We know, we know: summer has barely gone by and we're already thinking about Oktoberfest. But who could fault us for wanting an ice cold beer in one of LA's best biergartens right now, with this triple digit heat bearing down on our city? A few boozy festivities dedicated to the German holiday are kicking off this weekend, complete with steins filled to the brim and Bavarian music galore. Jump into your lederhosen, brush up on your German and check out the following fests for an excellent weekend. Prost!
What: Alpine Village Oktoberfest (Torrance)
When: 9/11-10/31. Fri 6pm-Midnight; Sat 5pm-Midnight; Sun 1-6pm
Details: As the oldest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California, Alpine Village has the almost two-month long party down to a science. There will be beer (Warsteiner from Germany, as well as local craft beers), food from the Steinhaus Restaurant, an oompah band and all the singing and dancing you could ever want.
What: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (Big Bear Lake)
When: 9/12-10/31. Sat Noon-Midnight; Sun Noon-5:30pm
Details: Head to the mountains for the 45th annual Oktoberfest at Big Bear Lake, where you'll be able to clink steins every weekend from now until the end of October. There will be beer flowing, a Hans' German Cantina, and plenty of knockwursts, plus a special Oktoberfest "Unplugged" on 10/16, where guests will be treated to a five-course German beer pairing dinner, live entertainment, a commemorative stein and weekend access to the fest.
What: Old World Oktoberfest (Huntington Beach)
When: 9/13-11/1. Wed & Thu 6:30-10:30pm; Fri & Sat 6:30pm-1am; Sun 2-7:30pm
Details: Beers, brats, babes and bands—it's all at Huntington Beach's Old World Village, where Oktoberfest will be in full swing starting this weekend. If you have little ones in tow, Sundays at Kinderfest are great for keeping both the kids and adults busy. Also on Sunday: Dachshund racing. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pup).
Not able to make it this weekend? Mark your calendar for these events starting next weekend and continuing throughout October:
What: Oktoberfest Kick-Off-Party at Wirtshaus (La Brea)
When: 9/19 at 3pm
Details: The German beer hall is kicking off drinking season (though isn’t it always drinking season at a beer hall?) by tapping the ceremonial Oktoberfest keg, which will be free to attendees until it runs dry. Enjoy live music, some brats (not free, but necessary for soaking up that alcohol) and drink like a German. Reservations can be made at 323-931-9291 or info@wirtshausla.com.
What: Oktoberfest at Angel City Brewery (DTLA)
When: 9/20 at Noon-8pm
Details: The brewery’s annual celebration will feature the release of Angel City’s 2015 Oktoberfest beer and a Marzen style lager, along with authentic German food, live entertainment (including a polka band, obviously), a sauerkraut eating contest and prizes for the best lederhosen and dirndls. Steins will be hoisted, pretzels will be eaten, and regrettable decisions may or may not be made.
What: Vegan Oktoberfest (DTLA)
When: 10/3-10/4 at 1-5pm
Details: Vegetarians who are feeling a little overwhelmed with the sausage-centric festivities can breathe easier at Vegan Oktoberfest, where over 30 different food vendors (Sage, Donut Friend, The Springs and more) and 50 different beers will be on hand. Dance to live oompah music and try your luck in a stein holding contest at this annual festival.
What: Oktoberfest at Fairplex (Fairplex)
When: 10/9-10/25. Fri & Sat 6pm-Midnight; Sun Noon-6pm
Details: Home of the LA County Fair, Fairplex turns into a German wonderland for Oktoberfest with Bavarian music, beer and plenty of chicken dancing. Sink your teeth into bratwurst, knockwurst and sweet corn while knocking back authentic German suds.