Get your dancing shoes and lederhosen ready! The longstanding tradition of La Mesa Oktoberfest returns to San Diego's East County to the tree lined avenues of La Mesa Village from Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1. This free-to-attend, all ages event draws over 100,000 people from across San Diego for three days of fun, music, delectable food, and of course - plenty of German beer!
This year’s lineup is jam-packed with plenty of live music across two stages that are sure to get you inspired to bust out your best chicken dance. Soak in the La Mesa sun as you watch the best German performances, local and regional bands that San Diego has to offer. To get you in the mood to knock back a stein, there will be German Polka bands the Kalifornia Krautz and Bavarian Beer Garden Band playing throughout the weekend, as well as local acts. In between chicken dances, be sure to stop by the Hofbrauhaus Biergarten for a cold pint or the Oktoberfest Craft Beer & Spirits Lounge for a selection of craft cocktails and craft beers.
On Saturday and Sunday of the festival, a collection of brass musicians will lead a musical processional down the Hauptstrasse (Main Street) of the La Mesa Oktoberfest to kick off the Glücklich Games! Activities will include beer stein races, beer barrel rolls, and keg bowling. Enter solo or gather the crew to compete for prizes and bragging rights. There will also be a German car show, featuring a display of beautiful classic and modern German makes such as, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
Kinder of all ages are invited to the Kinder Garden for plenty of family friendly activities throughout the weekend. Head to the children’s stage for a variety of contests and activities such as brat eating competitions, tug-o-war, plenty of chicken dancing, scavenger hunts, and more. Kids will also be invited to participate in hands-on activities, interactive art and learning stations, and can even make their own Lebkuchen (decorated gingerbread cookie). To top off a full line up of kids activities, there will also be a new carnival for the family to enjoy with classic carnival games and rides for all ages.
Don’t miss this time honored tradition as downtown La Mesa is transformed into a German paradise. The La Mesa Oktoberfest is presented by the La Mesa Village Association. For more information visit lamesaoktoberfest.org. Learn more about the La Mesa Village Association at lmvma.com.
