Expect massive amounts of German beer, sausages and music to be consumed during Southern California Oktoberfests.
While they are all different, one that stands out is the Vegan Oktoberfest in Los Angeles.
“Our event is still the only major vegan Oktoberfest in Southern California or the entire country,” said David Edward Burke with the festival.
He said the reason behind the festival, which this year features a beer brewed with water from Iceland’s Einstok and a 101 Cider House Black Dog black cider, was vegans needed a way to experience a traditional Oktoberfest.
“With Vegan Oktoberfest anyone can put on their nonleather lederhosen, grab their beer stein, and enjoy plant-based sausage, pretzels, and strudel with a clear conscience,” Burke said. “Second, vegans needed a way to show the rest of the world how awesome they are. In many circles vegans have a bad reputation.”
Burke said about 4,000 people over two days attended last year and 3,000 attended in the festival’s first year in 2014. This year, the event will be capped at 3,000 people to make sure things “don’t get too crowded.”
“We fully expect the event to sell out beforehand so guests should definitely buy a ticket in advance or they risk missing out,” Burke said.
Some Oktoberfests start a month earlier, like the Lake Arrowhead Village event, which an organizer said is by design.
“We like to stretch it out,” said Victoria Goodglick, marketing and events manager for Lake Arrowhead Village about their event that runs from Sept. 17-Oct. 23. “It’s a super-fun event. I think last year and the previous years we were doing five weekends. This year we added one more. It’s really grown.” She said they try to make the event family-friendly and have games for kids.
“This one might be the most kid friendly-festival you’ll find,” Goodglick said, “even though we’re drinking lots of beer.”
Here are some of the larger Oktoberfest events in the area:
Alpine Village Oktoberfest
What: Bavarian fun, foods and beer return for the 49th straight year with 12-piece oompah bands from Germany, stein-holding contests, chicken dancing and more.
When: Various dates and times through Oct. 29.
Where: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance.
Admission: $8-$75 (with some days age 21 and older).
Information: www.alpinevillagecenter.com/oktoberfest
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
What: Bavarian beer and food are back for the 46th straight year with three German bands, dance groups, children’s activities and contests.
When: Various dates and times through Oct. 29.
Where: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake.
Admission: $6-$86.99.
Information: http://bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest/
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
What: German, European and craft beers on tap as well as food and contests including sausage toss, beer chug, stein-holding and more.
When: Various times and dates, Sept. 17-Oct. 23.
Where: Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead.
Admission: Free.
Information: www.lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com
King Ludwig’s Oktoberfest
What: The 27th straight year with beer, authentic food, three bands, kids zone, games and contests and weiner dog races.
When: Various times, Sept. 23-25.
Where: Noble Creek Park, 650 W. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont.
Admission: Free but $5 parking (per day). No one under age 18 unless accompanied by adult.
Information: www.bcvparks.com/special-events/oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at Fairplex
What: German oompah music (as well as tribute bands), German and local beers, German food, chicken dance, games and prizes and more.
When: 6 p.m.-midnight, Oct. 7-29.
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona.
Admission: $10 (for ages 21 and older); $15 for parking.
Information: http://fairplex.com/events/oktoberfest
Vegan Oktoberfest
What: Vegan food with traditional celebration including entertainment from The Munich Boomsteiners, Knyght Ryder, DJ Shawn Alexander and more.
When: 1-5:30 p.m. Oct. 15. Gates open at 11:45 a.m. for VIP.
Where: LA Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles.
Admission: $45 (includes 14-ounce stein, unlimited beer sampling and three full pours), $65 VIP (includes early entrance and access to VIP-only area). $20 nondrinkers. Food is not included in ticket price. For ages 21 and older.
Information: info@veganoktoberfest.com or www.veganoktoberfest.com
LB Oktoberfest
What: Traditional Oktoberfest activities include German food truck, German Oom-Pah music, Long Beach bands, sauerkraut hot dog eating contest, corn hole, giant beer pong and more.
When: Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 15.
Where: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.
Admission: $10, $25 VIP (with souvenir mug, two free beers and more). For ages 21 and older.
Information: 714-375-1123 or www.tasteofbrews.com/lboktoberfest.html
Dana Point Oktoberfest
What: German and domestic beer and food as well as music from the Warsaw Poland Bros., The Bluebirds, sausage toss, dance party, men’s and women’s beer chugging and more.
When: Noon-7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Where: Sea Terrace Park, 33501 Niguel Rd., Dana Point.
Admission: TBA, but last year was free. For all ages.
Information: www.danapointoktoberfest.com
L.A. Oktoberfest
What: German and domestic beer, hot dogs, sausages, pretzels and much more.
When: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 22-23. Check website for updates.
Where: Manhattan Beach Studios, 1600 Rosecrans Avenue Building, Manhattan Beach.
Admission: $50 (for single day via website). Includes a glass souvenir stein and unlimited refills.
Information: 213-915-8003 or www.laoktoberfest.com; www.facebook.com/oktoberfestLA; www.eventbrite.com (under LA Oktoberfest for presale link)
