Every weekend, Southern Californians can pick the experience that suits them best. Some events lean heavily on German cuisine. Some are 21 and older, while others are family friendly. Some are in the mountains. Some are on the beach.
Most have polkas and American rock, sometimes played by the same band.
And for dog lovers, there are a lot of dachshund races.
Here are some highlights:
Multi-weekend events
Alpine Village Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest tent at Alpine Village in Torrance, CA
Dates: Sept. 7-Oct. 27
Where: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance
Tickets: $15-$75. Designated driver admission includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Information: 310-327-4384, alpinevillagecenter.com
Beer: Paulaner beer imported from Munich; Sierra Nevada; plus Ace ciders.
Food: Dinner packages available from Alpine Village Restaurant; handcrafted sausage, giant pretzels; chili cheese fries; strudel.
Entertainment: Oompah bands; rock classics.
Dates: Sept. 8-Nov. 3.
Where: Convention Center of Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake
Tickets: $8-$27.99
Information: 909-585-3000, bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest
Beer: 22 choices at four outdoor beer gardens, including Paulaner from Munich.
Food: Bratwurst, knockwurst, strudel and pretzels from German butchers and bakeries in Southern California.
Entertainment: Bands from Germany; two stages for live music and contests; carnival games for children.
Transportation: Complimentary shuttle from Big Bear Lake Village to local addresses on select nights.
Lake Arrowhead Village Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 15-Oct. 28
Where: Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 State Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead
Tickets: Free admission
Information: lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com
Beer: Spaten, Franziskaner, Stella Artois; $20 buy-in includes a stein.
Food: Bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, German potatoes, pretzels.
Entertainment: Polka and oompah bands; chugging contests.
Transportation: Trolley and shuttle bus schedules, mountaintransit.org
OCtoberfest OC
Dates: Sept. 29-Oct. 21
Where: Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Tickets: $27.50-$90; parking $15, $20
Information: octoberfestoc.com
Beer: German and Orange County craft brews.
Food: Bratwurst, schnitzel, potato salad, soft pretzels.
Entertainment: Two stages with bands, accordion music, chicken dances, beer chugging; wiener dog races on the beach.
Transportation: Partnership with Lyft; off-site parking with shuttle service.
Old World Village Oktoberfest
When: Sept. 9-Oct 28
Where: Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
Tickets: Free admission Wednesdays and Thursdays; $10-$15 weekends.
Information: 714-895-8020, oldworld.ws
Beer: Draft German brews and Jagermeister.
Food: Brats, baked chicken, burgers, hot dogs, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels.
Entertainment: German bands; Kinderfest with wiener dog races on Sundays.
Transportation: On-site parking.
One-weekend events
Sept. 21-23
Beaumont-Cherry Valley Oktoberfest: Beer and wine garden; traditional foods; live music; vendors; wiener dog races. Free admission, $5 parking. 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Noble Creek Park, 650 W. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont. bcvparks.com/oktoberfest.html
Sept. 29-30
Oktoberfest LA: Beer, bratwurst, pretzel-eating contest, live bands; $40, the Lake House, 6331 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, thelakehousela.com
