Prosit! Oktoberfest is Here!
We all know Oktoberfest really starts in September–heck, the official kick off in Munich was September 22! But why does Oktoberfest start in September, you ask? Here’s a bit of history. The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich on October 12, 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. Eventually the date was moved forward into September, primarily because of the chilly Bavarian weather.
Residents of The Pearl, you have your marching orders. Don your dirndls, lace your lederhosen, and get ready to Oom Pah Pah!
833 W Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90502
September 7 – October 27, 2018
A little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California, Alpine Village was established in 1968 as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and has been the home of the oldest and biggest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California for 50 years. Traditional Bavarian fun is supplied by Oom Pah Pah party bands, your appetite will sated by traditional German fare, and your thirst quenched by frothy German beers brewed by Paulaner. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Alpine Village Imports Market, featuring a huge array of German foods and interesting alcoholic beverages like Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside.
BUZZ REPORT: Designated drivers can purchase special discounted tickets online or at the gate. Tickets, Designated Driver and more information here.
345 N La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, California 90036
Okterfest is in full swing at Wirtshaus, a traditional German restaurant and biergarten specializing in authentic German food, freshly tapped beer, over 35 imported German beers, and a schmecken selection of German and Austrian wines. Every Friday and Saturday night until the end of October, get your “gemütlich” on with music; Dirndl and Lederhosen, Steinholding contests; and free giveaways. The menu boasts various versions of Schnitzel, Sausages, and of course, Pretzels. The atmosphere at the Wirtshaus is fun and laid back. Hang out at the bar or enjoy yourself at one of the long wooden tables in the lush Biergarten outside. The lines can get long, so best to make reservations [email protected] or 323-931-9291
BUZZ REPORT: Plan on using a ridesharing service or enlist a designated driver.
Pershing Square
532 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
October 20 – 21, 2018
The 3rd Annual Oktoberfest is coming to Pershing Square in Downtown LA! Spend the weekend living it up during this fun, cultural event. Local beers from LA, California brews, and authentic German ales from Paulaner, the #1 Oktoberfest Beer in the World, will be available to taste or buy by the pint in the Beer Garden, along with sausages, pretzels, and of course live music and dancing! The event is 21 and over and no pets are allowed due to health department regulations. Event hours: 2pm-8pm, both Saturday, October 20 & Sunday, October 21, 2018. For tickets and more information here.
BUZZ REPORT: Go Metro! From the Vermont Metro Station, take the Red Line to Pershing Square.