There is no better way to celebrate the fall season than Oktoberfest! California is particularly ideal because of the high likelihood of sunny days. Nothing beats drinking beer in the lovely fall weather for an afternoon! You might even get in the mood to try dancing a polka or two. Here are the best Oktoberfest celebrations in California that you should be sure to make time for this year.
Don't Miss OKTOBERFEST In California!
1. Los Angeles Oktoberfest - Manhattan Beach
Enjoy the roaring fun at the Los Angeles Oktoberfest, with traditional food, beer, and sing-alongs. Get a 3 or 4 hour pass that includes a Glass Stein with unlimited refills. Have your lederhosen at the ready! The festival takes place October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 1pm to 5pm.
Address: 1600 Rosencrans Avenue Building, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
2. Alpine Village Oktoberfest - Torrance
Discover one of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebrations in Southern California. In Torrence, find a traditional bavarian festival with Oom Pah Pah bands, and German beers brewed by Warsteiner. Get a “Dine, Stein, No line!” package deal to skip the rowdy queues. This Oktoberfest event is open from Sept 9th to October 29th, and has Sunday family days.
Address: 833 W Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90502
3. San Francisco Oktoberfest - San Francisco
At Pier 48 on the San Francisco waterfront, enjoy tasty German treats and cold beer. See the 21 piece Chico Bavarian Band, dancers, and get ready for the festivities! Sunday is the best day for the whole family, and the whole event runs from September 23rd to 25th.
Address: Pier 48, San Francisco, CA 94158
4. Sacramento Oktoberkfest - Sacramento
Get down to the outdoor biergarten and live music at the Turn Verein Oktoberfest. This Sacramento event brings all kinds of visitors ready to dance, drink, and eat like a true German. Sacramento’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration is held on October 7th and 8th.
Address: Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
5. Old World Orange County Oktoberfest - Huntington Beach
Right by Huntington Beach, you can enjoy the Oktoberfest tradition that’s been hosted here since the 70’s. Old World Oktoberfest advertises “beers, brats, bands, and babes.” The party kicks off with a parade, and Daschund races start every Sunday at 3pm. Orange County’s Oktoberfest is held from September 11th to October 30th.
Address: Old World German Village, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
6. Anaheim Oktoberfest - Anaheim
The polkas and beer at the Phoenix Club will have you yelling “prost”! With live bands, contests, and even bounce houses, The Phoenix club serves up a wild Oktoberfest. Every weekend from September 18th to October 31st, come and join the party in Orange County.
Address: The Phoenix Club 1340 S. Sanderson Avenue Anaheim, California 92806
7. El Cajon Oktoberfest - El Cajon
See a truly authentic Oktoberfest, thrown by the German American Societies of San Diego. Feast on sauerkraut, pretzels, and german pastries, while the entertainment ranges from folk dancing to crafts and contests. Get into the German spirit for the first weekend (September 20th, October 1st and 2nd) and then the second celebration (October 7th, 8th and 9th).
Address: 1017 S. Mollison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
8. Fairplex Oktoberfest - Pomona
Come for the Bavarian music at Fairplex, but stay for the beer, beer, and more beer. This 21+ event is one of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in LA. Spice up your weekend German style, every Friday and Saturday in October from 6pm to midnight.
Address: Fairplex, 1101 W.McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
This article was written by Clara Hudson.