Encinitas Oktoberfest​ And Artisan Faire Returns Sept. 24

ENCINITAS, CA — Oktoberfest is around the corner, which means the Encinitas Oktoberfest and Artisan Faire is just weeks away.

The 27th annual event, scheduled Sept. 24, will feature German food, two beer gardens, a family fun zone, street performers, games and prizes, and an artisan craft fair featuring more than 200 local vendors and Encinitas businesses.

Hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, the family- and pet-friendly regional festival will also offer live entertainment, including Bavarian music and dance troupes. A ceremonial parade is scheduled for noon.

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the free event celebrating German roots and culture, according to organizers.

The Encinitas Oktoberfest coincides with the official Oktoberfest celebration in Germany, which takes place from Sept. 16 through Oct. 3. The German roots of Encinitas stem from the northeastern colony of Olivenhain, which was founded by German farmers in 1884, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

The Encinitas Oktoberfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Rambling and Wandering roads.

A free shuttle will run to and from the Flora Vista Elementary School parking lot to the corner of Mountain Vista and Wandering Road from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parking for bicycles will be available at each end of the event.