September 22-30

JK Rowling book launch
It’s the long-awaited release of the first adult novel from Harry Potter creator JK Rowling. It’s been kept firmly under wraps until now, so all we can tell you is that it’s called The Casual Vacancy and is the story a village’s hidden lives in the run up to the parish council election for a seat left vacant by a sudden death.
Thu, Sep 27. Check out our review next month.

Oktoberfest
Yes we know it’s not October yet but the original festival, for which this is named, starts in September too. Expect traditional German music from the Lasterbacher Musikanten Band, staff (and probably some guests) in lederhosen, a good selection of German beverages and a generally good time to be had by all at a buffet dinner on Thursday night priced BD21.5++ and Friday’s buffet lunch priced BD19.5++.
Sep 27/28, Gulf Hotel. (17 713 000)

Amwaj Triathlon
The fit, and the not quite so much, will be taking to the streets and waters of Amwaj today for a series of triathlon events raising cash for Bahrain’s Special Olympics squad. For the serious athletes there’s a sprint tri – 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run – and for the rest of us, including corporate relay teams, there’s Try a Tri – 150m swim, 10km bike and 3km run. If you fancy joining in, registration’s open at www.amwajtriathlon.com.
Fri, Sep 28, Amwaj Marina

Six Hours of Bahrain
The spirit of Le Mans comes to the island with drivers from all over the world competing for the first Endurance World Championship. The BIC is the only Middle Eastern track hosting the series and on-track entertainment will be provided by the teams and drivers from manufacturers such as Audi, Toyota, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Corvette, Porsche, Lotus, Nissan, Honda, Morgan and Oreca. It’s another first for the BIC and is shaping up to be a fab weekend for motorsports fans with lots of off-track entertainment and open paddock access all weekend. Tickets priced BD20 at www.bahraingp.com and at Batelco outlets in Seef Mall, Bahrain City Centre and Bahrain International Airport.
Sep 28/29, Bahrain International Circuit