Seven ways to celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 in San Diego
Enjoy the holiday at home or with a socially-distanced outing this year
Prost, it’s Oktoberfest time! Sure, it’ll look a little different this year ... but you can still celebrate the holiday at home or with a socially-distanced outing. From themed beers to safety-first happenings, here are five ways to keep the spirit alive for Oktoberfest 2020 in San Diego. (Note: If you’re planning to go out, be sure to wear a mask, social distance, and bring hand sanitizer.)
1. Indulge in four Festbiers at home
Released today, Saint Archer’s Festbier is sure to put you in the festive spirit. This 5.4% ABV lager is malt forward, with clean fermentation characteristics and hand-selected hops. The limited-edition beer is available in a four-pack of 16 ounce cans for $11, available for local delivery or pick-up at Saint Archer’s two tasting rooms. 9550 Distribution Ave. (Miramar) and 978 N Coast Hwy 101 #2051 (Leucadia); saintarcherbrewery.com
2. Pick up a six-pack of AleSchmidt
Now through October, try AleSmith’s seasonal release: The AleSchmidt Oktoberfest. The German-style Märzen Lager with 5.5% ABV, characterized by a clean, elegant and toasty malt flavor. Snag a six-pack of 12 ounce cans for $11 to $13 (depending on the retailer) for a stay-at-home holiday. The lager is also on draft at AleSmith’s Miramar location — just be sure to read the tasting room’s COVID-19 guidelines at alesmith.com/welcome-back-tasting-room before arriving.
3. Pair the AleSchmidt experience with a food truck
Planning on drinking AleSchmidt at AleSmith’s tasting room? Consider visiting during its four-day Oktoberfest. Today through Sunday, visit the Miramar brewery’s outdoor biergarten to pair your pint of AleSchmidt with a meal from the German food truck Currywurst Frankfurt. Commemorative steins are available to purchase for $10. For an extra $5, receive your stein filled with your choice of beer: AleSchmidt, Spezial Pils or Running From Shadows Schwarzbier. (And if you visit, don’t forget those COVID-19 guidelines listed online.) 9990 AleSmith Court; alesmith.com
4. Enjoy PB AleHouse’s brew and German bites
If you’re headed to the beach for the holiday, stop by PB Alehouse for its three-day Oktoberfest event. The bar, which started serving its AleHouse Doppelbock on draft today, will up the ante at its Oktoberfest event scheduled for Oct. 2-4 from 2 to 10 p.m. Enjoy the AleHouse Doppelbock in a commemorative glass for $25, which also comes with your choice of chicken schnitzel, bratwurst or stuffed cabbage (filled with Impossible meat). Pints of the beer will also be offered for $6. Alehouse’s biergarten and outdoor patio space are both open; along with some limited indoor seating. To-go options are also available for those who want to celebrate from their couch. 721 Grand Ave.; pbalehouse.com
5. Take home treats from Bottlecraft
Now through Oct. 4, head to Bottlecraft at Liberty Public Market for some to-go Oktoberfest beers and take-home pretzel kits. Growler fills are $25-$32, with the DIY pretzel pack — including hot mustard, beer cheese, and a giant German pretzel to bake at home — priced at $8. For every purchase of six cans or bottles from the beer shop’s collection of brews, Bottlecraft will throw in a free stein. 2820 Historic Decatur Road; libertystation.com/go/liberty-public-market
6. Getcha golf on Loma Club’s Oktoberfest Scramble
Mark your calendars for Oct. 4 to indulge in some beer, brats and golf. The Loma Club will host an Oktoberfest-themed golf tournament from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The winning team will receive a prize, as well as those with the best costume — so come dressed in lederhosen and dirndls. Price is $40 per player, which includes one beer and Bavarian-themed bites. Buy tickets online at eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-scramble-tickets-117442843707. 2960 Truxtun Road; thelomaclub.com
7. Cheers to six specialty beers at Ballast Point
For this year’s festivities, Ballast Point has released six Oktoberfest-themed beers. Try the Dead Ringer (Amber Lager, 6% ABV), Schlenkerlish (Rauchbier, 6.6% ABV, Helles Bock (Helles Bock, 7.5% ABV), Uber-to-Helles (Munich Helles, 5.4% ABV), Dortmunder Export (German Helles Exportbier, 5.6% ABV) or Fiestbier (German Festbier, 5.5% ABV). Starting Oct. 9, the six beers are available on draft at all three Ballast Point locations while supplies last. For $10, try Ballast Point’s Oktoberfest special: a customized stein filled with the Dead Ringer. 9045 Carroll Way (Miramar), 2215 India St. (Little Italy) and 5401 Linda Vista Rd #406 (Home Brew Mart); ballastpoint.com
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