Oktoberfest 2023: California Guide To The Best Of Bavarian Fests

CALIFORNIA — Dig out your Deutsche duds, and raise a stein. It's Oktoberfest time!

The German celebrations are held September and October throughout California, with the popular, Munich-inspired festivities running the gamut from solo pub events to weekend extravaganzas.

Peruse our annual guide to find the best of Bavarian fests near you.

Enjoy the season, and Prost, from Patch!

Always double-check with organizers to confirm events are proceeding as planned.

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ANAHEIM:

SEPT.-OCT. Phoenix Club Oktoberfest. The club's new facility is not ready yet to host, so no Oktoberfest planned for 2023.

SEPT. 15-17: Radiant Beer Co. Oktoberfest. Offering weekend of German music, food trucks, contests & bake sale.

OCT. 7: Firkenstein (Oktoberfest + Halloween) Beer Festival. Incredible brewery line-up promised.

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ARCADIA:

SEPT. 16: All-Day Oktoberfest: Mt. Lowe Brewing Company. Admission is free.

OCT. 14-15 & 21-22: Santa Anita Park Oktoberfest. Games include costume contest, stein-holding and cornhole competitions & musical chairs.

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AUBURN:

OCT. 6: Oktoberfest: Gold Country Fairgrounds. "The ultimate celebration of beer, food & fun."

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AVALON/CATALINA ISLAND:

OCT. 6: Oktoberfest & Hammerstein Band: Catalina Art & History Museum. With traditional singing of the schnitzelbank (both German & Catalina Island versions), brats, art project for kids & German beer for adults.

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BAKERSFIELD:

OCT. 21: Junior League's Annual Oktoberfest. "Best dressed will be crowned Mister or Miss Oktoberfest."

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BEAUMONT:

SEPT. 15-17: Annual King Ludwig's Oktoberfest: Noble Creek Park. Weekend of German food, music, dancing, weiner races, plus log sawing & stein-holding contests.

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BENICIA:

SEPT. 16: Annual Oktoberfest & Marketplace. With games & activities for the kids, too.

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BIG BEAR LAKE:

SEPT. 9-NOV. 5: 53rd Annual Oktoberfest. Nine consecutive weekends to show off your chicken dance!

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BRENTWOOD:

OCT. 14: Oktoberfest - Music, Games & Kids' FunZone. Held in downtown with biergarten, weingarten, weiner-dog costume contests, live music, stein-holding fun & more.

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CAMPBELL:

OCT. 21-22: 'Oktoberfest' Biersch Garten, Zicke-Zacke Band & KidsZone. In historic downtown & admission is free.

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CANOGA PARK

SEPT. 23: (818) Oktoberfest & Wiener Dog Races. "Don't miss the mesmerizing beer puppeteer!"
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CARLSBAD:

OCT. 7: Rotary Clubs' Oktoberfest. German extravaganza held at Carlsbad Strawberry Company.

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CARMEL VALLEY:

OCT. 7: One Paseo Oktoberfest. Munich comes to San Diego! For 21+.

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CATHEDRAL CITY:

OCT. 14: OktoBEERfest: Agua Caliente Casino. With German food, beer, games & Die Sauerkrauts polka band.

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CHATSWORTH:

OCT. 14: Kiwanis Oktoberfest - German Band, Beer & Brats. Games & kids' zone, too.
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CHICO:

SEPT. 29-30 & OCT. 6-7: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest. Don't miss the beer, food, live music, glass-blowing demos, chicken-dance contest & Flash Your ‘Stache competition!

OCT. 21: CHIC-O-BERFEST All-Ages Oktoberfest. Family-friendly with cornhole, bounce house & more.

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CLAYTON:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 1: Oktoberfest & Carnival: Downtown. "The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Oktoberfest."

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CONCORD:

SEPT. 16: Oktoberfest: Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden. "A festive & authentic Oktoberfest experience."

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CORONA:

NOV. 4: Amber Waves Of Grain Craft Beer Festival For Veterans. Not Oktoberfest-related, but plenty of beer & for a worthy cause.

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CROCKETT:

OCT. 15: Bay Area's Oktoberfest: Downtown. Free, family- & dog-friendly event with music, food, bounce house, ax throwing & more.

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DAVIS:

SEPT. 30: Family-Friendly Oktoberfest: Sudwerk Brewing. With live music & hammerschlagen. (That's a hammer-and-nail game.)
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DOWNEY:

SEPT. 16: Free, Family-Friendly Oktoberfest: Downtown. With vendors, food trucks, beer garden & more.

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EL CAJON:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 1 & OCT. 6-8: Oktoberfest: German American Societies Of San Diego. An authentic Munich-style experience.

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EL SEGUNDO:

SEPT. 17: Upshift Brewing Co. Oktoberfest. Head over for German food, beer & live music.

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ENCINITAS:

SEPT. 24: Oktoberfest, Carnival & Artisan Faire. Free & festive with carnival rides, beer garden, food court & more.

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FAIRFAX:

OCT. 14: 'Biketoberfest Marin' Music, Beer & Bike Expo. Annual fall event with family fun & beer tasting.

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FAIRFIELD:

OCT. 22: Oktoberfest: Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co. Call for reservations.

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FALLBROOK:

SEPT. 23-24: Oktoberfest: The Vineyard 1924. One day for ages 21 & up, and another date for all ages.

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GARDEN GROVE:

OCT. 20-22: Oktoberfest: Elks Lodge. Two dates for 21+ only, plus one day for families & all ages.

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GRANADA HILLS:

OCT. 21: Rotary's Annual Oktoberfest Beer & Wine Tasting. Stein-holding contest (more challenging than it sounds), live music & more.

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HAWTHORNE:

SEPT. 9: 'Vegtoberfest' Plant-Based Oktoberfest: Common Space Brewery. "Delicious vegan food, craft beer, live music, chicken dance contests & so much more!"

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HEMET:

OCT. 7: Rotary Oktoberfest. "Mark your calendar. It's gonna be awesome!" Featuring Carrera Oktoberfest band.

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HOLLISTER:

OCT. 6-7: Oktoberfest At Northern California Renaissance Faire. "Join the German Mercenaries & their camp followers as they ring in the harvest season."

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HUNTINGTON BEACH:

SEPT. 17-NOV. 5: Oktoberfest: Biergarten At Old World Huntington Beach. "No one does it like Old World ... Orange County's biggest party since 1978!"

SEPT. 21: Lions Club Oktoberfest: Biergarten At Old World. "This year's Oktoberfest promises to be the best celebration yet."

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JULIAN:

OCT. 7: St. Elizabeth Oktoberfest. A town tradition for 26 years.

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LA JOLLA:

SEPT. 16: Oktoberfest: Eppig Bierhaus. No advance tickets or reservations required & seating is first-come, first-served.

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LA MESA:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 1: 'Oktoberfest' Biergartens, German Bands, Food & Kinder Karneval. Everything you want in a Bavarian-inspired celebration.

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LAFAYETTE:

SEPT. 29: The Springstone School Oktoberfest Fundraiser. Childcare option provided by senior class as part of their work skills.

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LAGUNA HILLS:

SEPT. 16-NOV. 5: Oktoberfest: GameCraft Brewing. "Wear your festive lederhosen or dirndl for a discount."

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LAKE ARROWHEAD:

SEPT. 16-OCT. 29: Annual Oktoberfest: Lake Arrowhead Village. Saturdays & Sundays with musik, bier, dancing, contests, German food & more.

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LARKSPUR:

OCT. 8: Oktoberfest With Suppenküche: Marin Country Mart. Live music & kids' crafts, too.
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LAWNDALE:

SEPT. 9: Far Field Beer Co. Oktoberfest. With German food, music, games & a new festbier.

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LIVERMORE:

OCT. 7: Oktoberfest Celebration: Shadow Puppet Brewing Company. Includes costume & stein-holding contests, too.
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LONG BEACH:

SEPT. 16: Annual Craft Beer LB Fest: Rancho Los Cerritos. No German influence ... but fall meets beer for a good time & for a good cause.

SEPT. 29- OCT. 22: Annual Oktoberfest: Scottish Rite Event Center. Separate times set for families and those 21 & up.

SEPT. 30: 'Doodlefest' & Oktoberfest Dog Contest: Trademark Brewing. "Start practicing your stein-holding."

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LOS ALAMITOS:

SEPT. 9: Sunset Saturdays 'Oktoberfest' - Head to Pine Street for the festivities.

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LOS ANGELES:

SEPT. 16: Annual LA Fall Beer Festival: Center Studios. Fitting for fall with live music, food trucks & 80+ breweries.

SEPT. 30: First Draft DTLA Oktoberfest: First Draft Taproom & Kitchen. ""We're bringing the heartwarming traditions of Oktoberfest to you."

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LOS GATOS:

OCT. 1: Oktoberfest: Civic Center Lawn. Family-friendly with music, games & tapping of the keg!
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MISSION VIEJO:

SEPT. 16: 'Oktoberfest' Saturday Night Market. Enjoy live music & beer garden.
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MONTROSE:

OCT. 7: Oktoberfest, Food, Music, Dance & Carnival Rides. Contests for stein-holding, costumes, dogs & mustaches, too.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

SEPT. 22-23 & 29-30: Ludwig's Biergarten Oktoberfest. Full slate of traditional fun planned.

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NAPA:

SEPT. 30-OCT. 8: Oktoberfest Celebration: Napa Yard Oxbow Gardens. The outdoor oasis along the Napa River transforms into a beer garden with authentic German cuisine, live music & games, including stein-holding contests.

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NEWPORT BEACH:

THROUGH OCT. 31: Oktoberfest Dining: Bayside Restaurant. A refined, seasonal menu planned.
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NORTHRIDGE:

SEPT. 30: Oktober Festival & Pumpkin Patch. "The biggest, free community event in Northridge!"

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NOVATO:

OCT. 21: Sunrise Rotary's Annual Oktoberfest: Greek Orthodox Church. Don't miss out! Tickets on sale.

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OAKLAND:

SEPT. 16: Oktoberfest: Original Pattern Brewing Co. Have what it takes to win the Masskrugstemmen Competition?

SEPT. 30-OCT. 1: Dimond District 'Oaktoberfest'- A two-day, family-friendly fest & admission is free.

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OCEAN BEACH:

OCT. 6-7: OB Oktoberfest. "The WILDEST Oktoberfest in San Diego" is back!

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OLYMPIC VALLEY:

SEPT. 30: Oktoberfest: The Village At Palisades Tahoe. "The largest Bavarian playground in North Lake Tahoe."

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PALM DESERT:

SEPT. 30: Oktoberfest Carnival. At Spiritual Center of the Desert.

OCT. 28: La Quinta Brewing Co. Oktoberfest. Starring "Hazelnuss" Bavarian band, plus German food, beer & costume contest.

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PIEDMONT:

OCT. 22: Boosters Club Annual Oktoberfest. Featuring craft beer, wine, brats, pretzels & a great oom-pah band, Polka Geist.
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PLEASANTON:

OCT. 7: Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser: Trinity Lutheran Church. With dinner, drinks, music, games & more.

OCT. 13-14: Outdoor, Biergarten-Style Oktoberfest: SideTrack Bar + Grill. Seating is limited, so don't delay on tickets.

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POMONA:

OCT. 6-21: Oktoberfest: Fairplex. You'll be transported to Bavaria with the music, food, dance & more.

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RANCHO BERNARDO:

OCT. 21: Rancho BEERnardo Festival: Webb Park. A fall tradition in its 12th year.

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REDLANDS:

OCT. 7-8: Optimist Club Annual Oktoberfest: Sylvan Park. Kids 20 & younger (yes, you read that right - age 20) are free!

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REDWOOD CITY:

SEPT. 20-24: Oktoberfest: Downtown. A five-day, Bavarian wonderland with food, beer, music, dancing & more! Tickets on sale.

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SACRAMENTO:

SEPT. 30: Der Biergarten Oktoberfest Street Party: Midtown. Featuring Gruber Family Band, German beer, entertainment, food & games.

SEPT. 30: Oktoberfest Bar Crawl. With German music, dance, ample beer, pretzels aplenty & more.

OCT. 13-14: Turn Verein Oktoberfest: Turner Hall. "Sacramento’s best & biggest annual Oktoberfest celebration."

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SAN DIEGO:

AUG. 25-SEPT. 10: SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival. A festival of beer, food & culture.

SEPT. 16 & 23: AleSmith Brewing Oktoberfest Celebration. Featuring music from Bavarian Beer Garden Band & more.

SEPT. 22-24: Eppig Brewing Oktoberfest: Pt. Loma Waterfront Biergarten. Epic, three-day celebration.

SEPT. 30: East Village Oktoberfest: Quartyard. Traditional German-themed event with Mexican flair. For ages 21+.

OCT. 6-7: OB Oktoberfest. "The WILDEST Oktoberfest in San Diego" is back!

OCT. 7: One Paseo Oktoberfest. Munich comes to San Diego! For 21+.

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SAN FRANCISCO:

SEPT. 9: Woodsfest Island Oktoberfest: Treasure Island. Hosted by WOODS Beer & Wine Co.

SEPT. 15: Schroeder’s Oktoberfest Block Party. Ages 21 & up are invited to celebrate with the oldest Bavarian beer hall on the West Coast.

SEPT. 22: 'Parktoberfest' Oktoberfest: Park Chalet. German food, beer, music & stein-holding contests.

SEPT. 30: Annual Oktoberfest By The Beach: United Irish Cultural Center. For 21 & over with bier hall, outdoor beer garden, music & dancing.

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SAN GABRIEL:

OCT. 6: Dumpling & Beer Festival. The city's local twist on Oktoberfest.

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SAN JOSE:

SEPT.: Ludwig's German Table. After years as a popular Oktoberfest & German-dining destination, the San Jose restaurant closed in January. The Mountain View locale, however, will host two weekends of celebrations.

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SAN LEANDRO:

SEPT. 16: 'OkDROberfest' Oktoberfest: Downtown. With pretzels, brats, games, music and, of course, beer!
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SAN LUIS OBISPO:

SEPT. 30: SLO Oktoberfest: Alex Madonna Expo Center. "SLO County's biggest and best Oktoberfest" for ages 21+.

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SAN RAFAEL:

SEPT. 30: Family-Friendly Oktoberfest: Ounces Outdoors. All-day celebration with German beers, live music, food & games.
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SAN RAMON:

OCT. 7: Forest Home Farms Oktoberfest. With brass band, Bavarian dancers, German lunch & more.

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SANTA CRUZ:

SEPT. 23: Elks Lodge Oktoberfest. German food, beer, music, plus proceeds benefit free therapy for children with disabilities.

SEPT. 30: Family-Friendly Oktoberfest & Polka Band: Messiah Lutheran Church. This one features lots of activities for children, plus kids 12 & younger eat free!
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SANTA ROSA:

SEPT. 30: Pumpkin Patch Oktoberfest, 8K & Kids' Fun Run. German-themed fest with food, beer, bands & races.
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SAUSALITO:

OCT. 22: Oktoberfest BBQ: Cavallo Point Lodge. This one includes a vegan option!

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SIMI VALLEY:

OCT. 7: Rotary Club Oktoberfest: Lemon Park. Beer included with your ticket.

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SYLMAR:

OCT. 7: Culinary Arts 'Oktoberfest': Los Angeles Mission College. Culinary Arts Patio will transform into full-scale biergarten.

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TAHOE CITY:

SEPT. 23: Oktoberfest: Gatekeeper's Museum. Array of activities planned for the little ones, along with traditional fun.

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TEMECULA:

SEPT. 30: Oktoberfest: Black Market Brewing Co. Starring German sausages, Bavarian pretzels, Oktoberfest beer, music & more.

OCT. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22: Batch Mead 'Meadtoberfest' Oktoberfest. Three weekends of festivities for ages 21 & up.

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TUSTIN:

SEPT. 21: 'Oktoberfest' Weekend Night Market: The District. With beer garden, games, music, crafts & more.

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UNIVERSITY CITY:

OCT. 7: Annual EdUCate! Oktoberfest: Standley Park. Includes kids' zone with jumpers, slides & carnival games.
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VACAVILLE:

SEPT. 23: Oktoberfest: Greater Town Square, Downtown. Beers, brats, pretzels (from Pure Grain Bakery) & German music galore.

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VALENCIA:

SEPT. 8-OCT. 29: Oktoberfest Food Festival: Six Flags Magic Mountain. "Enjoy craft & seasonal brews, complimented with menu of German-inspired cuisine, festive music & more."

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VALLEJO:

SEPT. 9-OCT. 29: Oktoberfest Food Festival: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Featuring Bavarian delicacies & craft beers.

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VENICE:

SEPT. 30-OCT. 22: Oktoberfest: Wurstküche Restaurant. Four weekends of festivities!

OCT. 7: Outdoor, Comedy Club Oktoberfest. LOL at this one.

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VENTURA:

OCT. 14: Portside Ventura Harbor Oktoberfest. Free admission & for all ages.

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VISALIA:

SEPT. 21: Chamber Of Commerce Oktoberfest: Vossler Farms. "The best of Central Valley's food, beer, wine & entertainment."

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VISTA:

SEPT. 16: Oktoberfest: Eppig Brewery & Bierhalle. No advance tickets or reservations required & seating is first-come, first-served.

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WALNUT CREEK:

SEPT. 30: Shadelands Ranch Oktoberfest. For those 21 & up.

OCT. 13-14: Oktoberfest, Music, Dance & Kinder Zone. "Join us in the biergarten or on the dance floor for another epic Oktoberfest in Walnut Creek."

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YORBA LINDA:

SEPT. 29-OCT. 1: Oktoberfest & Carnival: St. Martin de Porres. With rides, games, bingo, music, food, beer garden ... there's something for everyone!

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YUCAIPA:

OCT. 6: Hops & Spokes Brewing Oktoberfest. With live rock by The Decades, stein-holding contest & special menu.
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YUCCA VALLEY:

OCT. 7: Oktoberfest: St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church. "You're welcome (willkommen) to join!"

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