New this year, Burien's free Octoberfest will include a beer and wine garden on the festival grounds along with an abundance of activities for young and old.

From Thursday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 26, festival offerings range from live rhythm and blues to Burien's only full carnival, a benefit walk to aid homeless women, and 40-plus booths of food, arts and crafts.

The adrenaline rush and fun of the Davis Shows carnival gets Octoberfest underway on Thursday, Sept. 23.

Only on Sept. 23, buy one armband good for unlimited rides all day and get a second armband free.

Armbands are just $23. The carnival's rides and games continue through Sept. 26 and close each day when attendance gets too thin.

By Saturday, Sept. 25, Octoberfest kicks into high gear with the addition of entertainment onstage, a beer and wine garden, and vendor booths.

An outdoor beer and wine garden on the festival's grounds will feature Octoberfest beers brewed by Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub to be savored while watching the entertainment onstage.

All proceeds from the beer and wine garden, operated by Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub and the Mark Restaurant & Bar, will go to the nonprofit Discover Burien Association.

Browse the festival's 40-plus booths for unique arts and crafts plus typical festival eatables such as roasted corn and hot dogs. Some vendors from the Burien Farmers Market will be on hand.

On Saturday morning take an easy 2-mile stroll to help Hospitality House's shelter for homeless women, located in Burien. Register for the ninth annual Walk for Women at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 for $25 at Southwest 152nd Street and Fifth Place Southwest at Burien Town Square.

The walk starts at 10 a.m. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Afterward there will be a prize drawing for walkers who raise the most money through sponsorships. For sponsorship forms, go online to www.hospitalityhousesouthking.org.

The carnival runs from 3 p.m. to close Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to close Sept. 25 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26. Hours for the main festival are Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Discover Burien Association, the event will center on Burien Town Square Park at Southwest 152nd Street and Fifth Place Southwest in downtown Burien. Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and marketing of the city.

For more information, call 206-941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.