Enjoy a day at one of the celebrations of Oktoberfest 2014 in California. The state has the largest population claiming German heritage with over 5 million people. That’s more than 2 million more than Pennsylvania or Ohio, which rank numbers two and three on the list. So it should come as no surprise that there are a large number of places where you can celebrate Oktoberfest in California. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego, you are not far from a fabulous California Oktoberfest. Here’s the list:
2014
Monterey Bay Oktoberfest – Carmel, CA – September 13-14, 2014
Noon – 6 PM. Tickets are $20 on Saturday or $15 on Sunday and $30 for the combined weekend ticket. Children under 12 are free. Day of admission tickets $5-10 more.
Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd Monterey, CA 93940
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest – Big Bear, CA – Weekends from September 13th through October 26th, 2014. There will be three expanded bier gartens, live music, vendor booths and kids games. American Heroes Weekend is Sept 13-14, local’s night is October 3rd and the costume contest for adults and kids is October 25th. Other contests include the beer stein-carrying contest, stein holding, beer drinking contest and log sawing competition. Expanded bier gartens with the Warsteiner Garten, New Spaten Bier Garten and Shock Top Sports Garten. Weekends 2, 3 and 4 are expected to have a band from Germany. Tickets are available on their website. Food and beer are purchased with Burgermeister Bucks. Complimentary Shuttle will give you a ride home anywhere in the Big Bear Valley.
Location: Convention Center at Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake CA, 92315
Tyrolean Inn Oktoberfest – Ben Lomond, CA – September 19-21, 2014
German food, beer and live music by Alpenband.
Location: 9600 Highway 9, Ben Lomond CA
Oktoberfest by the Bay! – San Francisco, CA – September 19-21, 2014
Named one of the ten best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the USA in 2010 by AOL. This San Francisco Oktoberfest has live music headlined by the 21 piece Chico Bavarian Band. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP per session. VIP includes German buffet, commemorative mug, first beer, private bathrooms and guaranteed seating in private area.
Location: Pier 48, San Francisco, CA.
Jackson Oktoberfest – Sutter Creek, CA – September 20, 2014
Authentic German food, beer, Bavarian dancers and Oktoberfest music. Contests include keg rolling, yodeling, mug holding, bratwurst throwing and a Bavarian costume contest. They also have Weiner Dog Races thanks to the Amador County Daschunds. Hosted at the Italian Picnic Grounds. Presale tickets available prior to September 15th for $25 (adults) and $12 (Youth 6-20). Soda and entertainment for kids, adults get collector beer mug or wine glass with one drink. VIP package available with dinner and reserved seating. Food options includes bratwurst, pork chop, sauerkraut, apple strudel and soft pretzels.
Location: 581 California 49, Sutter Creek, CA
Encinitas Oktoberfest – Encinitas, CA – September 21, 2014
19th annual German festival hosted by Encinitas Chamber of Commerce from 10 AM to 5 PM on Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real. Street craft fair with 200 vendors, German-American band The Bluebirds and Gemutlichkeit Apine Dancers. Ceremonial parade kicks it off at noon. Craft Corner is 21+ only and will highlight craft breweries. There will also be a family fun zone for kids. Free parking is available at Flora Vista Elementary School with free shuttle service.
Vacaville Oktoberfest – Vacaville, CA – September 27, 2014
8th annual Oktoberfest with German food and live music from 11 AM to 7 PM. Runs from 11 AM to 7 PM. Food options include brats, sauerkraut, pretzels, potato salad and more. Free admission.
Location: Town Square Plaza, Vacaville, CA 95688
Oktoberfest Brews & Brats – Tehachapi, CA – September 27 and October 4, 2014
11th annual Oktoberfest hosted by Kohnen’s Country Bakery. German food, music, polka dancing, European beer and wine.
Location: 125 W Tehachapi Blvd Tehachapi, CA 93561
La Mesa Oktoberfest – La Mesa, CA – October 3-5, 2014
It now attracts 200,000 to the 3 day festival. German food, beer, entertainment and children’s activities. Hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association.
Location: 7830 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Ramona Oktoberfest – Ramona, CA – October 4, 2014
Join the 10th annual Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. A family event featuring a brat eating contest, most authentic costume contest, pumpkin patch, and kid’s zone. Enjoy the beer garden, stein holding contest, Lots of vendors and I almost forgot to mention the classic car show. Located at the Ramona Senior Center 434 Aqua Lane
Ramona, CA 92065.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest – Chico, CA – October 3-4, 2014
Fifth annual Oktoberfest with live music, cold beer and hot glass blowing demonstrations. Musical lineup of three bands. Oktoberfest feast for dinner included with ticket price. Over two nights they generally have attendance around 6,000. Don’t forget to practice up on your chicken dance before attending.
Location: 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, California
Oktoberfest Lakeport – Lakeport, CA – October 4, 2014
Fifth annual German festival from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Craft beer, German and American music, authentic German food and vendors. Dachsund derby, costume contests for adults, kids and dogs, beer pong and a beer stein contest. live music from two bands. it is held the same day as the Knocti Challenge, a 20, 40, 65 or 100 mile bicycle ride starting and ending at the Lakeport Yacht Club.
Location: 875 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, CA 95453
Montrose Oktoberfest – Montrose, CA – October 4, 2014
30,000 are expected at the 35th annual Oktoberfest by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. It is the largest outdoor event of the City of Glendale and the Foothills. Contests include stein holding, sausage eating, Master & Little Miss OKtoberfest, best dressed dog and a coloring contest. Games, rides and bingo as well. German bands and dancing, too.
Location: 2300 and 2400 Blocks of Honolulu Avenue, Montrose CA
Oktoberfest VI by Educate! – San Diego, CA – October 4, 2014
6th annual Oktoberfest from 2 to 6 PM to raise money for five U.C. public schools. Bratwurst, beer garden, live music from three bands, home brew contest and kids games.
Location: Standley Park and Rec Center
Clayton Oktoberfest – Clayton, CA – October 4-5, 2014
Two days of fun with parade, keg tapping, live music, biergarten, German food, California wines, arts and crafts show and carnival. The band will be The Internationals.
Location: Main St, Clayton, CA 94517
Twain Harte Oktoberfest – Twain Harte, CA – October 4-5, 2014
Beer, music concert, car show and vendors on Saturday. More beer, another concert and vendors on Sunday! Cost for beer garden is $20 for ages 21+ and includes mug for the noon to 3 PM tasting event. Bounce house for kids. Other than the beer garden, event is free and open to all.
Sacramento Turn Verein Oktoberfest – Sacramento, CA – October 10-11, 2014
Eat, drink and dance like a German. Outdoor biergarten. Kid friendly activities.
Location: 3349 J Street, Sacramento CA 95816
Sactoberfest – October 10-12, 2014
Second annual event on the West Sacramento Riverfront. They have extended it to three days this year and will bring in a giant, Munich-style beer hall tent. Craft beer, local food, carnival rides, stein-holding and other German festivities.
St. Elizabeth’s Annual Oktoberfest – Julian, CA – October 10-11, 2014
Bratwurst, beer, dancers and German music. Takes place surrounded by postcard splendor in the historic mountain village of Julian. Only one hour from San Diego.
Location: Rabobank Parking Lot
Cotati Oktoberfest – Cotati, CA – October 11, 2014
8th annual event. Authentic German meal of bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut for $15 with Oktoberfest microbrews from Lagunitas Brewing Company available. Lots of contests including wiener dog races, tankard hold and beer stein race. Admission is free. Polka the night away on the dance floor.
Location: La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA
Nipomo’s Best Oktoberfest – Nipomo, CA – October 11-12, 2014
31st annual Oktoberfest with Miss Nipomo Pageant, Battle of the Bands, live entertainment, bbq tasting and competition, beer and wine garden and kids activities. Event is outdoors and open to the general public. 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturday hours with live music from Steppin Out, Mean Gene Band and The Spaces Between. 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday with the second annual Battle of the Bands and a BBQ competition with tasting. Kids area on Saturday and Sunday has pony rides, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo and mechanical rides. There’s also arts and crafts booths and the Dave Dana Memorial car show.
Location: Nipomo Community Park, Tefft and Pomeroy St., Nipomo, CA 93444
St Leo the Great Church Oktoberfest – San Jose, CA – October 4, 2014 (4-9 PM)
Live entertainment, multiple food options including authentic German Faire, German Beer Garden and Blacktop Inflatable playground, raffle, silent auction and more.
Location: 88 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126
Vegan Oktoberfest – Santa Monica, CA – October 4, 2014
LA’s newest, most festive and authentic Oktoberfest celebration. Our beer hall by the beach will feature traditional Bavarian food, live Oompah bands, beer maidens, and of course, refreshing and delicious beer poured to perfection by dozens of great breweries. Come enjoy a taste of Germany while you make new friends and indulge to your heart’s desire. Since all the food and beer is vegan, you can experience a traditional Oktoberfest celebration with a clear conscience. Did we mention there’s a view of the Pacific Ocean while you drink? Prost!
Madona Inn Oktoberfest – San Luis Obispo – October 11, 2014
Madonna Inn Expo Center hosts a German meal and Firestone Walker brews in two sessions of German fun. Get two 16 oz beers, meal plus dessert, commemorative stein and live entertainment by Trio Internationale and What Just Happened. General admission is $60 per person. VIP tables are available. Session one is from 1 to 4 pm and session two is from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Oktoberfest at Nature Friends – Sierra Madre – October 4, 2014
A German themed potluck (bring your favorite dish!), dance demonstrations and other fun. $5 suggested donation.
Location: Nature Friends LA, 423 Yucca Tr., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Balboa Bay Resort – Newport Beach – October 2014
Month long celebreation with lunch and dinner specials at their oceanfront restaurants. The menu includes Wienerschnitzel, Sauerbraten, bratwurst, apple strudel and a variety of German beers.
Location: 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach CA 92663
Old Town Newhall – Newhall – October 11, 2014
An outdoor street festival with German music, authentic beer, Bavarian food and chicken dancing. Costume contests for adults, kids, dachshunds and a Wiener Wanna-Be Contest. Music by the German Zeitgeist Band. Adult admission is $10 online or $15 at the door. Free beer flight (choice of 3) with paid ticket. Under 21 free with paid adult admission and adult supervision.
Location: Main St and Lyons Ave
Old World Village Oktoberfest – Huntington Beach, California – September 14 - October 26, 2014
Enjoy Oktoberfest at Old World Village in September and October. Old World is a European themed shopping center that goes all out during Oktoberfest. They have parades, beautiful girls, dachshund races, a Herbmeister, and Kidsfest. It is self described as the best Oktoberfest in Orange County. 4 German Beer Samplers for $5 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Parade on September 28th. Kinderfest for kids every Sunday. There are dachshund races as well.
Location: 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Alpine Village Oktoberfest – Los Angeles, CA – September 12 – October 26, 2014
Southern California has been celebrating Oktoberfest at Alpine Village for 47 years. USA Today named it one of the best Oktoberfests in the world. It is held on seven weekends in September and October in a 32,000 square foot tent. Located in Torrance, it is the most popular Los Angeles Oktoberfest. Tables are on a first come first served basis – there are no reservations. In 2014, it will be open Fridays and Saturdays from September 12th to October 26th and Sundays from September 22nd. It’s 21+ on Friday and Saturday but all ages are welcome on Sunday. Tickets are between $5 and $20 depending on day. Kids 12 and under as well as those dressed in dirndls or lederhosen get in free on Sundays.
Location: 833 West Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502
Dana Point Oktoberfest – Dana Point, CA – October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2014
Over 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor Oktoberfest space at Lantern Bay parks has music, bands, games, and lots of fun. Sponsored by the huge German beer company Spaten it promises more German and craft brews on tap than any other Southern California Oktoberfest event. Also expects Becks, Stella Artois, Shock Top, and Kona. Admission is free and the fun starts at 12:00 pm.
Location: Lantern Bay Park, 33501 Niguel Rd., Dana Point, CA
Lion’s Oktoberfest - Upland, CA – October 24-26, 2014
Bring your family to this annual Lion’s event. Celebrate our Bavarian heritage with great food, cold beers, carnival rides, and all day entertainment. Spend the weekend nights dancing to live music. Donate a toy for the Toys for Tots Collection. Doors open at 3:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. A number of non-profit organizations have joined to bring this annual event to Southern California.
Location: The Cooper Museum, 525 W 18th Street, Upland, CA
Oktoberfest in Campbell – Campbell, California – October 18-19, 2014
German foods, a variety of beers and ales, over 100 artisans and live entertainment.
Location: On Campbell street from Third Street to Railway Avenue in downtown Campbell, California.
Oktoberfest in El Cajon – El Cajon, CA – September 26-28 & October 3-5, 2014
Hosted by The German American Societies of San Diego, the Oktoberfest runs the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. Authentic German food, beers, folk dancing, kids zone, craft booths and live music by the Guggenbach-Baum band from Germany.
Location: 1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – San Diego, CA – October 10-11, 2014
This San Diego Oktoberfest held at Ocean Beach Pier offers two days of fun in early October. There’s a brat trot, sausage toss, stein holding contest and bratwurst eating competition.
Location: 5091 Niagara Ave, San Diego, CA
LA Oktoberfest – Los Angeles, California – October 4-5, 2014
German food, beer and live music at this Los Angeles Oktoberfest. Tickets are $35 for regular admission and $100 for VIP admission. They feature Bavarian Dancers, a Silent Auction, a Stein Holding Contest, and a Magician show. They have an extensive list of some 35 beers and lagers to choose from.
Location: 6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Oktoberfest at Fairplex – Pomona, CA – October 9-12, 16-19 & 23-26, 2014
The home of the L.A. County Fair brings you their Los Angeles Oktoberfest starting October 9th with beer, German food, Bavarian music, Games and the chicken dance. Admission for adults is $5. It’s 21+ only on Thursday-Saturday. Kids are allowed on Sunday.
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest – Lake Arrowhead, CA – Saturday and Sunday, September 27 – October 26, 2014
Celebrate Oktoberfest on weekends in their genuine Alpine village with authentic food and free entertainment.
Location: Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 Hwy 189, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
Beaumont Oktoberfest – Beaumont, CA – September 26-28, 2014
25th annual Oktoberfest with live entertainment, authentic food, contests, arts & crafts vendors, weiner dog races, horse show and kids zone.
Location: Noble Creek Community Park, 650 W. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont
Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest – Carlsbad, CA – October 4, 2014
Family event with German dinner, beer, dancing, live music, pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating contest for kids. Dinner tickets are $10 (advance) or $12 (gate). Net proceeds are donated to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and the Carlsbad Police and Fire Explorer Post.
Location: Holiday Park, Carlsbad, California
Oktoberfest at the Phoenix Club – Friday-Sunday starting September 19 – October 26, 2014
The Phoenix Club will host seven weekends of Oktoberfest fun starting Friday, September 19th and concluding Sunday, October 26th. They will have the Musikmeister DJ and live German Oom Pah music from Fred Mlakar and the Oberkrainer Band, The Express band, and Die Guggenbach-Buam. Imported German beer on tap, beer drinking and sausage eating contests, costume contest, polka lessons and kids activities including a bounce house. Admission for adults is $5. 18 and under are free.
Location: 1340 S. Sanderson Avenue, Anaheim, California 92806
Jack Rose Libations Oktoberfest - Los Gatos, CA – September 27, 2014
The Jack Rose Libations House is having an Oktoberfest on September 27th from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. German music, beer, wine, food and fun! There will be a massive beer garden, traditional German games, 2 live German bands. On Fridays until the Oktoberfest, they are doing a food truck festival.
Location: Jack Rose 18840 Saratoga, Los Gatos Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Yucca Valley Oktoberfest – Yucca Valley – October 25, 2014
This annual event will have music by the Kalifornia Krauts, games and contests for all ages. Food and beer of course. Runs from 3:00 to 9:00 PM Presale tickets available online as the event approaches or contact Wanda at the chamber office (760)365-6323.
Location: Brehm Sports Park at the corner of Palm Dr and Little League Dr.
Stocktoberfest – Stockton, CA – October 4, 2014
Beers and brats on the waterfront from 2-9 PM (1 PM for VIPs). 21+ only. Craft beers, home brews, sausage, chicken dance-off, keg lifting and beer stein holding competitions. Live classic rock and accordion music. General admission ticket prices are $15 on their website. Save $2 off beer when dressed in costume! Food vendor Delroy Grill is back with their featured hit grilled oysters. They have 10 featured beers including Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest.
Located: Outdoor Amphitheatre, 445 West Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA.
Los Osos Oktoberfest - Los Osos, CA – October 26, 2014
36th annual Oktoberfest and 9th Annual Car Show by the Bay. Starts with a 4-Mile run and pancake breakfast. There’s a beer garden, arts & crafts, children’s activities, music and live entertainment. Music includes Natural Incense, Soul Sauce, Stereo Steve, and Tony Harmon. Admission is free to this event.
Location: Baywood Park, 2nd Street, Los Osos, CA, United States, 93402
Placerville Oktoberfest – Placerville, CA – September 20, 2014
4th annual Oktoberfest features German music including polkas and the chicken dance.. Keg is tapped at 3 PM. Weiner dog races and other Oktoberfest contests. Food choices include sausages, sauerkraut, strudel, and of course lots of beer choices.
Location: Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667.
Newark OktoberFest – Sept 27, 2014
Their 2nd annual event is on the way to becoming one of the area’s favorite annual events. It will be held at Swiss Park in Newark from noon – 6:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27th. Be “German for a Day!” Live music, dancing, games, vendors, excellent German beers, and authentic fare including bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and more; and because “chocolate” goes so wonderfully with “beer,” plan on encountering some unique chocolate delights! Put on those dirndls and lederhosen and get into the swing…and practice your chicken dance and polka before you come. Are you a yodeler? This is your chance for fame! Buy tickets locally or online with a huge pre-sale discount.
Location: Swiss Park, 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA 94560
Hotel del Coronado – San Diego, CA - September 26-28, 2014
This fabulous resort located on the beach in Southern California hosts their annual Oktoberfest up on the sun deck just steps from the ocean. The three day event features great foods, bratwurst, sauerkraut, Paulaner and Karl Strauss beers. Enjoy the sun or enter the huge beer tent. Come as you are for this fun beach party. A different twist on Oktoberfest.
Location: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California.
Schroeder’s Oktoberfest – San Francisco, CA – Friday Nights, September 19 – October 5, 2014
Food and polka dancing at this San Francisco German restaurant. Bands include the Joe Smiell Jr. Band, the Blowmusk, and the Schwabenland German Band on select night at their Front Street Biergarten.
Location: 240 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Mammoth Village Oktoberfest – Mammoth Village, CA – October 11, 2014
An annual event with plenty of music, dancing, kids activities, beer tastings, and authentic German cuisine.
Central Valley Craft Brewers Oktoberfest – Fresno, CA – October 5, 2014
Celebrate with more than 80 craft beers, music, Tower food, craft vendors, and wine tasting. Tickets are $30 which includes the meal and 4 oz. samples.
Dixon Beer Fest - Dixon, CA – October 11, 2014
Stallion Springs Oktoberfest -Tehachapi, CA – October 4, 2014
Fun for the whole family with food, beer and kids activities from noon until 6 PM. Location: Stallion Springs Community Center, 27800 Stallion Springs Dr, Tehachapi.
San Pedro Square Market Oktoberfest - San Jose, CA – October 11, 2014
Outdoor beer gardens with German beer and food, German Inspired Cocktails, San Jose’s largest chicken dance, Oktoberfest games, wiener dog races, and Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest contest. Kids are free!
Location: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
Wirsthaus – LA – September 20, 2014
Oktoberfest kickoff party starts at 3 PM.
Location: 345 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Past Events
Oaktoberfest - Oakland, California – NOT HAPPENING IN 2013!!
The leaders recommend you attend the 805 Beach Festival on September 21st at Avila Beach Golf Resort this year to celebrate the last day of summer.
Location: Street festivals at the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, California.
Camp Richardson Oktoberfest – Lake Tahoe, CA – October 5-6, 2013
Lake Tahoe Oktoberfest with German food, beer and wine garden, pumpkin patch, costume contest for people and dogs, music and family activities.
Location: 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
Cambria Oktoberfest – Cambria, CA – No Oktoberfest in 2014.
Palm Springs Oktoberfest – Palm Springs, CA – October 19, 2013
Bavarian festival with 50 booths of German beer, wine tasting and food. 2 stages of live music. General admission tickets are $20. VIP admission is $50. 21+ only.
Location: Spa Resort Casino, 502 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs CA
NorCal Oktoberfest – Modesto, CA
This event was not held in 2013.
Location: 4342 Dale Rd, Modesto CA
You’ll notice that there are plenty of authentic, popular Oktoberfest parties in California so you don’t have to leave the state for Oktoberfest. But here are three nearby states where you might also find an Oktoberfest worth attending: Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.
We’ve got some other resources that would help you prepare for Oktoberfest as well. Read about the history of Oktoberfest. Learn about Oktoberfest beer. Find the words to Oktoberfest music. Plan your Oktoberfest outfit. And try cooking some of these Oktoberfest recipes.
Find other fun things to do in California in October:
California Festivals
California Corn Mazes
California Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses in California
Pumpkin Patches in California
The post Oktoberfest in California appeared first on Funtober.