Free family fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest

For more than half a century, La Mesa Oktoberfest has transformed La Mesa’s picturesque downtown into a bustling Bavarian village, drawing over 100,000 attendees each year. This year, the three-day festival returns October 3 to 5, with an expanded lineup of free programming designed to create an engaging and fun-filled experience for families on any budget.

“We know life in San Diego is getting more expensive, but La Mesa Oktoberfest is a tradition that everyone can afford,” said Laurel McFarlane, Producer of La Mesa Oktoberfest. “The festival is always free to enter, so all you need is a good attitude and the Oktoberfest spirit. Leave the rest up to us!”

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting complimentary activities planned for this year:

Bingo Mornings – Saturday and Sunday Morning

Start your day with a bit of friendly competition. Join the free-to-play Bingo sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten for your chance to win prizes, including a free beer stein and beer for the lucky winners.

Stein Holding Competitions and Other Interactive Games – All Weekend

Do you have what it takes to be the Oktoberfest stein-holding champion? Test your strength and endurance throughout the weekend in this classic Bavarian challenge and see if you can hold out longer than the competition. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Join in on a variety of lively games and activities, including:

• Musical Chairs
• Pretzel Pass
• Brat Toss
• Yodeling
• Chicken Dance Off
• Brat Eating
• Pretzel Eating
• Chicken Hop

Coffee Pop-Up – Saturday Morning

For the first time ever, La Mesa Oktoberfest is kicking off Saturday with a brand-new morning activation you won’t want to miss. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., swing by The BPM CAFE at the Craft Bier & Seltzer Garten for freshly brewed coffee at the bar while enjoying live house DJ music, presented in partnership with For the Love of House.

Pumpkin Patch Reading Nook – All Weekend

Oktoberfest isn’t just for adults – the new Pumpkin Patch Reading Nook, presented in partnership with Oma’s Family Farm, is perfect for little ones to cozy up with a story before heading off to enjoy the many kid-friendly attractions spread across the festival.

Rad Hatter Hat-Making Station – All Weekend

Get creative at the Rad Hatter Hat-Making Station. Design your own whimsical hat using fun trinkets and treasures to create memories and take home a one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest keepsake.

Dackeldorf Dachshund Village – All Weekend

Cheer for your favorite four-legged friends all weekend long at the fan-favorite Dackeldorf Dachshund Village. From Wiener dog races to a dog fashion show, don’t miss your chance to see the cutest pups in SoCal strutting their stuff.

Photo Opportunities – All Weekend

Strike a pose at this year’s expanded photo spots. From the new charming German Village façade to giant inflatable dachshunds and oversized beer props, you’ll find plenty of places to capture the perfect Oktoberfest memories.

Palm Haus: Biers, Bites & Bouncies Biergarten – All Weekend

While entry to the three biergartens is $8 per adult, kids are always free. Families can settle into the new Palm Haus biergarten, a shaded, enclosed area with live music, games, and a kid-friendly area complete with bounce houses and interactive play zones for little ones to enjoy while mom and dad relax with a cold pint.

Whether you’re coming for the brews, the games, or the family fun, La Mesa Oktoberfest 2025 promises a free, fun-filled experience for all. Don your lederhosen, bring your best Oktoberfest spirit, and we’ll see you in La Mesa this October.

Event Details

La Mesa Oktoberfest returns October 3–5, for three jam‑packed days of beer, brats, and family fun. Over 100,000 attendees are expected to enjoy:

• Three festive biergartens with German and craft beer
• Live music and Bavarian entertainment
• Family‑friendly attractions including the Ferris Wheel and Kinder Karneval
• Over 100 vendors offering food, crafts, and unique festival finds

Festival Hours:

• Friday, October 3: 4 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, October 4: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, October 5: 12 to 8 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend!

• Biergarten Pass: $8 (kids free)
• VIP Tickets: 21+ from $15; Under 21 from $10

More information and VIP passes are available online.