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Family Guide to Oktoberfest

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There are multiple celebrations throughout the southland that provide ample opportunities to enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration, and most of them even have entertainment options for your children so you don't have to miss all the fun.

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Alpine Village

833 W. Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 327-4384
More Info

Alpine Village has one of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebrations around. 2011 marks the 43rd year of celebrations.

If you have younger children the best day to visit would be on a Sunday when the festival includes jumpers, treats and games. As per the other days Sundays still has plenty of entertainment including Oom-pah-pah music, contests, sing-a-long, and the chicken dance.

We recommend that you take advantage of online ticketing. Not only will it cut down waiting in lines but it will ensure that you don't visit on a day that is sold out.

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The Phoenix Club

1340 S. Sanderson Avenue
Anaheim, California 92806
(714) 563-4166
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The Phoenix Club Oktoberfest in Anaheim is an extravaganza with lots of food, entertainment and fun.

Sundays are family day with a petting zoo and train/pony rides. Join in on a giant chicken dance with the kids and watch their eyes light up with laughter. Giant pretzels, Ox on a spit and great beer help round it out.

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Old World/Oktoberfest and Kinderfest

7561 Center Ave. #49
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
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It is hard to be all things to all people but Old World tries hard. They have a traditional Oktoberfest party with beer, brats, Oom Pah Pah bands, dancing and more.

In addition they also run the family oriented Old World Kinderfest. It offers all of the normal adult fun as well as youth oriented activities including dachshund racing, carnival games, bounce houses and food.

There is also a Halloween costume contest that will be held on October 30th at 2 PM.

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Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

42900 West Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-3000
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There is a lot more in Big Bear than snow, hiking and beautiful sunsets. For 41 years now people have enjoyed the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. The festival features dance and music groups from Germany and Austria as well as the traditional beer/food.

There are also lots of activities for the children including a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides and carnival games.

Save time and buy your tickets online.

Adults only fests:

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Oktoberfest at the Fairplex

1101 West McKinley Avenue,
Pomona, CA 91768
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If you are looking for a more adult experience then this might be your huckleberry as all participants at Oktoberfest at the Fairplex are required to be 21 or older. The event runs every Friday and Saturday night through October.

There is plenty of beer, chicken dancing, contests and of course giant pretzels. We like the price at $5 per person it is easily among the most affordable of the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Hot tip: The Fairplex has a page you can use to learn basic German words. Spend some time studying those and see if you can make use of them at one of the booths. You can say Danke later. And teach your kids how to say it, too.

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Los Angeles Oktoberfest

More Info

The Olympic Collection
11301 Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
October 9 and 15

Vanguard
6021 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
October 22-23

The Los Angeles Oktoberfest has a series of different events taking place in a variety of locations.

The events are being held in support of local Los Angeles Charities. All locations offer a selection of German beers, food and music.

We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and allowing extra time for parking on the days of the event.

Joshua Wilner is a father of two and a writer in Los Angeles.

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