You won’t have to travel to Germany to experience all the fun and excitement of Oktoberfest, as La Mesa is playing host to its very own take on the Bavarian festivity.
Oktoberfest is the perfect event to soak up the vibrant beer garden atmosphere, sample sought-after beers, and devour traditional German cuisine.
More than a beer festival, La Mesa Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event that welcomes San Diegans of all ages.
Keep reading for all the important details and information for attending La Mesa Oktoberfest.
La Mesa Oktoberfest Dates
Oktoberfest in La Mesa is set to take place across three days, from Friday, September 29th until Sunday, October 1st, 2023.
Hours are 4 pm – 10 pm on Friday, 10 am – 10 pm on Saturday, and 12 pm – 8 pm on Sunday.
The event is held at 3861 Allison Avenue, near La Mesa Boulevard Station.
Pick up your tickets on their official website: La Mesa Oktoberfest.
Passes & Prices
Enjoy the perfect opportunity to create meaningful memories at the La Mesa Oktoberfest for just $5 for the standard Biergarten Pass.
Those under 21 can attend for free, so all ages can partake in the action.
Additionally, La Mesa Oktoberfest offers VIP packages each year, allowing you to get your hands on exclusive benefits and goodies.
Here’s a look at what’s included with each package.
For the over 21, there are four VIP tickets to choose from, including entrance to all three beer gardens, access to VIP only entrances, bars and restrooms, and front-of-the-line privileges.
$15 Pass: This pass gives you access to all of the above.
$30 Pass: Everything you get with the $15 ticket, plus two 16 oz beers!
$40 Pass: Besides your extra beers, you’ll also get beer stein and chicken hat as memorable keepsakes.
$45 Pass: For an additional $5, you can trade your chicken hat for a German Alpine hat or a flower crown.
In addition to the four classic VIP packages, La Mesa Oktoberfest offers passes for those under 21. Younger attendees can enjoy many of the same perks as their of-age VIP counterparts, minus the alcohol.
$10 Pass: This ticket gives you access to the Hofbrauhaus beer garden, VIP entrance, VIP toilets and skip-the-queue entitlements.
$20 Pass: Enjoy two sodas or waters and take home a chicken hat on top of all the extras from the $10 pass.
$25 Pass: Sip on your sodas with a flower crown instead of a chicken hat with this package.
Things To Do At La Mesa Oktoberfest
Listen to Live Music & Hit The Dance Floor
Throughout the three day event, guests can dance the day away at one of the three stages.
Expect a mix of traditional Bavarian music, local bands, DJs, and, of course, oompah bands.
Friday sees traditional music from Polka Party, 80’s hits with Betamaxx, and Cassie B Project take to the stage.
While the Neil Diamond tribute act Solitary Diamonds, cover band Paging. And the 90’s and 80’s metal band Power Shake are set to get the crowd going on Saturday.
A host of tribute acts finish the weekend on Sunday, with bands celebrating The Beatles, Abba, and Jimmy Buffet.
Cheer On The Cutest Pups at The Dachshund Race
Bring your pooch to the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village, where there will be a range of events for you and your four-legged friend. This is sure to get you in the La Mesa Oktoberfest spirit.
The doggie village is open to all breeds, featuring races, fashion shows, and even a yodelling contest for pups to show off their finest tricks.
Each event will take place daily during the festival, with doggie goodie bags and prizes up for grabs. Contest categories include the Best Hot Dog, Best Matching Costume, and many more for participating pups.
Do Some Shopping at The Artisan Market and Food Faire
A haven for craft lovers and a fantastic way to support small businesses, the Artisan Market is a treasure trove of handmade jewelry, accessories, candles, and more.
Local and regional crafters create all the products from scratch. Plus there are lovely souvenirs to remember La Mesa Oktoberfest.
Finally, you won’t want to miss out on the delicious German fare while you’re here.
Keep The Kids Entertained At The Kinder Karneval
Oktoberfest at La Mesa is more than great beer and live music, with plenty of activities at the Kinder Karneval lined up for the little ones.
Your kids will look forward to face painting and balloon artists, and there will even be a caricaturist and henna tattooist on site.
For kids who are constantly full of energy, inflatable slides and obstacle courses will keep them busy. There’s even a toddler-friendly inflatable for younger children.
Take On Your Family & Friends At The Glücklich Games
Are you feeling competitive?
The Glücklich Games are a series of good-spirited contests which test your strength and endurance, with events for men, women, and children.
Go head-to-head with your loved ones or face off against your fellow Oktoberfest-goers. Traditional challenges include keg lifting, tug of war, and tire flipping.
If you’re up to the task, head to registration at La Mesa Boulevard.
La Mesa Oktoberfest FAQs
Can I Get To La Mesa Oktoberfest By Public Transport?
Taking public transport to Oktoberfest at La Mesa is a great idea.
Head to La Mesa Boulevard Station on MTS Orange Line Trolley. It is just a 6 minute/0.3 mile walk east along La Mesa Boulevard from there. Click here for directions>>
Day passes can be purchased in advance on the PRONTO App and are $6 for adults (including two free kids passes per adult). The cost is $3 for additional kids, seniors, and those with disabilities.
Where Can I Park For La Mesa Oktoberfest?
To avoid congestion, it’s best to take advantage of park-and-ride options.
You’ll find park-and-ride at the following trolley stations: Spring Street, Grossmont Transit Center, and Amaya Drive.
Are Dogs Allowed At La Mesa Oktoberfest?
Dogs are more than welcome at La Mesa Oktoberfest. There are even events to get your pup involved in the celebrations, such as the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village and the Dachshund Race, costume contests and much more.
Is La Mesa Oktoberfest The Only Oktoberfest In San Diego?
If you want to continue the party, OB Oktoberfest will take place the following week, on October 6th and 7th, in Ocean Beach.
As one of the festivities San Diegans have been enjoying for 50 years, La Mesa Oktoberfest continues to top its previous celebrations, and is a lively affair to enjoy in the company of friends and family.
Who said you have to go all the way to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest and all the traditional Bavarian festivities?
For more fall festivities around San Diego, check out 8 Ways To Celebrate Fall In San Diego.
Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Maria Haase
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