As the crisp air of fall arrives, Southern California gears up for a beloved tradition: Oktoberfest! Across the region, a vibrant scene of beer gardens, community festivals, and unique celebrations emerges, bringing a taste of Bavaria to the Golden State. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, navigating the exciting array of Oktoberfest events happening in and around Los Angeles offers a fantastic way to enjoy German culture, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of beer. From traditional polkas to unique Los Angeles twists, these autumn festivals provide memorable experiences for everyone looking to raise a stein and say “Prost!” this season. Get ready to explore the best of oktoberfest los angeles and the surrounding areas.
Top Oktoberfest Celebrations Near & In Los Angeles
While Munich remains the global epicenter, Los Angeles and its neighboring cities host some truly spectacular Oktoberfest events that capture the spirit and fun of the original German festival. Each offers its own unique flavor, blending Bavarian traditions with Southern California style. Whether you’re seeking a massive biergarten party, a family-friendly fair, or a niche craft beer event, you’ll find something to celebrate. Let’s delve into the must-visit destinations for your 2024 Oktoberfest adventure.
Old World Oktoberfest: Southern California’s Largest Bash
Often hailed as the longest-running Oktoberfest in Southern California, the Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach transforms into a sprawling Bavarian village for an impressive nine weeks. This is where traditionalists flock for an authentic experience. Expect live bands playing classic Bavarian tunes, lively dancing, engaging competitions like stein holding, and a continuous flow of German beer served in classic steins. The air is filled with the aroma of grilled bratwurst and other German delicacies, creating an immersive party atmosphere that keeps energy levels high well into the evening. It’s a major draw for anyone in the oktoberfest los angeles scene looking for a grand celebration just a short drive away.
- Dates: Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 8 – Nov. 3, 2024
- Location: Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
- Website: Old World Huntington Beach
People dancing and celebrating at a bustling Oktoberfest event in Los Angeles area
Family Fun at Montrose Oktoberfest
For a more community-focused and family-friendly take on the German festival, head to Montrose. This charming neighborhood hosts a wholesome Oktoberfest celebration perfect for a day out with the entire crew. Admission is free, allowing easy access to carnival rides, games, and a festive atmosphere. While enjoying the fun, you can savor spectacular German fare prepared by local favorites like Schreiners Fine Sausages, offering delicious bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato salad. Pre-buying tickets for food, drinks, and rides is a smart tip to avoid lines and maximize your time enjoying the festivities. It’s a local gem for oktoberfest los angeles seekers preferring a relaxed, family-oriented vibe.
- Date: Oct. 5, 2024
- Location: 2200-2400 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020
- Website: Montrose Oktoberfest
Crowds enjoying carnival rides and food at Montrose Oktoberfest community celebration
Wurstküche’s Oktoberfest Beach Party
Wurstküche, known for its gourmet sausages, brings a laid-back, beachy twist to Oktoberfest right in Venice Beach, a vibrant part of Los Angeles. Their five-week celebration features the essential elements: massive 1L steins filled with Oktoberfest-specific brews, live yodeling, and other traditional music. It’s a casual yet lively way to get into the spirit. While all events are open to the public, they specifically recommend attending on Sunday, October 20th, if you plan on bringing children, suggesting a slightly more relaxed atmosphere on that particular day. It’s a great option for those seeking oktoberfest los angeles events with a distinct coastal feel.
- Dates: Saturdays, Sept. 28 – Oct. 26, 2024 (+ Sunday, Oct. 20)
- Location: 625 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
- Website: Wurstküche
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Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park: A Day at the Races
Combine the thrill of horse racing with the festive spirit of Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. Over two weekends in October, this famous thoroughbred racetrack offers a truly unique way to celebrate. Attendees can enjoy curated Oktoberfest beer tastings featuring a variety of brews, indulge in delicious Bavarian food options, and listen to live musical performances. The competitive spirit extends beyond the track with fun-filled contests like the costume contest, stein holding competition, cornhole, and musical chairs, making for a lively and entertaining experience.
- Dates: Oct. 12-13 & 19-20, 2024
- Location: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
- Website: Santa Anita Park
LA Beer Festival: Oktoberfest Edition
If your primary reason for celebrating Oktoberfest is the beer itself, the LA Beer Festival’s special Oktoberfest edition is a must-attend. Held at the Los Angeles Center Studios, this event boasts an impressive selection of over 200 beers from more than 80 local and craft breweries. Your general admission ticket typically includes unlimited beer samples, allowing you to explore a vast range of brews. The festival recreates a Bavarian beer village atmosphere, complete with live entertainment from groups like “Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts,” ensuring a festive backdrop for your beer-tasting journey. It’s a premier event for craft beer lovers in the oktoberfest los angeles scene.
- Dates: Oct. 24, 2024
- Location: Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
- Website: LA Beer Festival
POPtoberfest: Opera Meets Oktoberfest in Highland Park
Adding a distinctly Los Angeles cultural twist to the tradition, the Pacific Opera Project (POP) hosts its first-ever POPtoberfest in Highland Park. This event uniquely blends the joy of Oktoberfest with the world of opera and musical theatre. Attendees can enjoy traditional Oompah tunes performed by a live all-women band, alongside classic drinking songs from operas and musicals. The celebration includes delicious food, stein-holding contests, authentic dress, and plenty of dancing and good cheer, highlighting POP’s mission to make opera accessible and fun.
- Dates: Sept. 15, 2024
- Location: Pop HQ, 125 S Ave 57, Los Angeles, CA 90042
- Website: Pacific Opera Project
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest: A Mountain Escape
For an Oktoberfest experience that combines the festive atmosphere with a scenic getaway, consider the long-running Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. Celebrating for over 54 years, this event is renowned for its authenticity, even flying in bands directly from Germany to perform. You’ll find the exact same beers and traditional food served at the original Munich event, including a wide array of sausages like bratwurst, knockwurst, and kielbasa, as well as Bavarian dumplings and apple strudel. Traditional games like log sawing competitions and the annual Queen Stein Carrying Contest add to the fun, making it a worthy day trip or weekend escape from the oktoberfest los angeles hustle.
- Dates: Weekends, Sept. 7 – Nov. 2, 2024
- Location: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Website: Big Bear Lake
Oktoberfest Food Festival at Six Flags
Six Flags Magic Mountain joins the fall festivities with its own Oktoberfest Food Festival. As part of their seasonal offerings that also include Halloween Fright Fest and Boo Fest, the park hosts a lively weekend food festival dedicated to Oktoberfest. This allows thrill-seekers to combine the excitement of roller coasters with the culinary delights of German-inspired cuisine. Sample various dishes and enjoy craft and seasonal beers available within the park, offering a unique blend of amusement park fun and Bavarian celebration.
- Dates: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 3, 2024
- Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
- Website: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Craftoberfest Los Angeles: Craft Beer & Bavarian Bites
Craft beer enthusiasts rejoice! Craftoberfest brings together a carefully curated lineup of Southern California’s finest craft breweries for an Oktoberfest celebration focused on unlimited pours of local brews. Held at the scenic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, this event encourages attendees to arrive in their best traditional German attire. Enjoy a delicious array of classic German-inspired cuisine like pretzels and bratwurst, all while listening to live performances from bands like Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts. It’s a prime spot for those who love the Oktoberfest vibe but want to highlight the vibrant craft beer scene in the oktoberfest los angeles area.
- Dates: Oct. 5, 2024
- Location: The Greens at the Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Website: Craftoberfest Los Angeles
Fairplex Presents Oktoberfest: Inland Empire’s Celebration
Fairplex in Pomona celebrates its 11th annual Oktoberfest, establishing itself as a significant event in the wider Los Angeles area. This celebration features a mix of traditional fun with modern entertainment, including games, prizes, tribute bands, and a live DJ to keep the energy high. For those seeking extra thrills, the “Boos and Brews” combo ticket offers admission to both the Oktoberfest event and Fairplex’s haunted Halloween attraction, providing a unique dual experience for the spooky season.
- Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, October 4 – 26, 2024
- Location: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
- Website: Fairplex Presents Oktoberfest
Dogtoberfest: Oktoberfest Fun for You and Your Dog
South Coast Botanic Garden offers one of the most unique Oktoberfest experiences with their beloved Dogtoberfest. Held on weekends in October, this event welcomes both human attendees and their canine companions. While humans can enjoy a selection of specialty beers, bratwurst, soft pretzels, and other Bavarian food items, dogs aren’t left out. Pups can indulge in a “barkuterie box,” browse a doggy marketplace, or enjoy a stroll along the self-guided “bark walk” through the beautiful garden. It’s a perfect way to enjoy oktoberfest los angeles if you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind.
- Dates: Every weekend in October 2024
- Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
- Website: South Coast Botanical Garden
Tips for Enjoying Oktoberfest in Los Angeles
To make the most of your Oktoberfest experience in the Los Angeles area, a little planning goes a long way. Consider dressing up in traditional Lederhosen or a Dirndl – many attendees do, and it adds to the festive spirit! Transportation is key; use rideshares or public transport if you plan on drinking, as parking can be challenging and expensive at popular venues. Check the specific event’s website for ticket information – some have free admission but require tickets for food and drink, while others are fully ticketed events where buying in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dates.
Be mindful of the crowd and atmosphere at different events. Some, like Montrose or specific days at Wurstküche, are more geared towards families, while others are strictly 21+. Pace yourself with the beer and make sure to try the food – Bavarian cuisine is a highlight! Stay hydrated by drinking water between beers. Finally, embrace the festive mood! Sing along, attempt a polka, and enjoy the lively camaraderie that defines Oktoberfest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oktoberfest Los Angeles
Here are some common questions people have about finding and enjoying Oktoberfest events in the LA area.
Q: When is Oktoberfest Los Angeles typically celebrated?
A: Most Oktoberfest events in the Los Angeles area take place throughout September and October, mirroring the traditional timing of the festival in Munich. Specific dates vary by event, so check the schedules listed above.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Oktoberfest events in LA?
A: It depends on the event. Some have free general admission with food and drink sold separately, while others require a paid ticket for entry or include unlimited samples. Buying in advance is often recommended, especially for popular venues or special dates, to guarantee entry and sometimes get a better price.
Q: Are Oktoberfest events in Los Angeles family-friendly?
A: Many events offer family-friendly aspects, and some, like Montrose Oktoberfest or specific daytime sessions at other venues, are specifically geared towards families with activities for all ages. However, some evening events, particularly at beer gardens, are primarily aimed at adults (often 21+). Always check the event details if you plan to bring children.
Q: What kind of food and drink can I expect at Oktoberfest Los Angeles?
A: You can expect traditional German fare, including various types of sausages (bratwurst, knackwurst, etc.), giant pretzels with mustard, sauerkraut, potato salad, apple strudel, and roasted chicken. The main beverage is, of course, German beer, often served in large steins. Many events also feature local craft beers and other drinks.
Q: What should I wear to Oktoberfest in Los Angeles?
A: Dressing in traditional Bavarian attire, such as Lederhosen for men and Dirndls for women, is highly encouraged and adds to the fun! However, comfortable casual wear is also perfectly acceptable. Many people simply wear blue and white (Bavaria’s colors) or festive fall attire.
Prost to Oktoberfest Los Angeles!
Whether you’re an Angeleno local or visiting Southern California in the fall, exploring the oktoberfest los angeles scene is a fantastic way to experience culture, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and have a memorable time. Each event offers its own unique charm, from the sprawling traditionalism of Old World to the niche appeal of Dogtoberfest. So gather your friends, practice your “Prost!”, and get ready to celebrate this vibrant German tradition right here under the California sun. Choose your adventure, or perhaps visit a few, and make the most of the Oktoberfest season!