Football excitment meets Ivar’s Sailgating, while concerts + Oktoberfest fêtes enliven the season.

Our fall calendar is already filling up with spirited sports outings and rocking shows soon to be taking over Seattle stages. Here are a couple ideas to brighten the season.

CRUISING INTO FOOTBALL

A favorite among locals, Ivar’s sailgating returns as a one-of-a-kind experience offered to Husky football fans. Arrive in style (and well-fed, too!) by sailgating to Husky Stadium during each home game. Before heading to the Argosy Charter, guests enjoy an Ivar’s brunch or dinner buffet, fully stocked with fresh seafood, a carving station, a selection of breakfast and lunch entrees, salads, a chocolate fountain, assorted sweets and more. The brunch and cruise cost $85 per person, and guests can make reservations by calling 206-632-0767.

The popular eatery also runs tempting specials throughout the Seahawks season. Every Blue Friday, they offer select items at Ivar’s (both fish bars and full-service locations) exclusively to guests who show Seahawks pride by donning blue or green. The specials include $12 bottles of wine at Acres of Clams, Salmon House or Mukilteo Landing, $12 for three chowder bowls at the fish bars and many other weekly specials that get you game-ready.

RELISHING CONCERT MANIA

It’s hard to know where to start with upcoming musical “musts,” but the California Honeydrops at The Crocodile on September 27 seem like a pretty good bet. The group celebrates its 10th year together with the release of a 7th studio album and first-ever double album, “Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2,” as they continue to tour worldwide.

Led by dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski, they draw on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul and Delta blues to New Orleans second-line. The Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows. Their shared vision and purpose? “To make the audience dance and sing.”

CHEERSING TO OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest at Queen Anne Beerhall happens during three festive weekends, starting September 28th. This year’s sponsor beer—Weihenstephaner Festbier—is a full rich-bodied, hoppy, seasonal lager, brewed specifically for the season. Just like years past, the Beerhall hosts nightly stein-holding contests; this year they also invite back all past winners on the last night of the festival for a final round (during which they compete for a pair of Seahawks tickets). Bavarian Beer Garden Band kicks off the festivities Friday night with live music, and food specials include Rabbit Stew, Venison Roulladen and Chicken Paprikash.

Looking for more Oktoberfest revelry between Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, October 7? For the fourth year, Rhein Haus welcomes back OktoberFEAST, along with its other popular seasonal events you won’t want to miss. Prost!