Oktoberfest in California

 

If you're looking for a festive way to celebrate fall, Oktoberfest is the perfect event for you.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from if you're in California, with two of the most popular being the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest and the Phoenix Club in Anaheim.

 

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is located in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. This event has been a tradition for over 40 years and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It takes place every weekend from mid-September to early November, so there are plenty of opportunities to attend.

One of the highlights of the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is the beer. The festival offers a wide selection of German beers, including traditional favorites like Hofbräu and Warsteiner. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available for those who prefer not to drink.

In addition to the beer, the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is known for its authentic German food. There are plenty of options available, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. There are also a variety of desserts available, such as strudel and apple cake.

Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration would be complete without music and entertainment. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest features traditional German music and dancing, as well as plenty of other activities like contests and games.

Overall, the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is a great way to experience the fall season in Southern California. With its beautiful mountain setting, delicious food and drinks, and fun entertainment, it's easy to see why this event has been a tradition for over four decades. More Info Here

 

 

Phoenix Club in Anaheim

The Phoenix Club in Anaheim is one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in California. This event has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for over 50 years. With its authentic German food, music, and plenty of beer, it's easy to see why the Phoenix Club has become a go-to spot for Oktoberfest enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the Phoenix Club Oktoberfest is the beer selection. The festival offers a wide variety of German beers, including favorites like Paulaner and Spaten. For individuals who would rather not consume alcohol, there are also several non-alcoholic choices accessible.

The Phoenix Club Oktoberfest is renowned for its genuine German cuisine in addition to its beer. Favorites like schnitzel, bratwurst, and potato salad are on the menu. Dessert options abound as well, including apple strudel and black forest cake.

When it comes to entertainment, the Phoenix Club Oktoberfest does not disappoint. There is traditional German music and dancing, as well as a variety of other activities like contests and games. There are also carnival rides and other attractions for kids, making this event fun for the whole family. More Info Here

 

Los Angeles Oktoberfest - Manhattan Beach

Held at the beautiful Manhattan Beach Pier, the Los Angeles Oktoberfest is a two-day event that features plenty of beer, food, and music. The festival usually takes place in October and offers guests a chance to experience authentic German culture.

The Los Angeles Oktoberfest has something for everyone. With over 30 craft breweries in attendance, you'll have the chance to sample some of the best beers California has to offer. Additionally, there will be plenty of food vendors offering traditional German fare like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.

Aside from beer and food, the festival also features live music and entertainment. You can expect to see traditional German folk dancers and even a yodeling contest.

 

San Francisco Oktoberfest

The San Francisco Oktoberfest is another popular event that takes place in the Bay Area. The festival is held at Pier 48 and offers guests a chance to experience the best of German culture.

The San Francisco Oktoberfest features plenty of beer, food, and music. With over 15 breweries in attendance, you'll have the chance to sample some of the best beers California has to offer. In addition to beer, there will be plenty of food vendors offering traditional German dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and potato pancakes.

The festival also features live music and entertainment, with performances by traditional German bands and dancers. If you're feeling competitive, you can even participate in the stein-holding contest. More Info Here

 

 

Sacramento Oktoberfest

Sacramento Oktoberfest is held annually in the capital of California. The event is a two-day celebration that takes place in late September or early October. Sacramento Oktoberfest is held at the Sacramento Turn Verein, a German cultural center in the heart of the city.

The event features live music, dancing, and a wide variety of German beers. You can also enjoy a delicious selection of German food, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels. The event is family-friendly and offers a children's play area with activities and games.

In addition to the traditional German entertainment and cuisine, Sacramento Oktoberfest also hosts a variety of contests and competitions. Visitors can participate in the stein holding competition, where participants compete to see who can hold a full stein of beer for the longest amount of time. There's also a best dressed competition, where visitors can show off their best lederhosen or dirndl outfit. More Info Here

 

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest

Located in the beautiful mountains of Southern California, the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest is one of the most scenic Oktoberfest celebrations in the state. Held at Lake Arrowhead Village, the festival features a wide variety of traditional German food and beer, as well as live music and entertainment.

One of the most popular attractions at the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest is the beer garden, which features over 50 different types of German beer. In addition to the beer, there are plenty of other German-inspired drinks to try, including schnapps and wine. The festival also features a variety of traditional German foods, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.

If you’re looking for something to do in between beer and food, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest. The festival features live music and entertainment all day, with a variety of different bands and performers taking the stage throughout the day. More Info Here

 

 

Oktoberfest at GameCraft Brewing

If you’re a craft beer lover, the Oktoberfest at GameCraft Brewing in Laguna Hills is the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest. This festival is hosted by GameCraft Brewing, one of Orange County’s most popular craft breweries, and features a wide variety of German-inspired beers and food.

One of the highlights of the Oktoberfest at GameCraft Brewing is the selection of craft beers available. The brewery will be releasing a variety of different beers specifically for the festival, including traditional German beers like Oktoberfest and Hefeweizen. In addition to the beer, there will be a variety of different German-inspired foods to try, including pretzels, sausages, and sauerkraut.

If you’re not a beer fan, don’t worry – there are plenty of other drinks to choose from as well. The festival will also feature a selection of wines and ciders, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. More Info Here

 

 

Old World Village Oktoberfest

The Old World Village Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach is one of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in California. This festival has been going strong for over 40 years and is known for its authentic German food, beer, and entertainment.

One of the highlights of the Old World Village Oktoberfest is the traditional German food. The festival features a wide variety of different German dishes, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. There are also plenty of different beers to try, including a variety of German beers and other craft beers.

In addition to the food and beer, the Old World Village Oktoberfest also features a variety of different entertainment options. The festival features live music and dancing throughout the day, with different bands and performers taking the stage throughout the festival. There are also a variety of different contests and games to participate in, including stein-holding contests and chicken-dancing contests. More Info Here

 

 

Alpine Village Oktoberfest - Torrance

Alpine Village Oktoberfest is a yearly event that is held in Torrance, California, for three weekends in October. This event has been going on for over 50 years and is one of the most popular Oktoberfest events in California. It features traditional German food, music, dancing, and of course, plenty of beer. Visitors can enjoy authentic German beer and cuisine, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels.

The Alpine Village Oktoberfest also features a carnival with rides and games, as well as various competitions such as stein holding and yodeling. Additionally, there are various vendors selling German souvenirs and other items, making it a fun family event. More Info Here

 

 

El Cajon Oktoberfest - El Cajon

The El Cajon Oktoberfest is a two-day event that is held in El Cajon, California, in October. This event has been running for over 45 years and is considered one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in San Diego County.

The El Cajon Oktoberfest features live music, dancing, and traditional German cuisine such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. Visitors can also enjoy various activities such as a costume contest, a beer stein holding competition, and a beer garden. Additionally, there are various vendors selling German souvenirs and other items, making it a fun family event. More Info Here 

 

 

Fairplex Oktoberfest - Pomona

The Fairplex Oktoberfest is a yearly event that is held in Pomona, California, in October. This event features live music, dancing, and traditional German cuisine such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels. Visitors can also enjoy various activities such as a beer pong tournament, a costume contest, and a stein holding competition.

The Fairplex Oktoberfest is a pleasant family event that includes a variety of merchants selling German memorabilia and other goods. There is also a beer garden with a selection of German beers, a funfair with rides and activities. More Info Here

 

 

Long Beach Oktoberfest

First up is the Long Beach Oktoberfest, held in the city of Long Beach in Southern California. This lively event takes place at the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner that is now a floating hotel and attraction. 

During the Oktoberfest celebration, the Queen Mary is transformed into a Bavarian village, complete with German music, food, and beer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional German dishes, such as bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel, as well as a wide selection of German beers. In addition to food and drink, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as stein-holding contests, live music, and carnival games. More Info Here

 

 

Santa Anita Oktoberfest Trackside

Another popular Oktoberfest event in California is the Santa Anita Oktoberfest Trackside, which takes place at the Santa Anita Park horse racing track in Arcadia, just outside of Los Angeles. This event is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of beer and traditional German food available, as well as live music and entertainment. Visitors can also watch horse races throughout the day, making it a unique experience that combines Oktoberfest celebrations with the excitement of horse racing. More Info Here

 

 

One Paseo Oktoberfest

Finally, for those in the San Diego area, the One Paseo Oktoberfest is a fun and lively event to check out. Held at the One Paseo shopping center in the coastal community of Del Mar, this event features traditional German food and drinks, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy games like cornhole and giant Jenga, as well as face painting and balloon twisting for the kids. And of course, there will be plenty of beer to go around, with local breweries serving up their best Oktoberfest brews. More Info Here

 

 

Crockett Oktoberfest

This event takes place in mid-October and is hosted by the Crockett Historical Museum. The festival is held in Crockett, a small town in Contra Costa County, and it has become a popular event for families. Visitors can enjoy live music, games, and of course, beer and German cuisine. One of the unique features of the Crockett Oktoberfest is the traditional German folk dancing performances. The dancers come dressed in their colorful traditional costumes and perform the famous Schuhplattler dance. More Info Here

 

 

Oktoberfest at Societe Brewing

Moving down to San Diego, the Oktoberfest at Societe Brewing is a must-visit for beer lovers. This brewery is located in the Clairemont neighborhood and has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The event features a wide variety of beer options, including the traditional German Oktoberfest brews, and also offers food trucks and live music. The Societe Brewing Oktoberfest is a one-day event that usually takes place in mid-October. More Info Here

 

 

Oktoberfest at Shadelands Ranch

Another San Diego Oktoberfest celebration takes place at the Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek. This event is held in late September and features live music, dancing, and food. The festival also offers a kids' zone with games and activities for the little ones. One of the unique features of this festival is the beer-making demonstration. Visitors can see how beer is made and learn about the history of beer brewing in California.

 

 

Carlsbad Oktoberfest Fall Festival

Last but not least, the Carlsbad Oktoberfest Fall Festival is a popular event in North County San Diego. This festival is held in Carlsbad, a beachside town known for its beautiful beaches and charming downtown area. The event provides a diverse range of beer, food, and entertainment options. Visitors may enjoy traditional German music and dancing, as well as compete in stein holding and beer pong tournaments. More Info Here

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, California is home to a wide range of Oktoberfest celebrations, from large-scale events like Long Beach Oktoberfest and Santa Anita Oktoberfest Trackside, to more laid-back gatherings like Oxnard Farm's Oktoberfest and One Paseo Oktoberfest. No matter which event you choose, you can expect plenty of traditional German food and drink, lively music and entertainment, and a fun, festive atmosphere.