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Best Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Los Angeles

oktoberfest beer friends 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

For beer lovers, September and October is the best time of year as it's officially Oktoberfest! Stein raising, beer flowing, schnitzel eating and singing and dancing bring millions of people together for this global event. Lucky for you, Los Angeles will have its fair share of Oktoberfest celebrations. From the bigger events held at the Fairplex to more intimate settings at local breweries, each festival has distinctive lagers, event activities and its own vibe. Prost!

What are your favorite places to celebrate Oktoberfest? Share in the comments below!
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(credit: CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 623-3111
www.oktoberfestatfairplex.com
Dates: October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 $ 24, 2015

As one of the most popular Oktoberfest parties in L.A., the traditional Bavarian celebration will take place over three weekends in October for guests 21 years and older. And, on Sundays it is open to all ages accompanied by a legal drinking age adult. The festival at the Fairplex will be full of Oom Pa Pa music, games and prizes, authentic German food and, of course, beer - Warsteiner, Beck's, Spaten, Hangar 24, Franziskaner, Shock Top and Bud Light for the domestic palates. Admission is just $5 and parking is $10. Make sure to leave your own cups or steins at home though.

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(credit: Old World)

Alpine Village
833 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 327-4384
www.alpinevillagecenter.com
Dates: Weekends only from September 11, 2015 - October 31, 2015

If you're looking to celebrate at one of the largest and oldest Oktoberfest festivities LA offers, take a trip to Alpine Village in Torrance for the 48th consecutive Oktoberfest celebration. Throughout September and October, while Oktoberfest is in full swing, the popular German destination comes alive to commemorate and take part in the yearly party. The party is held on every weekend (Friday through Saturday) until October 31st. On Friday's, the fun begins at 6pm with an after party at the nearby Steinhaus restaurant, while Saturday fun starts at 5pm with the same after party and Sunday's activities begin earlier at 1pm and go till 6pm. While both Friday and Saturday at 21 and over, on Sunday's you're invited to bring along the whole family as it's an all ages day! Traditional Bavarian music will be provided by Oom Pah Pah party bands while you are satisfied by delicious German beer and food such as sausage, baked chicken, Kassler Ripchen as well as sauerkraut, German Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), potato salad, tater tots and much more. For beer, taste the ice cold stein of German bier including this year's special: Warsteiner beers. Featured beers include Warstiener Pilsner, Warsteiner Oktoberfest, Konig Ludwig Oktoberfest as well as a selection of wine and coors light if German beer isn't for you. Attendees are always encouraged to dress up as well so make sure to get your favorite Oktoberfest costume! General admission tickets as well as other special tickets can be purchased through the website.

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(Credit: AP)

Montrose Oktoberfest
2300-2400 Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, CA 91020
(818) 249-7171
www.montroseoktoberfest.com
Dates: Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 12pm to 11pm

On October 3rd, the small quaint town of Montrose comes alive for its annual outdoor street festival to celebrate Oktoberfest. Sponsored by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, the Montrose Oktoberfest festivities comprise one of the largest outdoor events in Southern California celebrating the Bavarian tradition. And, as a Montrose institution for over 35 years, families come out to take part in this large event that brings people from far and wide to take part in the fun. Everything from entertainment by the German American Brass Band and D'oberlander Dancers, to carnival rides for kids and bingo games for the older generation will be on hand as well. In typical fashion, the event will feature tasty German food including bratwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and other delicious samples of Bavarian cuisine. If that wasn't enough, taste the authentic German beer, take part in the hot dog eating contest or the fire fighter dunk tank and grab souvenirs.

oktoberfest beer friends
(credit: istockphoto)

Vegan Oktoberfest
LA Center Studios
450 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
www.veganoktoberfest.com
Dates: Saturday, October 3rd & 4th, 2015 from 1pm to 5pm

Come on down to LA Center Studios in the heart of Downtown LA on October 3rd and 4th to celebrate the world's first vegan Oktoberfest. Although it might sound out of the ordinary, you'll find that this festival is just as similar and fun as the other events around town. As one of LA's most festive and authentic Oktoberfest celebrations, this is a one of a kind event which will feature traditional food, Oompah bands, a stein holding contests, and of course, refreshing ice cold German beer from many great breweries. Some of LA's top vegan food trucks will even be on hand to serve up delicious food too. General admission tickets are $45 and will include a complimentary 14oz stein and unlimited beer (unlimited sample pours and 3 full 14oz pours), or you can opt for their VIP admission tickets for $55 which get you in an hour earlier and come with the complimentary 14oz stein and unlimited beer. Not drinking? You can still attend! It's only $20 if you just want to take in the festivities without the drinks. A portion of the proceeds of this event will benefit Expand Animal Rights Now, an organization that works with the legal system to help animal in need.

Oktoberfest 2011 - Opening Day
(credit: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Wirtshaus German Restaurant
345 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-9291
www.wirtshausla.com
Dates: September 19th through October 31st, 2015

Throughout the months of September and October, this mid-city German restaurant and beer garden comes alive as it hosts six weeks of Oktoberfest festivities. Observed in a smaller environment than some of the other larger celebrations, Wirtshaus will feature regularly changing authentic German food as well as a menu that boasts more than 35 German beers. The restaurants German-born chef ensures that his versions of German cuisine will keep you satisfied as well. With schnitzel, sausages, potato pancakes, currywurst and pretzels, you'll dine heartily and raise your steins while seated at long, communal tables positioned both indoors and out. Add to that the live music, Oktoberfest decor and food and drink specials every Friday and Saturday, and you have a recipe for one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations around!

Oktoberfest 2008 Opening
(credit: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

LA Beer Festival
LA Center Studios
450 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
www.drinkeatplay.com
Dates: September 26, 2015

This year, stop by one of LA's hottest festivals to celebrate Oktoberfest. Featuring over 200 beers, delicious food trucks, DJ's, live music, and much more, the LA Fall Beer Festival is in full effect on Saturday, September 26th. The event takes place at LA Center Studios from 12pm to 4pm and promises to be nothing short of incredible. Tickets are just $40 for general admission and $50 for VIP access which offers an added hour with specialty beers available the first hour. Both general admission tickets and VIP include beer samplings. Food is sold separately. Tickets will not be sold at the door, so make sure to buy them online

LA Oktoberfest
Photo Credit: LA Oktoberfest

Los Angeles Oktoberfest
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(213) 915-8003
www.laoktoberfest.com
Dates: Oct. 16, 17 and 18, 2015

On October 16, 17 and 18, Angelenos are invited to sing old time drinking songs with Bavarian dancers, taste a fine assortment of German and local beers and be a part of a world-renowned tradition. Los Angeles Oktoberfest welcomes the crowd with the Bavarian custom of tapping of the keg where city officials will tap the first keg of German beer by hammering a wooden mallet with a bronze spout into the keg. You must be at least 21 to attend this event. Valet parking will be offered, but an UBER ride might be the way to go. So, put on your Lederhosen, get your stein ready, and enjoy the traditional Bavarian food, beers and lively tunes!

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(Credit: Old World)

Old World Oktoberfest
Old World Festival Banquet Hall
7561 Center Ave. #49
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
www.oldworld.ws
Dates: September 13 to November 1, 2015

Over the course of several weeks, Old World's German in Orange County will be hosting it's annual Oktoberfest celebration for thirsty denizens and those looking to have a great time. Started in 1977, this year at Old World, there will be live music from a German-American brass band, German beers, and a ton of traditional German grub to feast on. Additionally, enjoy a great Oktoberfest Parade, a Kinderfest for the kids and the whole family, Dachshund races, and much more. You can be sure that the staff will be dressed in lederhosen, so come prepared in your finest German Oktoberfest attire too and enjoy this authentic celebration! and so too is much of the clientele. Tickets start at $20 on Fridays and Saturdays for adults 21 and over while Wednesday and Thursday family night tickets are free! Sunday tickets are just $5 for adults and $3 for kids aged 6-12. Bringing kids under 5? It's free for them!

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What are your favorite places to celebrate Oktoberfest? Share in the comments below!
Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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