Are you ready to oompah?
Of the many ways to celebrate fall’s arrival, Oktoberfest is our favorite. German cuisine, beer and performances transform San Diego County and bring locals a cultural celebration that continues to be fun for all. Grab your lederhosen and join in the festivities. Munich is coming to you. Prost!
Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach , Oct. 9-10
Ocean Beach will celebrate with a heap of contests and entertainment. The event will kick off Friday night with a 21 and up beer garden. On Saturday, the activities begin with the 9 a.m. Brat Trot, offering a 2K family run and a 5K beach run. Beach-goers can enjoy live entertainment for all ages by a traditional oompah band, paired with a vendor and craft area set up on the Veterans Plaza lawn. Other festivities include the Sausage Toss Competition with a cash giveaway of $10,000; and stein-holding and brat-eating contests.
Times: 4:20-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Location: Newport Avenue and Abbott Street, Ocean Beach.
Cost: $5 for two-day entry to beer garden.
More information: oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/annual-events/ob-oktoberfest
Oktoberfest El Cajon, Oct. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11
Spend the day in El Cajon with Bavarian music and traditional German food and beer. The Bavarian band Guggenbach-Buam will play throughout the event and encourage people to join in polkas, waltzes and, of course, the chicken dance. El Cajon’s offerings include bratwurst, potato pancakes and drinking tunes.
Times: 4-10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Location: German American Societies, 1017 Mollison Ave., El Cajon
Cost: $5. Free for active military and those under 21.
More information: germanclubsandiego.org/oktoberfest-home
Oktoberfest in La Mesa , Oct. 2, 3
Starting as a small street fair, La Mesa’s Oktoberfest has grown into a favored tradition attracting more than 100,000 attendees. The 42nd annual free event will sport Bavarian beer gardens, the Alpine Gemutlichkeit Dancers and more than 100 vendors joining the fun.
Times: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Location: La Mesa Village (downtown)
Cost: Free
More information: lmvma.com
Oktoberfest in Carlsbad, Oct. 3
The Carlsbad Rotary is holding its 33rd annual Oktoberfest benefiting local charities. Entertainment, food and fall activities will be offered. Enjoy the pumpkin patch or sip a cold brew while listening to live entertainment including DJ Efraim Nunez, Faith Page, Bluebirds and The Last Call. For all the fair foodies, you can expect some hearty German treats from apple strudel to hot pretzels at this North County event.
Times: Noon to 10 p.m.
Location: Holiday Park on Chestnut Avenue, Carlsbad.
Cost: $12-$15. Kids get in free.
More information: rotaryoktoberfest.org
Oktoberfest in Coronado , Sept. 25- Oct. 4
Experience a beachside Oktoberfest at the Hotel del Coronado this fall. Pretzels, schnitzel and more will be available for purchase in an authentic beer garden. Savor German beers and live performances from several bands. Food and drink is a la carte, but the party itself is free.
Times: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Sun Deck at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado.
Cost: Free
More inforamtion: hoteldel.com
Source: DiscoverSD
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