Oktoberfest 2017 - Festivities Near You

With the start of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, last weekend, the beer festival season has officially begun. While Oktoberfest in Munich however lasts only for about two weeks, many celebrations around here run for more than a month!

No need to fly out to Munich therefore. Catch some Oktoberfest spirit right here in California, possibly even in a neighborhood near you. Following, find some Oktoberfest suggestions that might pique your interest. Check them out below!

Southern California

- Oktoberfest at the PHOENIX CLUB in Anaheim -

The Phoenix Club in Anaheim features Orange County’s oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest. OKTOBERFEST 2017 will take place every weekend Sept 22-Oct 29!

Join the party and enjoy authentic delicious German food (including Schweinshaxen and bread dumpling), a great selection of imported German beer on tap, 'Polkas and Prosts' in the 12,000 sq. ft. Festzelt and an acre of Biergarten. “We will have you Partying like a German!” is the motto.
Traditional bands play every day! The Schuhplattler perform Saturdays and Sundays.

SHOOTING GALLERY: The Phoenix Schützen (traditional air rifle club) will have their rifle range open to the public on Saturdays (6:00 PM) and Sundays (1:00 PM) Oct. 1 – Oct 29.
PONY RIDES: the Club's neighbors at the Del Rio Stables and Equestrian Center will host $5.00 Pony Rides for the kids all Sundays in October.·
CHOO-CHOO: Sundays are family days, free 'choo-choo rides' noon to 4pm, free balloon artist from noon to 4pm

ADMISSION: $10 -Adults on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Phoenix Club members with card $5 – under 18 enter FREE!

WHEN: Sept. 22 – Oct 29, 2017
WHERE: 1340 S. Sanderson Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

- Oktoberfest at JEANETTE’s EDELWEISS in Newbury Park -

Jeanette’s Edelweiss Oktoberfest Season in Los Angeles is from 9/16/17 – 10/29/17 and Jeanette’s Edelweiss Polka Band will play polka and authentic German Oktoberfest tunes. Live Oktoberfest Tunes and International Music with Festmeister Hans & Accordion Diva Gigi will be part of it as well. Prepare yourself for lot’s of dancing & fun Oktoberfest games.

Besides Oktoberfest entertainment a real German culinary feast awaits you. Jeanette’s Edelweiss features authentic German cuisine by renowned German Chef Rocco Suckert from Cologne, Germany. Everything from German brats, Schnitzel, Sauberbraten, Ham Hocks, Rouladen and of course Pretzels and Gingerbread hearts can be yours! And you’ll have the choice of 12 imported German beers on draft.

WHEN: Sept.16 – Oct. 29, 2017

WHERE: 2160A Newbury Road, Newbury Park
ADMISSION: FREE – But Advanced Reservations are Recommended!

- EL CAJON Oktoberfest – San Diego County’s oldest and most traditional Oktoberfest -

The German American Societies of San Diego invite to their yearly traditional Oktoberfest and two weekends full of authentic foods and original entertainment.
Enjoy authentic German food, such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, pretzels, and a variety of German pastries. There will be a great selection of German beers and liquors, and soft drinks and water, to enjoy with your friends and family!
Watch traditional folk dancing performances, compete in numerous games and contests, check out vendor and craft booths, and treat your kids to their own Kids’ Zone! Bring your family and friends to El Cajon and experience a real German Oktoberfest!

ADMISSION: $10 Friday and Saturdays; $5 Sundays.

WHEN: Sept. 29, 30 and October 1 & October 6, 7 and 8, 2017
WHERE: German American Societies, 1017 S. Mollison Avenue, El Cajon, 92020

Northern California

- Oktoberfest at ESTHER’s GERMAN BAKERY in Palo Alto -

Esther’s German Bakery is celebrating its 10th annual Oktoberfest !
Oktoberfest – Kick Off is around noon on Saturday, September 30th.
A food tent will serve a delicious Oktoberfest menu and offer plenty of tables for trying the seasonal Oktoberfest beers. If you like more shade, check out the ‘Biergarten’ in the back.
For entertainment Esther’s German Bakery will have a favorite local German band playing festival songs from 3:00 – 8:00pm. Traditional German beer games are on the plan all night long.

On Sunday, in case you missed Saturday’s main event, the bakery will be hosting a Hangover Brunch. Both the front patio and back biergarten will be open. It’ll be back to the daily menu then, but you’ll still have plenty of seasonal beer choices and tasty German treats, and German music will of course welcome you inside. Make it an Oktoberfest weekend!!!

WHEN: Oktoberfest Day is on Saturday Sept.30 with the ‘Hangover Brunch’ following Oct. 1, 2017
WHERE: 987 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022
ENTRANCE: Free

- SCHUG WINERY – SONOMA – The Oktoberfest serving wine! -

Beer is not your thing, but you love wine? Try the Oktoberfest (Wine-Fest) at Schug Winery in Sonoma. Owned by a German family, Schug Winery is proud to invite to an Oktoberfest of their own kind. The winery was founded by Walter Schug, who came to CA in the 60’s to make wine European style.

Overlooking the Sonoma Valley you’ll be sipping Federweißer and enjoy plenty of traditional Oktoberfest entertainment. Get ready for Polka and accordion music, raffles for adults and children, a photo booth, bean bag toss and more, while indulging on German specialties like 'Zwiebelkuchen', German cucumber salad, potato salad, German apple strudel, sausages, and of course fresh pretzels.

Children will love the Arts & Crafts tables and will go home with a free pumpkin! Special: 'Polkageist West' is lined up for our live music.

WHEN: Sept 30 from 11am- 3:30pm
WHERE: 602 Bonneau Road in Sonoma, CA 95476.
ENTRANCE: $50 (kids 12 and under free!) – Ticket link : http://www.schugwinery.com/

- OAKLAND NATURE FRIENDS – Oktoberfest 2017 -

Die Naturfreunde Oakland invite to their yearly Oktoberfest in Oakland on October 1st, 2017!
It’s their biggest festival of the year! So, get ready for fun Oktoberfest entertainment while taking in stunning views of the Bay area. Authentic German food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day.

MUSIC & DANCING: The Bajuk Trio with the Schuhplattler Dancers performing a variety of German and Austrian folk dances. Music starts at 1pm.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: horseshoes, board games, candy roulette, playground, or just lounge in the many alpine-style sun chairs soaking up the wunderbaren views of the SF Bay!

WHEN: October 1st, 2017

ADMISSION: $15 per adult (free for kids under 14).

MORE OKTOBERFEST:

Placerville Oktoberfest – Sacramento –
Come dance zee polka at the 7th Annual Placerville Oktoberfest on historic Main Street in Placerville on Saturday, September 16th from 3-8pm—presented by the Placerville Downtown Association.
WHEN: September 16th, 2017
Admission : FREE
Oktoberfest at Old World Huntington Beach
WHEN: Sept. 10 – Oct. 29, 2017
WHERE: 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
Admission: $7-$25 tickets online or at the door
Oktoberfest at Alpine Village Torrance
WHEN: Sept 8 – Oct 28, 2017
WHERE: 833 W Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502
Admission: $10- $60 tickets online or at the door