Oktoberfest 2024: Where to celebrate in Southern California

Oktoberfest in Southern California is a long goodbye to summer.

While inspired by the folk festival in Munich, local celebrations have taken on their own vibe. After all, they’re a lot closer, and in some cases on, the beach.

The biggest events, in Big Bear and Huntington Beach, kick off this weekend and run through early November.

Look for plenty of Bavarian touches, such as authentic German beers, oompah bands, big beer steins, dirndl and lederhosen. But you’ll also find the chicken dance and even a tiki bar, as well as several local craft brews.

Some celebrations are family affairs with kids activities and fun zones, while others are adults-only. Also, a few are cash-only or cashless events. Check out the details before you commit.

Here are some events to look for throughout Southern California.

Multiweek festivals

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Convention Center of Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake; 909-585-3000, bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest; weekends, Sept. 7-Nov. 2.

The 54th annual festival will have four outside beer gardens, including a tiki bar and two full-service bars within the convention center.

German foods will include bratwurst, knockwurst and apple strudel.

Entertainment will be a mix of Southern California oompah bands and three bands from Germany performing two weekends each. Pastimes will include log sawing, stein holding, wall climbing and inflatables for the kids.

General admission tickets range from $28.68-$34.01, depending on the weekend.

Admission will be free for current and former U.S. military, firefighters, law enforcement and frontline health workers opening weekend, Sept. 7-8, as well as Sept. 14-15 and Nov. 2. Immediate family members and significant others can get in at a discount.

Fairplex presents Oktoberfest

Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona; fairplex.com/events/oktoberfest; Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 4-26.

This event with German food and music. is for guests 21 years and older. Tickets are $14-$23, depending on the day, and are cheaper online. The Fairplex is a card-only facility.

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest

Waterfront Park, Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200  State Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead; lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com; Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 14-Oct. 27.

The festival has a new location that was formerly Lollipop Park in Lake Arrowhead Village. Parking and admission are free, but pub and picnic tables can be reserved for $25-$100. Beer costs a flat rate of $15 a cup, unlike starter packages of prior years. Entertainment includes oompah bands, dance parties and kids games. This is a cash-only event.

Old World Village Oktoberfest

Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., No. 49, Huntington Beach; oldworldhb.com; Wednesdays through Sundays, Sept. 8-Nov. 3.

Entertainment includes oompah bands, and food includes sausage and a pretzel and charcuterie board. Admission is free Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets for Friday through Sunday are $10-$45, depending on time and day. Most events are all ages, but Friday and Saturday evenings are for adults age 21 and older. Seating is first-come, first-served without table reservations.

There will be more going on at Old World Village. The restaurant, which serves schnitzel and sausage, is not part of the festival, but reservations are available.

Wiener dog races will take place Sept. 8 and Sept. 22.

But first comes a week of cover bands called Rockoberfest. It runs  through Sept. 7.

Santa Anita Oktoberfest 

Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia; santaanita.com/event/entertainment/oktoberfest; noon-4:30 p.m. Oct 12-13, Oct. 19-20.

In addition to horse racing, there will be live music, costumes, games and beer. General admission is $26 through Sept. 22 and $38 after that. Tickets include a $5 betting voucher.

Single day or weekend festivals

Hermosa Beach Oktoberfest 

Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Avenue between 10th and 14th streets and Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach; locale90254.com; noon-8 p.m. Sept. 28-29.

Family-friendly event with German food, carnival rides and contests. Dogs and costumes are allowed. The event is free, but beer tent admission is $20 plus fees. Beer tickets are $8 for a 16-ounce pour.

Los Angeles Beer Festival

Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles; labeerfest.la; noon-8 p.m. Oct. 12.

Organizers promise the event will have a Oktoberfest presence with a Bavarian beer village. More than 70 craft breweries will be represented and there will be a fleet of food trucks. General admission is $50 and includes samples. This is a 21-and-older event.

Montrose Oktoberfest

2200-2400 blocks, Honolulu Ave., Montrose; oktoberfest.montrosechamber.org; noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 5.

Admission is free at this family event, but food, drinks, rides and games are paid for with a ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website.

Night Market Oktoberfest, Mission Viejo

25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo; eventbrite.com; 5-9 p.m. Sept. 21.

Festivities include live entertainment, games, food vendors and photo ops. Admission is free. Reservations are available at Eventbrite.

Redlands Oktoberfest

Sylvan Park, 601 University St., Redlands; redlandsoktoberfest.com; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 5-6.

All-ages event with German music, a kids zone and pastimes such as ax throwing, giant Jinga and Hammerschlagen. Six local breweries will have a presence. General admission is $10

Simi Valley Oktoberfest

Lemon Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley; simioktoberfest.com; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 5.

Festivities include German music, beer and gaming tables. This event is for people age 21 and older. General admission is $40 plus fees and includes beer.