Best Places in Los Angeles to Celebrate Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest originated in Germany as a way for people to celebrate the wonder that is beer, but of course, Oktoberfest made its way to L.A. and there are more than a handful of places to celebrate and have fun around the city and beyond. Whether it’s high in the mountains or near the coast, these are the best places to hit up for those looking to celebrate Oktoberfest this season.

For eight years Alpine Village down in Torrance have been putting on one of the coolest Oktoberfest events around. Some say it could even be mistaken for one taking place in Germany itself. Traditional beer will be flowing from Sept. 11 through the end of October. Other than the drinks, there will be bratwurst and Polish sausages and live music daily courtesy of oom-pah-pah bands. The best part is this is an affordable time out. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and those interested in checking this out are advised to buy in advance online because this is an insanely popular event.

Those who aren’t afraid of a little drive and who want to get out of the city one weekend may want to check out the 45th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. Scale the beautiful mountains and head to this one where the Bavarian food will be heavily dishes out along with brews. If Bavarian food doesn’t sound good, they have American cuisine will be available too along with beer garden, contests, dance performances and more. That all gets underway Sept. 12 and lasts through Halloween. Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach starts and ends just a day later from Sept. 13 through Nov. 1. Like the others, it will have plenty of beer and grub, but what makes this special is the Dachshund races.

One thing that Angel City Brewery has that is unlike the rest is a best dressed competition, so make sure to head out in the best lederhosen and dirndls to take home the big prize. Other contests that day include sauerkraut eating with some of the best live polka music in town.

Montrose Oktoberfest out in Glendale is a huge community event that brings out any and everyone in the area. It’s been around almost 40 years and is a local tradition and always has beer, live entertainment and more that brings people together starting Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. Another quick event that won’t be around too long is Vegan Oktoberfest the first weekend of October at L.A. Center Studios. This one is for those Angelenos who aren’t down with the traditional meats of the festivities. In addition, some of the proceeds from tickets sales go towards Expand Animal Rights Now. If tradition and veganism isn’t high on the list, then head to Los Angeles Oktoberfest that first weekend of October. Beer will be on tap, and they’ve promised “the hottest buxom beer maidens” around. It’s a typical L.A. party with a German twist.

Last on the list is Oktoberfest at Fairplex. Like the Alpine Village, they’ll have their own oom-pah-pah bands as well as plenty of contests with great prizes, as well as chicken dancing – now that’s all them. That gets underway Oct. 9 and lasts through Oct. 24.

From traditional and vegan celebrations to L.A. parties, this year the City of Angels has more than enough options to head out and get down for Oktoberfest.