Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? Other than reason for good times, food, great music, drinking beers, and all the fun festivities, do we need any other reason?
In case you were wondering how the tradition started before enjoying the festivities, Oktoberfest began in Munich, Germany. On October 12, of 1810 the Crown Prince Ludwig, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen married. The citizens of Munich were all invited to attend the Royal Event held in front of the city gates and join in the festivities. From then on, it became an event to be celebrated annually, and thanks to migrant Germans that have passed on their traditions to future generations, Oktoberfest is now celebrated worldwide. The Event traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday of October.
Oktoberfest in California
Enjoy a day at one of the celebrations of Oktoberfest in California. The state of has the largest population claiming German heritage which is around 5 million people. It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of places north and south of the state where you can celebrate Oktoberfest. Whether you are in Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco you can find yourself a great place where you can celebrate the Holiday. Here’s a list of a few places to consider:
Oktoberfest at Fairplex – Pomona, CA – Oct 4 to Oct 19, 2019
This event is only for 21+ and held on Friday and Saturdays. The home of the L.A. County Fair at the Fairplex, brings you their Los Angeles Oktoberfest with beer, plenty of German food, Bavarian music, and games.
Alpine Village Oktoberfest – Torrance, CA – Oct 4 to Oct 27, 2019
Oktoberfest has been celebrated at Alpine Village for nearly 50 years. It is one of the best ranked places to celebrate the event as stated by USA Today. It is the most popular Los Angeles Oktoberfest and its on held weekends in October in a 32,000 square foot tent. Tables are on a first come first served basis – there are no reservations. Kids are welcomed as well those under 12 dressed in dirndls and lederhosen get in free on Sundays!
Montrose Oktoberfest – Montrose, CA – Oct 5, 2019
The Annual outdoor event is the largest of the City of Glendale and the Foothills. Aside from German bands, games, beer and dancing, there’s sausage eating, Little Miss Oktoberfest as well.
The Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – San Diego Oct 11 to Oct 12, 2019
Southern California salutes to the celebration of German culture, fun filled for adults with live entertainment. Mark your calendar this beach side festival will be located on Newport Ave & Abbott St. in Ocean Beach, San Diego.
La Mesa Oktoberfest – La Mesa, CA – Oct 4 to Oct 6, 2019
Hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association this event attracts 200,000 people to the 3 day festival. German food, beer, entertainment and childrens’ activities.
Oktoberfest On The Lake – Oct 5, 2019 Oakland, CA
Hosted by Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill. Enjoy handcrafted brews, and great food!
Oktoberfest in Las Vegas
While the biggest event is in Munich, Germany, there are some great places to celebrate the German Holiday in Las Vegas. Although we all know Las Vegas knows how to party we’re here just in case you need some guidance on where to go for Oktoberfest with a taste of German ambiance. Here’s our list:
Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest – Las Vegas, NV – Sep 13 to Oct 31,
It’s a replicate of the world famous Munich beer hall. There’s going to be nightly food specials on traditional German dishes including schnitzel, bratwurst, and schweinshaxe. They have contests Friday and Saturday nights and live traditional Bavarian music to set you in the right mood. Performers include The Australian Bee Gees (Oct. 11), Anthony Cools (Saturday, Oct. 12), Chippendales (Oct.18), Zowie Bowie (Saturday, Oct. 19), Murray SawChuck (Oct. 25). This is one of the more popular places to go to for locals especially during the month of October.
Oscar Wilde once said that to live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.
The German-American Social Club will celebrate Oktoberfest from 6 to 10 p.m Oct. 4 and 3 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5 with authentic German food, live music and German dancers. The party is open to the public.
Downtown Brew Festival is hosting it’s 8th Annual Event featuring 200 craft beers, over 65 breweries, live music, and culinary artists in Clark County Amphitheater on 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. On October 19, 2019 join one of the locals most yearly celebrated festivities which starts at 5:00 PM and entry from $40 to $90 for VIP.
PKWY TAVERN on Flamingo is for those who are a little bit more adventurous! They’re doing their first Annual 1 mile and 5k beer run on October 5, 2019, prices start at $30. Don’t just run, drink beer while doing it! Guests are given a 12 oz beer every quarter mile until they’ve reached the finish line where they would receive a medal for their derisive efforts. Event starts at 8:00 AM! Get ready to have fun!
Gordon Biersch in Las Vegas is also bringing an authentic Oktoberfest experience. Now until October 6 be prepared to be transported to Munich with one of the most authentic Oktoberfest fare and freshly tapped Festbier which is Gordon Biersch’s house-brewed amber lager with a slightly sweet toasted maltiness, balanced by spice of German Hersbrucker Hops. Menu items include chicken schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst sliders, Marzen BBQ bacon burger, and pumpkin cheesecake.
Oktoberfest beer festival and live Entertainment in downtown Las Vegas happening this October 5, 2019 starts at 4:00 PM at Llama Lot, 900 Fremont Street. Tickets start at $35-$45. The even will have plenty of live entertainment, games and bottomless beers! Tickets doesn’t include food but there will be food trucks there for purchase.
If you’ve never been to an Oktoberfest event and want to have a good time with your friends and make new ones while drinking a few. I suggest you discover what its all about. Go out there live have fun and be safe!