It's that time again!

It's time for Francophiles to get ready to celebrate like... well, like the new crop of Beaujolais Nouveau is about to arrive. All across town, festivities are being planned to coincide with its release on the third Thursday of the month (November 15).

And what better way to start the party off than with a free sample of the stuff? For that you can head to Sherry-Lehmann, where Beaujolais importer Franck Duboeuf, of Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, will be on hand to talk about the new vintage, which he says has "very floral, fruity aromas" (3:30–5 PM; 505 Park Avenue; 212-838-7500).

After you've had a taste, do like the French and celebrate the new harvest at the French Institute's annual Beaujolais Nouveau Fete. Held in the new Le Skyroom, it will feature wine tasting stations, assorted pâtés and breads and a raffle (6:30 PM; tickets are $40 for FIAF members, $55 for non-members; 22 E. 60th St.; purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com).

Downtown, NoLita's Le Jardin Bistro invites diners to drink as much Beaujolais Nouveau as they'd like for only $12 dollars (with a minimum purchase of an entree). Along with free-flowing wine, there will be a $45 three-course prix fixe menu that includes options like terrine of foie gras, duck breast with pink peppercorn sauce and tarte tatin (212-343-9599).

Meanwhile, special three-course prix fixe menus meant to be paired with the new release will be available at Brasserie (5:30–10 PM; $42 per person; 212-751-4840), Brasserie 8½ (5:30–10 PM; $42 per person; 212-829-0812) and Cafe Centro (5:30–10 PM; $38 per person; 212-818-1222). And French strongholds like TriBeCa's Capsouto Frères will be pouring the new bottles all night long.