How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Diego

Oktoberfest in San Diego is a growing attraction. The six-day event takes place on consecutive weekends in late September and early October in El Cajon. In 2006, a new event honoring this Bavarian festival was born and provided San Diegans with another opportunity to celebrate this event on a grander scale. Located at the famous Del Mar Fairgrounds, this annual 3-day festival takes place over the last weekend in October. Both events feature a carnival atmosphere with beer and wine gardens, a midway for games and vendor booths, with German cuisine, brews, other international cuisines and treats from local restaurants and specialty shops.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Experience Oktoberfest

1. Bring the family to Oktoberfest in El Cajon. A designated children's area is filled with exciting games and activities specifically geared for the little ones.

2. Enjoy live music from German Oompa bands on the main stage or take in an impromptu performance from other musicians who will be roaming the Weisn grounds.

3. Participate in one of the many contests that take place throughout the event such as the keg tapping events and the beer barrel rolls.

4. Visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds and see over 40 live bands perform throughout the weekend. On Friday night there is a "Battle of the Bands".

5. Have fun watching contests such as beer stein races or nail-hammering contests.

6. Enter the competitive sausage toss competition. This contest takes place on all 3 days with winners advancing through brackets until a champion is crowned. The victor wins the keys to a new car sponsored by a local dealership.

7. Take a stroll through the midway and enjoy more than 150 carnival games, rides and food booths. The famous Zipper ride and the Ferris wheel are very popular.

8. At the Microbrew Hall, eleven Master Brewers will be providing two different beers each.

9. Participate in the 5K run on Sunday morning. The course wraps around the Del Mar Fairgrounds and is a fun way to kick off an eventful final day at this San Diego Oktoberfest.

Tips & Warnings

• Tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Arrive early to avoid long lines.

Resources

• Enjoy San Diego's Oktoberfest at Oktoberfest Del Mar