Encinitas Oktoberfest back for 30th year

Where else can you experience Bavaria with ocean breezes, family-friendly surf-town vibes, dogs in lederhosen, brats and craft beer? It’s all happening at the 30th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This beloved community tradition and premier Oktoberfest in San Diego County is back for its thirtieth year, bigger and better than ever, and it’s completely free to attend.

German music, dance troupes and a ceremonial parade at noon set the festive tone, while more than 130 local artisans and food vendors transform Mountain Vista Drive into a lively marketplace where you can support local businesses and eat, drink and be merry while shopping for unique crafts, jewelry and handmade goods. A kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall ensures fun for the whole family.

Festivalgoers can cheer on furry friends in the crowd-favorite Dog Costume Contest, where pups parade in their best German-themed outfits for prizes. The action doesn’t stop there: two lively beer gardens will be pouring everything from authentic German brews to local craft favorites. The Craft Beer Tent will feature local breweries including Burgeon Beer Co., Carlsbad Brewing, Culture Brewing, Fox Point Brewing, Societe Brewing – and the Tap Truck, dispensing beer from a 1921 Buick. BoochCraft, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer and Skimmers Vodka Iced Tea will also be pouring while a DJ keeps the tent buzzing with high-energy music, interactive games and plenty of reasons to raise a glass and join the fun. For those who prefer wine, official event vendor Authentic Wine Selections will offer a variety of pours to complete the Oktoberfest experience.

Carlsbad Brewing Company returns as this year’s Family Tent Beer Sponsor, exclusively pouring its brews in a lively gathering spot where friends and families can relax, play games and enjoy the festival together. Nearby food tents will tempt every appetite with sizzling sausages, brats, warm pretzels and other traditional favorites from Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland.

And of course, what’s Oktoberfest without competitions? Guests can join the Stein Holding Contest for adults and kids, and win prizes from local attractions.

“Encinitas Oktoberfest brings the best of Bavaria to the California coast and is the perfect way to kick off the fall season,” said Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas CEO Carol Knight. “For three decades, Encinitas Oktoberfest has brought residents and visitors together to kick off fall with great food, lively entertainment and unmistakable coastal spirit. It’s festive, family-friendly and truly one of a kind—just like Encinitas.”

The festival spans one-third of a mile along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real, between Wandering Road and Rambling Road, and draws more than 15,000 guests each year. A free shuttle will run between the Flora Vista Elementary School parking lot and the corner of Mountain Vista and Wandering Road from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Bike parking will be available at both ends of the festival, with a complimentary bike valet hosted by The Encinitas Project at the Wandering Road entrance. Guests can also stay hydrated at the EDCO-sponsored water refill station and refresh their wardrobes at a clothing swap hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego and made possible with support from Cox.

The German roots of Encinitas go back to the northeastern colony of Olivenhain which was founded by German farmers in 1884. The Encinitas Oktoberfest coincides with Germany’s start of Oktoberfest in mid-September.

So grab your stein, lace up your dancing shoes and don’t forget Fido’s lederhosen — Encinitas Oktoberfest is where fall fun begins! Prost! More details are available online.