Dust off your dirndls for the 52nd annual La Mesa Oktoberfest, returning Friday, October 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. This free three jam-packed days will transform La Mesa into a lively Bavarian village complete with three all-ages biergartens, endless entertainment, and something for every age and interest. For beer lovers and partygoers, the festivities kick off in the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten, where traditional Oompah bands and energetic cover acts fuel a festive atmosphere of stein-holding competitions, chicken dances, and plenty of prost-worthy fun. All three biergartens are open to all ages, so guests of every generation can soak up the sounds, flavors, and festivities together. Meanwhile, families can settle into the new Palm Haus: Biers, Bites & Bouncies, a shaded bier hall featuring live music, games, and a kid-friendly zone with bounce houses and play areas. And for those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the Craft Bier & Seltzer Garten offers a chill hangout with lawn games, upbeat tunes, and a rotating lineup of local brews and seltzers. Beyond the bier and bites, La Mesa Oktoberfest features over 100 food and non-food vendors, making it a destination for shopping, snacking, and exploring. Artisan Alley on Allison Avenue returns with handcrafted goods from local makers, perfect for early holiday shopping or finding something truly unique. And don’t miss the always-popular Dackeldorf Dachshund Village, where four-legged friends compete in high-speed Wiener dog races and strut their stuff in adorable fashion shows. Festivalgoers can burn off energy at the German Kinder Karneval, packed with face painting, balloon art, inflatable obstacle courses, and the iconic Ferris wheel. And for those with a competitive streak, the Glücklich Games bring the heat with crowd-favorite contests like keg holding, tire flipping, and tug-o-war. For those looking to elevate their Oktoberfest experience, VIP passes offer exclusive perks like access to all biergartens, dedicated entrances, private VIP bars, and more. For details and to purchase VIP passes, visit www.LaMesaOktoberfest.org. La Mesa Oktoberfest on Facebook / Instagram
