California brings Bavarian flair to the West Coast by hosting Oktoberfest at multiple venues. The tradition began in 1970 when German immigrants in Big Bear revitalized their festive culture. They blended local influences with their heritage and created lively celebrations across the state that preserved their ancestral legacy. These annual celebrations now attract crowds dressed in Bavarian outfits, eager to join in the vibrant cultural exchange. Oktoberfest in California is celebrated in Big Bear Lake, Fairplex, San Francisco, Los Angeles, along with many others.
Major Celebrations of Oktoberfest in California
Today, from mountain retreats to beachside towns, the state hosts a unique Oktoberfest experience at over 10 venues. Their diverse scheduling during the fall season allows you to plan your visits around multiple weekends and explore different local flavors and atmospheres.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Big Bear is celebrating its 55th annual Oktoberfest celebration for nine consecutive weekends. It provides a musical atmosphere created by three bands flown directly from Germany. The event holds the title for California's longest-running beer fest and delivers an immersive Alpine experience to all its attendees right in the heart of beautiful mountains. Here, you will also have the taste of authentic German imported beers and delicious Bavarian cuisine.
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Location: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake, CA
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Dates: September 6 to November 8, 2025
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Ticket: General admission, VIP experiences, and party events.
Old World Village Oktoberfest
Old World Village Oktoberfest hosts a designated schedule to provide a versatile experience to people of all ages. Family daytime hours to adult evening hours. This is the largest party in Orange County, held at the city’s Biergarten. The festival features the best voted “Bratwurst” in California and the traditional oompah musical concerts by the European band The Blue Birds & Marko. Moreover, visitors can explore eateries like Grinderz and Esther’s Places or boutique and craft vendors within the Old World Village. Before you visit with family, you must check out the event age policy.
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Location: 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
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Dates: Sept 7 to Nov 9, 2025
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Ticket: Wednesdays & Thursdays—Free entry, Friday costs $10 - $40, Saturday daytime is free, but evenings require $15 - $45, Sundays cost you $10 - $15, with children under 12 free.
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Experience the Hofbrauhaus Biergarten in La Mesa's historic downtown at its 51st transformation into a German festival this year. This free Oktoberfest event offers three days of non-stop live entertainment by local and regional bands, playing traditional Polkas to Indie rock. Attendees with a Biergarten pass have access to all three unique gardens serving authentic Bavarian culinary delights and complementary beers. Apart from these, visit with your families, as the festival hosts Glucklich games, art stations for kids, and carnival rides.
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Location: 8361 Allison Avenue in La Mesa, CA
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Dates: October 3-5, 2025
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Ticket: Free admission, Biergarten entry for $8, and packages for $10–$50.
Oktoberfest in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, Southern California, celebrates Oktoberfest at various locations, including Fairplex and LA Beer Fest.
Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Fairplex will host its 13th annual Oktoberfest celebration in Pomona in 2026. It’s a three-week long festival that takes place over the weekends in October. The festival features authentic German brews, hearty cuisine, and lively entertainment across multiple weekends. The event transforms the fairgrounds into a Bavarian celebration complete with traditional music performed by The Rheinlanders, festive competitions including stein-holding and beer chugging contests, and an exciting Festplatz Stage with rotating bands each weekend. Guests can also enjoy the Das Kär Show, which features over 40 vintage Volkswagen Beetles and other German-made automobiles. The festival offers multiple entertainment areas, including the Oktoberfest Halle and Black Forest Tanzhalle, creating an immersive Alpine atmosphere for all attendees.
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Location: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA
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Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, October 4-26, 2025 (6:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
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Ticket: General admission starting at $16 (Fridays) and $25 (Saturdays) online and at the gate.
LA Beer Fest - Oktoberfest Edition
Los Angeles hosts its largest craft beer festival with a Bavarian twist at LA Center Studios, featuring 50 local breweries alongside a special Bavarian beer village with over 30 German beers. The festival includes performances by Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts and features food from a dozen of LA's best food trucks. The event offers two sessions daily, with general admission tickets including unlimited beer tastings, while Connoisseur's Tickets provide exclusive air-conditioned bathrooms, an indoor/outdoor event deck, and access to limited beers not available to general admission.
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Location: Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA
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Dates: Saturday, October 11, 2025 (Two sessions: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
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Ticket: General admission and Connoisseur's tickets ($90) with premium perks and commemorative steins.
Oktoberfest in San Francisco, CA
Oktoberfest on Front
Downtown San Francisco celebrates its second annual Oktoberfest on Front, a free all-day block party hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership, marking the first anniversary of California's first-ever Entertainment Zone where bars can sell to-go alcoholic beverages. The celebration features San Francisco's oldest Bavarian beer hall, Schroeder's, along with Harrington's Bar & Grill and Royal Exchange. Attendees can enjoy over 70 beers on tap, German food specials, live music performances by Ladyhosen and Pop Rocks, plus traditional beer hall games including stein holding and beer chugging competitions, axe throwing, and beer pong. Funcheap Guests who purchase food or drinks receive a complimentary Alpine hat while supplies last.
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Location: 240 Front Street, Downtown San Francisco, CA
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Dates: Friday, September 19, 2025 (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
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Ticket: Free admission. Food and beverages available for purchase from participating Front Street bars.
Oktoberfest by the Beach
The United Irish Cultural Center hosts its 7th Annual Oktoberfest by the Beach, transforming its large bier hall into an authentic German celebration just three blocks from Ocean Beach. The event features live German music by Alpine Sound, stein-holding contests for both men and women, and authentic folk dancing performances by the Nature Friends Schuhplattler group. San Francisco Chronicle Admission includes access to all entertainment and competitions, creating a festive lakeside atmosphere that brings Bavarian tradition to the San Francisco coast. German food and beverages are available for separate purchase, with the venue accepting all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and cash.
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Location: United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
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Dates: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (4:00 PM - 10:30 PM)
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Ticket: General admission ($25-$35) and reserved table sponsorships available for groups. Age 21 and over only.
Traditional Offerings at California Oktoberfest Celebrations
Expect a full lineup of German traditions at every event. From schnitzels and sauerkraut to imported steins of Märzen beer, California Oktoberfests aim to recreate a slice of Bavaria.
German Spices and Beer Varieties at Oktoberfest California
German flavor dominates the menu with spice blends used in sausages and marinated pork dishes. You will find all the specialties of the OG Munich festival in California’s Oktoberfests. These include:
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Brats and knockwursts
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Pretzels sprinkled with salt
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Apple strudel
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Schweinshaxe
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Schnitzel
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Potato salad
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Lebkuchen
Beer varieties frequently served at Oktoberfest celebrations include Marzen and local craft brews. Some may even feature authentic drinks imported from German breweries like Spaten, Hofbrau, and Warsteiner in a special designated seating and inclusive packages.
Oktoberfest California Entertainment Options
The festivals have a musical lineup schedule with authentic German and European bands at multiple stages on days and weekends. Groups like AlpineSound, Die Aalbachtaler, and the Johnny Neri Band also energize the atmosphere with folk dances and traditional Schuhplattler. They play all traditional pops and classics to make your cultural experience unforgettable.
Oktoberfest California Contests and Competitions
The German celebrations in California feature engaging games that add challenging excitement to the festivities. The most popular competitions include stein-holding, log sawing, and Oktoberfest Queen-stein carrying, which test participants’ strength. Moreover, some events host the Wiener Toss and Yodeling contests.
Oktoberfest California Kid-friendly Activities
La Mesa features a Kinder Karneval, which includes inflatable games and mini golf to attract younger visitors. They also include face painting and art stations. Big Bear Oktoberfest even hosts a children’s costume contest on its final Sunday as part of a German Spooktacular.
Dress Code for Oktoberfest California
There is no strict dress code for California Oktoberfests, but traditional German attire is highly encouraged to enhance the overall cultural experience and honor the roots. This includes lederhosen for men and dirndl for women, paired with classic accessories. Don’t miss out on winning the best-dressed title with Oktoberfest outfits. You can also join in the festivities in casual dress.
Tips for Having the Best Oktoberfest Experience in California
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Book tickets in advance for VIP sections or reserved tables.
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Check the official festival website to help plan your visit.
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Keep yourself hydrated while drinking beer.
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Bring cash and a card to avoid hassle.
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Participate in competitions to add fun to your visit.
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Use public transport or ridesharing to enjoy drinks worry-free.