WALNUT CREEK, CA — In Munich, Oktoberfest begins on the first Saturday after Sept. 15 and ends on the first Sunday in October. Munich's mayor launches the Oktoberfest by tapping the first beer keg at noon and announcing the festival has geöffnet.
In Contra Costa, towns are setting their own pace and traditions, one town after another.
September festivals will fill Concord and Walnut Creek with German beer, Bavarian dancing, live bands, food, and family activities.
In Concord, Side Gate opens the Oktoberfest season before Walnut Creek welcomes thousands for beer, music, food, and contests.
Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden will give each Oktoberfest ticket holder a free beer stein, a first pour, and an Oktoberfest beer to-go when the Concord brewery hosts its fifth annual celebration Sept. 12.
The event, among the Bay Area's first Oktoberfest celebrations of the 2026 season, will run from noon to 10 p.m. at 1822 Grant St. Admission costs $25.
Side Gate will pour four newly brewed German beers: Dark Bark, a black lager; ValHelles, a Munich helles; Oktoberfence, a festbier; and Actively Chillen', a Kolsch.
Stein-holding competitions and live bands will entertain guests throughout the event.
La Kura Food Truck will serve a German-inspired menu that includes schnitzel sandwiches and beer cheese fries made with Side Gate's Kolsch. The brewery will also offer family-friendly activities, including face painting.
Guests can purchase tickets through Side Gate Brewery's Oktoberfest website.
Walnut Creek Oktoberfest will follow Sept. 25 and 26 at Civic Park East, where the Walnut Creek Downtown Association expects more than 15,000 guests for German food, festive drinks, live entertainment, and activities for the over and under 21 set.
The festival will expand its Chillgarten, a relaxed lounge for guests 21 and older. The lounge will feature specialty cocktails and a dedicated bar, while German beer and local craft brews will flow throughout the festival.
The entertainment lineup will bring German bands, Bavarian folk dancers, and music to multiple stages. Nature Friends Schuhplattler Dancers, BlowMusik, and Deutscher Musik Verein San Francisco will perform alongside Mad Apple, The Ripplers, and the Dive Bombers.
"From the reimagined Chillgarten to the lively music and family traditions, Oktoberfest makes you want to stick around for a while, raise a stein, and enjoy the fun," Walnut Creek Downtown Association Executive Director Kathy Hemmenway said in an announcement.
The festival will hold stein-holding, yodeling, and costume contests Friday and Saturday. Dozens of artisan and food vendors will serve German cuisine and Bay Area favorites.
Kinder Karneval will offer giant slides, train rides, mini-golf, games, and family entertainment. The kid- and dog-friendly festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Festival admission is free. Drink packages start at $12, and organizers will sell Kinder Karneval wristbands onsite.
Drivers can park for $10 at 1111 Civic Drive or use nearby street parking and garages. Guests can also walk less than 10 minutes from BART or use the free bike valet from the Iron Horse Trail.
The festival will post its entertainment lineup and additional information at walnutcreekdowntown.com.
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