Raise a Stein at These 7 Los Angeles Oktoberfest Celebrations

Amanda Nolan

Oktoberfest is a German tradition that started way back in 1810 in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen and King Ludwig I. The spirit of Oktoberfest has carried over to American culture, and Los Angeles knows how to celebrate. Several venues through September and October are hosting festivals featuring spicy brats, lively oompah music, frosty steins, and of course, delicious beer. Here’s a guide to a few top spots to sport your lederhosen.

9/9–10/29 Alpine Village
The renowned Alpine Oktoberfest at the Alpine Village in Torrance is the classic choice. The longest running and biggest Oktoberfest in Los Angeles, they have everything you could want to party, German-style. It’s an adults-only event on Fridays and Saturdays, but kids can come on “Family Sundays.” A Dine, Stein, No Line! Package gets you the VIP treatment with immediate entry and a commemorative ceramic stein. Keep the party going after midnight at the Alpine Steinhouse Restaurant; the after party is free with your day ticket. The event will be stocked with Warsteiner beers and authentic German eats.

9/11–10/30 Old World Oktoberfest
If you are down in Orange County, get the prime Oktoberfest experience at the Old World in Huntington Beach. You can’t beat the Bavarian atmosphere. Walking through the little village feels like stepping into a storybook, but with the addition of their famous bratwurst and costumed shot girls. Some of the activities include Dachshund races and an Oktoberfest Parade. The rest of the festival will be buzzing with German beers and live music.

10/7–10/8 + 10/14–10/15 +10/21–10/22 + 10/28–10/29 Oktoberfest at the Fairplex
Taking over the Los Angeles fairgrounds, festival goers can enjoy games, prizes, and oompah music (who’s game for the Chicken Dance?). There will be several options to wet your whistle, including German Hefeweizens and Oktoberfest brews. Beyond the brat, they will have knockwurst, sweet corn, potato pancakes, potato salad, pretzels, and pickles. Music will accommodate different tastes: DJ Schlagen and traditional German group, The Rheinlanders, will be performing each night of the event. If classic rock is more your thing, Led Zepagain, DSB, and Queen Nation will also be performing.

10/15 Vegan Oktoberfest
So usually vegan isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Oktoberfest, but they now have a seat at the table. In its third year, vegans can indulge too at the Vegan Oktoberfest. Selections are not a problem; the event will have over 50 different beers and ciders, and even better the pours are unlimited. California brewing companies Lagunitas, The Dudes, and Coronado will be present. Multiple food vendors with vegan offerings include Southern Fried Vegan, The Lobos Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Dogtown Dogs (soy style), and more. Participate in the stein holding contest or the costume contest. Playing the one-day event is Bavarian folk band The Munich Boomsteiners as well as ’80s and ‘90s tribute band Knyght Ryder.

10/15 Long Beach Oktoberfest
For one October Saturday, beer lovers can go to the Shoreline Aquatic Park for the Long Beach Oktoberfest. All 12-ounce beers are only five bucks a pop and the festivities include Giant Jenga, hula hooping, and a stein holding contest. Besides the traditional music, the event will feature a few local Long Beach bands. Pair your beer pours with snacks from the German-themed food trucks. 

10/21–10/23 Los Angeles Oktoberfest
Dirndle-dressed beer maids will be ready to serve some brews at the Los Angeles Oktoberfest. The event is located at Manhattan Beach Studios in Manhattan Beach. They offer different tickets options; a general admission pass will get you a glass stein full of beer and $10 refills. You can also get a $50 four-hour pass, buying you unlimited pours to fill your souvenir stein. The festival comes with all the usual trimmings: German sausages, pretzels, and a few drinking songs.

10/22–10/23 Oktoberfest DTLA
Pershing Square will host an Oktoberfest in downtown Los Angeles. Spend the fall weekend in their Beer garden, listening to live music and dancing the beer calories off. General admission is free. For beer tastings, assorted sampling packages are available. The VIP package will snag you a few Oktoberfest munchies like pretzels and sliders; but all attendees will have the chance to purchase sausages, authentic German desserts, and more.