Southern California’s Oktoberfest celebrations are underway! The festivals typically feature German beer, food, and cosplay, along with oompah bands and games. Ladyhosen, an all-female quartet, will perform at several festivals, mixing traditional Bavarian music with pop medleys.
Although the number of local festivals dwindled during the COVID-19 pandemic, most have returned this year, with some craft brewers creating special Oktoberfest beers for retail or hosting events in their taprooms.
Here are some of the locations where you can get in on the fun and celebrations:
Multiweek festivals
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Convention Center of Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake; 909-585-3000, bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest; Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9-Nov. 4.
The festival will mark its 53rd year in the San Bernardino Mountains. It boasts two full-service bars indoors and four outdoor beer gardens, including a tiki bar. Imported beers on tap will include Spaten, Franziskaner, Warsteiner, and Konig Ludwig. German sausages, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels. One specialty is the Brat Burger, a beef patty topped with bratwurst and served between two pretzels.
There will be two bands from Germany: Bohemian Street Musicians and the Aalbachtal Express.
This is a family-friendly event with a play area and kids’ games.
General admission will be $18-$32, depending on the date. Seniors age 62 and older get in for $12-$21. Children 3-12 get in for $5-$12.
U.S. military and first responders will get free general admission on Sept. 9-10, Sept. 16-17, and Nov. 4.
Fairplex presents Oktoberfest
Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona; fairplex.com/events/oktoberfest; Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-21.
Festivities will include German music, tribute bands, and a DJ, according to the venue’s website.
This event is for people 21 years and older.
Admission is $14 in advance, $17 the day of the event, and $22 at the gate. Admission, parking, and alcohol sales are all card only.
Combo tickets that include the Fairplex’s “Lights Out” Halloween haunt are $29.99.
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 State Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead; lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com; Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-Oct. 29.
Festivities will include stein-holding contests, dance parties, children’s games, and music by oompah bands Ladyhosen and the Kalifornia Krauts.
Admission is free, but to drink beer or wine, attendees must buy a “Starter Package” for $22. It includes a commemorative mug. Also, table reservations run $25-$100.
Dancing on tables isn’t allowed, according to the website.
Long Beach Oktoberfest
855 Elm Ave., Long Beach; longbeachoktoberfest.org; Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 22.
The third annual Oktoberfest boasts beers such as Paulaner Festbier and Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier, German food, and live entertainment by Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts.
Friday and Saturday nights, 5-10 p.m., are adults only. Daytime Saturday, noon-5 p.m., is for all ages, and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m., is family day, according to the website.
General admission is $20. $150 VIP admission includes guaranteed seating, a plate of food, five beverage tickets, and a souvenir stein.
Old World Village Oktoberfest
Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., No. 49, Huntington Beach; oldworldhb.com; Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 17-Nov. 5.
Old World Village brings a little bit of Bavaria to the beach year-round and is in its glory during Oktoberfest. The party takes place five nights a week with music from a German band, the Bluebirds, a parade on Sept. 24; a wide range of beers, including Paulaner; and foods that include bratwurst with potato salad and baked chicken.
Wednesdays and Thursdays are family nights with free admission. Friday and Saturday are for ages 21 and older with $10-$40 admission, depending on the day. Sundays are family days with $10-$12 admission.
Santa Anita Oktoberfest
Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia; santaanita.com/event/entertainment/oktoberfest; Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-22.
This event combines beer and Bavarian festivities with horse racing. There will also be games, such as Stein-holding contests, throughout the day.
General admission is $26 presale through Sept. 22 and includes eight 3-ounce beer tastings, a miniature stein, and a $5 betting voucher.
Single-day or Weekend Festivals
Montrose Oktoberfest
2200-2400 blocks, Honolulu Ave., Montrose; oktoberfest.montrosechamber.org; noon-10 p.m., Oct. 7.
Festivities include oompah and cover bands, games, and rides. Food includes brats and turkey legs. Beverages include German beers and craft brews. Admission is free.
Redlands Oktoberfest
Sylvan Park, 601 University St., Redlands; redlandsoktoberfest.com; Oct 7-8.
The family-friendly event features German food, beer, and live music.
Simi Valley Oktoberfest
Lemon Park, also known as Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley; simioktoberfest.com; noon-5 p.m., Oct. 7.
Beer is included with a $40 general admission ticket at this Rotary Club fundraiser, according to the event website. There will be live music, German food and costumes.
Breweries and Restaurants
Batch Mead:42225 Remington Ave., No. A25, Temecula; batchmead.com; Meadobterfest, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-22.
GameCraft Brewing: Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills; gamecraftbrewing.com; Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 16-Nov. 5.
Hops and Spokes Brewing Co.: 34324 Yucaipa Blvd., Suite A, Yucaipa; hopsandspokes.com; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 6.
Long Beach Beer Lab: 518 W. Willow St., Long Beach; lbbeer.com; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 15.
SteelCraft Bellflower: 16500 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower; steelcraftlb.com; 2-10 p.m. Sept. 30; 5-10 p.m. Oct. 14.
SteelCraft Garden Grove: 12900 S. Euclid St., Garden Grove; steelcraftlb.com; 2-10 p.m. Oct. 21.
SteelCraft Long Beach: 3768 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach; steelcraftlb.com; Oct. 7.
Wurstküche: 625 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles; wurstkuche.com; Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 22.