Walnut Creek Oktoberfest Expands To 2 Days: What To Know

WALNUT CREEK, CA — There is more time for beer, brats and Bavarian fun at Walnut Creek’s Oktoberfest as the beloved festival expands to two days, Oct. 13-14, downtown in Civic Park. Grab your dirndl dress or don the lederhosen and enjoy free admission to this festival, which includes a Biergarten, live music, dancing, gourmet food and more.

"We're excited to bring an expanded Oktoberfest to Walnut Creek," said Executive Director of Walnut Creek Downtown, Kathy Hemmenway. "With all the traditional Oktoberfest flair, including live music, the addition of a silent disco, and, of course, beer, this festival has something for everyone."

Highlights of the Oktoberfest:

• Traditional Biergarten & Delicious German Cuisine: Savor German-style beers in a vibrant Biergarten and enjoy mouthwatering Bavarian dishes, from bratwursts and pretzels to schnitzels and sauerkraut. Beer, not your taste? Premium wines will also be poured. Or kick up your heels in the Chill Zone, where specialty cocktails sponsored by Visit Walnut Creek await.
• Live Music and Silent Disco: Rock out to live music from bands such as Dive Bombers, In the Groove, and Mad Apple. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest music on Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m. from San Francisco’s Deutscher Musikverein. Dance the night away to a silent disco offered on both days of the festival.
• Kids Zone, Bark Lounge & Chill Zone: Kiddos can explore the Kinder Platz Play Zone, which includes a giant slide, obstacle course, safe ax throwing, magician, and more! While furry friends can chill in an area just for them, complete with dog pools and treats.
• Contest: Don your dirndl dress or lederhosen and enter to win the annual costume content from 3-4 p.m. Saturday! Pets and humans are encouraged to compete, with fabulous prizes up for grabs.

Parking/Hours: Event parking is $10 and available during festival hours, which are 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Event parking is available for purchase onsite at 1111 Civic Drive (entrance is on Arroyo Way). Attendees are encouraged to use BART and the Walnut Creek Free Trolley, which runs from the BART station to downtown.

Tickets/Information: Admission is free to enter the festival. Early bird pre-purchase drink ticket bundles start at $20. Go to walnutcreekdowntown.com for more information. Attendees are encouraged to secure their drink tickets in advance to save money and not miss out on being part of this unforgettable celebration of German culture, Walnut Creek style. Prost!