Prosit! Oktoberfest Celebrations Around Long Beach
Eins, zwei, drei Prosit! We’re all hopped up for Oktoberfest! But did you know that the original Oktoberfest in Munich actually starts in September and ends in early October?
The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich on October 12, 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the festival should be continued annually. Eventually the date was moved into September, primarily because of the chilly Bavarian weather. Fortunately for residents of The Crest, you can get your beer & pretzel fix closer to home – some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations are around Long Beach or just a short distance away!
Old World Oktoberfest Old World Village 7561 Center Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Old World Huntington Beach has been hosting Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977. When you return to Old World’s Oktoberfest this year, you’ll be welcomed to a new concept – a casual drinking and dining experience in their spacious outdoor patio and Biergarten. Enjoy the sounds of German music, great food, and of course, imported beer. Table reservations are required and masks are mandatory at all times when not seated at your designated area.
Dirndl Haus 7561 Center Ave Ste #51A Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Get ready to level up your Oktoberfest game at the Dirndl Haus! Founded in September 2018 by two best friends, Cyndie and Arpeni, the Dirndl Haus sells trendy and traditional dirndl dresses and blouses, lederhosen, mens shirts and vests, and accessories. Co-founder Cyndie’s parents Josef and Dolores Bischof, originally from Germany, founded Orange County’s famous Old World Village in 1975, along with Huntington Beach Oktoberfest, enjoyed by thousands of attendees each year.
Rasselbock Kitchen & Beer Garden 4020 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807
Rasselbock Kitchen & Beer Garden is offering Oktoberfest specials every Friday & Saturday until October 30th on their patio! Rasselbock is a German restaurant and pub specializing in German food with a modern twist! Choose from over 35 German and Belgian beers, homemade sangrias, and a great selection of German and Californian wines. The menu includes various versions of schnitzel, sausages, Bavarian pretzels and of course, apple strudel. Multiple vegetarian and vegan options are available as well.
The Phoenix Club in Anaheim 1340 S Sanderson Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
The Phoenix Club in Anaheim is home to California’s largest and longest running Oktoberfest since 1961. This year marks their 60th Annual Oktoberfest, which runs Thursdays through Sundays until October 25 in their legendary biergarten. Enjoy authentic German food & beer and get your oom-pah-pah on with live music by Da Stubebuben and Musikmeister DJ Jurgen Picard. The Phoenix Club was founded in 1960 to preserve the German culture, customs and language, and today has over 800 members/families.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
If you’re looking for a real Alpine experience, head up to Big Bear for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest – Celebrating 50 Years of Love! This year Oktoberfest will take place outdoors under the majestic mountain pines. Seating and tables will be set-up restaurant-style in their expansive outdoor area, all socially distanced from one another. Expect some zany Oktoberfest fun including Log Sawing, Stein Holding Safe Slam contests, plenty of Chicken Dances and many a Prosits! Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, along with DJ’s spinning everything from traditional Oktoberfest tunes to today’s favorites.
Alpine Village Market 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502
Stock up on Oktoberfest goodies at Alpine Village Market, where you’ll find a huge selection of German food imports and hard to find European items. The market houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop that produces award-winning sausages, and a great selection of beers, wines and liquors such as Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside. While you’re there, take a stroll around Alpine Village, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California. This iconic shopping destination was recently designated a County historic landmark by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Old World Oktoberfest
Photo #2: Cape May Brewery
Photo #3: Old World Oktoberfest
Photo #4: Dirndl Haus
Photo #5: Rasselbock Kitchen & Beer Garden
Photo #6: The Phoenix Club in Anaheim
Photo #7: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Photo #8: Alpine Village Market