 WZLX.

HSBA says they hope everyone will "come early and stay late to enjoy it all."