Bavarian vibes are returning once again for weekend-long celebrations full of beer gardens and brats. Oktoberfest is a German tradition (which technically begins in September), but there are plenty of places in San Diego offering you the excuse to drink, dance, and avail yourself of pretzels and gingerbread. Grab your stein and prepare your yodel for a memorable weekend. Lederhosen optional.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Compete in stein-holding and bratwurst-eating contests, drink all the beer at the beer garden, and listen to free, live music all day by Ocean Beach Pier.
When: Oct. 11–12
Price: Free, $5 entry to Beer Garden
Foot of Ocean Beach Pier, 5099 Newport Avenue
Oktubrefest at Border X Brewing
This brewing company is putting their own Mexican twist on a traditional German holiday in Barrio Logan. Enjoy two days of flowing, foamy beer, custom steins, and food specials to satisfy your cravings for German grub.
When: Oct. 18–19
Price: $0–$25
2181 Logan Avenue
OctoBeerFest Street Fair
Schnitzel in hand, take in the many vendors lined up on Broadway Pier. Venture to the beer garden where you can drink some bangin’ brews.
When: Oct. 12
Price: Free, $20 entry to Beer Garden
Broadway Pier
SurftoberFest
Leave your leather lederhosen at home—grab your wetsuit instead. In addition to catching some gnarly waves, your ticket buys access to unlimited beer tastings, music, a t-shirt, and food. The proceeds help provide back surgery and other health services to veterans, economically disadvantaged persons, and animals.
When: Oct. 12
Price: $25
SpringHill Suites Oceanside, 110 N Myers Street
Oktoberfest Clean Up
After a weekend full of beer and sausages, give back to the community that has provided much more than just food and brew. This event is put on by I Love A Clean San Diego and Think Blue! with help from Thorn Brewing Company. After a day of hard work, you can celebrate with discounted brews from Thorn Brewing.
When: Oct. 26
Price: Free
1745 National Avenue
Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Diego
Photo: Shutterstock.com
