Experience Oktoberfest All Over L.A.
Emily Manthei
Since the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Louis to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810, an event that coincided nicely with the invention of the first cold-weather-reliant, bottom-fermented lager beer, Germans have been drinking copious amounts of lager in October. It didn’t take long for the rest of the world to follow suit. Long after crown princes have faded from glory, lager continues to be celebrated annually in Los Angeles and many other Southern Californian cities. Spanning an über-festive stretch from September 12 to October 26, Oktoberfest L.A. will feature German food and Bavarian fashion along with funky live accordion-playing, lots of monster-mugs filled with bottom-fermented lager, and probably some enthused recaps of Germany’s World Cup victory. The event also reminds us that when beer is involved, it’s really not that hard to learn a foreign language. Ich liebe Deutschland!
Founded in 1968, the Alpine Village Center in Torrance hosts the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California with a biergarten dedicated to the occasion. On weekends the stage lights up with oom-pa-pah bands and German zuper-stars leading the charge as revelers eat würst, drink Warsteiner and Konig bier and raise their steins in an epic challenge. Participants are encouraged to embrace Bavaria by donning lederhosen, dirndls, boots and electric blonde wigs, as nearby shops at Alpine Village are a great resource for fashion accessories.
L.A. Oktoberfest, Beverly Hills
Fans of German lager, sausage and schnitzel unite on October 4th and 5th to drink bier and listen to a lineup of specialty techno-spinning DJs, sing along with wandering accordion-players, and watch Bavarian dancers at the Beverly Hills Country Club. With nearly 30 beers to taste and a stein-holding contest that will have you on the edge of your seat till the last stein oberflächens, this weekend is sure to excite even the most stoic drinker. Proceeds from the two-day event will support Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, a nonprofit that focuses on helping children with mental health issues.
German-loving revelers take over San Fernando Boulevard between Olive and Angeleno Avenues on October 18, where bier, festive steins and entertainment will be overflowing all throughout the day. Enjoy live music while picking up a souvenir glass or a swag bag loaded with special offers.
The Old World, Huntington Beach
Orange County’s favorite Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach kicks off on September 14 and runs until November 2 with lots of lager tasting, food trucks and German bands. Get ready for bratwürst, bier galore and “Herbmeister,” the jolly MC who will host all the games and festivities. Don’t miss any of the weekend fun, especially the parade on September 28.
Year-round German restaurant and biergarten Wirtshaus breaks in Oktoberfest on September 20 at 3 p.m. with a German mystery guest to tap the ceremonial first keg of the season. Delightful Überraschung lager will be served on the house for all dining customers until the complimentary keg runs dry. Staff will be decked out in their own Bavarian-wear while customer kostümes are rewarded with prizes. Live German musik will be a fixture every weekend through November 1, and food and drink specials will change weekly.
L.A.’s longest-running German gasthaus is an Eastside favorite and year-round gathering place for the Deutsch. For Oktoberfest from September 21 to October 6, they’ll serve up a traditional menu of würst, cabbage, potato pancakes, bread and bier. Best of all, the pub will host a contest for stein designs, and the winner will be featured on event-specific steins available for biergarten drinking and purchase through Oktoberfest.
Events featured in this article last from September 12 through October 26. Visit each venue’s website for more information about scheduled events.