Prost! Oktoberfest fun is brewing — the renowned Munich festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 16-Tuesday, Oct. 3 — but you don’t need to travel to Germany to tap into the fun. We’ve drafted a list of 10 local celebrations where you can raise a glass to the hoppy occasion.
AleSmith Oktoberfest Celebration | Saturday, Sept. 16 + Saturday, Sept. 23
Head to this Miramar tasting room for a themed tap list, games, live music, and food vendors.
Encinitas Oktoberfest | Sunday, Sept. 24
The city celebrates its German roots — specifically in Olivenhain — at this free, family-friendly festival. In addition to local beers, expect entertainment, carnival rides, local artisan exhibits, and 175 vendors selling food and merchandise.
La Mesa Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 1
This beloved event celebrates its 50th anniversary with three biergartens, entertainment, and dachshund races. The family-friendly fest includes a children’s Kinder Karneval and the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village for dogs. It’s free to enter — though VIP tickets are available.
Craftoberfest | Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Oct. 1
Liberty Public Market’s annual event is taking over the taps and bringing live music, “Beerlympics” games, and themed bites throughout the food hall. You can also test your beer knowledge with trivia and keep the tunes playing by shopping at Vinyl at the Market on the final day.
East Village Oktoberfest | Saturday, Sept. 30
Fill your stein with a selection of beers from local breweries and grab bites from restaurants that put a San Diego spin on German staples. Your ticket will also give you access to polka music and dancing at Quartyard and across four blocks downtown.
Oktoberfest in El Cajon | Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 1 + Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8
Join the German American Societies of San Diego for its annual celebration with beer, brats, dance, and live music from the all-German band Guggenbach-Buam. Tickets are available; the ceremonial “Tapping the Wooden Keg” is on the first Friday.
OB Oktoberfest | Friday, Oct. 6 + Saturday, Oct. 7
Ocean Beach’s annual event brings food, entertainment, contests, and of course, plenty of beer to the shoreline. The lineup of performers includes “Because I Got High” singer Afroman. VIP tickets are now on sale — general admission is $10 at the door.
Oktoberfest Family Festival | Saturday, Oct. 7
This celebration will take you to Carlsbad Strawberry Company — but don’t get it twisted (unless it’s a pretzel). Entry is $10 and includes beer, food, music, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad and local nonprofits.
One Paseo Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 7
Sip 4-ounce pours from local breweries and dig into German-inspired bites from The Butchery. The event also features music, lawn games, and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest in Julian | Saturday, Oct. 7
Julian isn’t playing around with this festival that includes beer and German food and music. But, you will have fun with the carnival games, pie and cake walks, and bingo every hour.