Have an authentic Oktoberfest in El Cajon

Oktoberfest in El Cajon features traditional German food, beer, music, and entertainment Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-6

San Diego Union-Tribune

Sept. 26, 2019 9:55 AM PT

It’s the time of year again for enjoying a cold beer, hot brats, cultural performances, and more ways to celebrate German culture during the annual El Cajon Oktoberfest. For two weekends, El Cajon will be filled with the sights, sounds, and scent of potato pancakes and pretzels, sauerkraut and red cabbage, traditional German pastries, beers on draft and wines, live music by Guggenbach-Buam from Germany and the Gordon Kohl Band, an opening parade and ceremonial tapping of the wooden keg, along with prizes, activities for kids and dancing.

Oktoberfest in El Cajon: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday (and Oct. 4-6). German American Societies of San Diego, 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon. $10 for adults Friday and Saturday, $5 Sunday; free for active duty military and guests under 21. oktoberfestelcajon.com

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Lisa Deaderick

Lisa Deaderick writes about social justice issues in her Sunday column for The San Diego Union-Tribune, as well as influential San Diegans for the One-on-One series that runs on Saturdays. Each week, she’s speaking with community activists, academics, volunteers, or other knowledgeable individuals about everything from the benefits of music in education and the creative work of notable artists, to understanding the importance of representation and inclusiveness. A Chula Vista native, Lisa graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida and Columbia University in New York, and has worked at the Union-Tribune since 2008.