The American clusterf#*k has arrived, folks. And it's having anything but a sobering effect on all of us. No doubt the billion-dollar bailout breakdowns and Palin-induced panic attacks (say it with me Gov'na, noo-clee-errr) are driving you to the bottle, hard. But we have to some ways to ease the pa(l)in, if only for the night.

Our advice? Do what Hollywood does best - wander around in a deluded fantasy, living only for the here and now. Yup, it's time to throw on your dancing shoes, pop the bubbly and, gee gosh darnit, party like it's the 1999 (otherwise known as the Clinton Era.)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3: Brats and Brews on the East Side

Come on, don't say you haven't thought about fleeing the country on a daily basis. And Germany's about as close are you're gonna get this weekend.

Schnitzel strudel and Spatzel? Oooom Pa! Make a bee-line after work for the $20 Oktoberfest beer tasting at CT Lounge in Eagle Rock, channel your inner Paula Abdul (the American Idol years), and let the whacked out, reality-free celebratory weekend begin!

THE DETAILS: Octoberfest Tasting at CT Lounge
6:30-9PM
1956 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323.257.2245

Or, just hole up in Hollywood and be fabulous with dinner and a live DJ at One Sunset. Simple but effective.

THE DETAILS: One Sunset Fridays
9PM-2AM
8730 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.657.0111
www.theonerestaurants.com 
Bottle service reservations: Text Elle at 310.963.8348

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4: Desynthetize Downtown

Six whole blocks are dedicated to dancing at the Detour Fest. Twenty-five bands, loads of booze, and your 10,000 closest friends will be on-site for the 3rd annual music fiesta. It's such a happy place, you'll forget the horror of the VP debates and cheer to the next four years.

THE DETAILS: Detour Festival
October 4
Noon-Midnight
2nd and Main Street
Downtown Los Angeles

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5: Raise your Voice, and Your Glass, to the Future.

Decision '08 at Whiskey Blue: Get bombed on the Obama Pama? Or the 10 Cane McCain? (i.e. Pomegranate Liqueur or Puerto Rican Rum.)

Head to the W Hotel to discuss politics the American way - over hard alcohol and European elevator jazz. If you can't muster up the moxy to think about the real world on a Sunday afternoon, don' worry, these patriotic concoctions are on the menu through November 4th.

THE DETAILS: Whiskey Blue
The W Hotel
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.208.8765
www.whotels.com/losangeles

Yep, it's time to turn on, tune in, and drop out. You betcha!

Story by Jordan Whitley.