Oom Pah Pah: Oktoberfest is Here

We’re all hopped up for Oktoberfest, and catching the “gemütlich” vibe. “Gemütlich” is a German word meaning a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere, which perfectly describes Oktoberfest. This month, you’ll find plenty of oom pah pah action, with Oktoberfest celebrations all around LA and nearby communities, some just s short distance from Circa. So don your dirndls and lace your lederhosen – Oktoberfest is here!

Benny Boy Brewing near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Oktoberfest Weekend at Benny Boy Brewing 1821 Daly St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Oct 7 – 9 Popular DTLA beer destination Benny Boy Brewing is presenting a wundebar Oktoberfest Weekend, featuring three German-style beers, live German polka band, stein holding competition, Weiner dog race, brats, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, women-owned food vendors, women in craft beverages panel and more. Wear your dirndls and lederhosen for $1 off steins. Founded by a husband and wife team, Benny Boy Brewing was created with the mission to create an outdoor drinking experience with a strong sense of community, uniting craft beer, cider and wine lovers in one urban Backyard. 

Oktoberfest at Fig at 7th near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Oktoberfest at Fig at 7th 735 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Oct 14 & 15 Oktoberfest at FIGat7th promises all the beers, brats, and beats to transport you to a SoCal version of this traditional festival, featuring a stellar DJ lineup curated by The Regent! This 21-plus event will have unlimited pours of craft beer, cider, and other libations from multiple SoCal breweries. Grab your friends and kick back on the outdoor plaza as you transition from day into night while soaking up fresh sounds, knocking back some suds, and sinking your teeth into authentic schnitzel and bratwurst, with a few vegan options for good measure.

Berlin Currywurst at Grand Central Market near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Berlin Currywurst Grand Central Market 317 Broadway Stall C-1/12 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ich bin ein Berliner! The founders of Berlin Currywurst grew up in the home country of currywurst, and want to share this German cultural treasure with the people of LA. Created over 60 years ago in Berlin, currywurst has become the number one street food in Germany. Berlin Currywurst does authentic currywurst, the way you’ll find it on Berlin’s urban sidewalks. Their recipe is steeped in German tradition, where you’ll discover an unlimited variety of combinations by experiencing different sausages, heat levels, and flavors. The meat is all-natural, served with 100% organic sauce, fries hand cut from organic potatoes, and fresh and crispy German farmer’s bread.

Old World German Village in Huntington Beach, California

Old World Oktoberfest The Biergarten 7561 Center Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647

The Biergarten at Old World is proud to announce that Oktoberfest is here! Huntington Beach has been home to Southern California’s best Oktoberfest since 1978. Through November 6th, Old World Village will be buzzing with chicken dancing, amazing German food (voted “Best Bratwurst” in California), over 60 beers on tap, oom pah pah bands, DJs, The Biergarten Shotzie Girls, competitions, and craft cocktails. Guests can prosit in the 10,000 square foot open air Biergarten and ginormous indoor Fest Hall. 

CA Dirndl Haus in Old World Village, Huntington Beach, California

CA Dirndl Haus 7561 Center Ave #51a, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Get ready to level up your Oktoberfest game at CA Dirndl Haus. Founded in 2018 by two best friends, Cyndie and Arpeni, Dirndl Haus sells trendy and traditional dirndl dresses and blouses, lederhosen, mens shirts and vests, and accessories including hats, hat pins, wreaths and jewelry. Dirndl Haus is an extension of the greater Old World Market and Oktoberfest Facility. Co-founder Cyndie’s parents Josef and Dolores Bischof, originally from Germany, founded Orange County’s famous Old World Village in 1975, along with Huntington Beach Oktoberfest, enjoyed by thousands of attendees each year. 

Long Beach Oktoberfest in Long Beach, California

Long Beach Oktoberfest 855 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813

Long Beach is bringing back the oom pah pah with the 2nd annual Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy authentic German beer and eats, live performances, music, and games. Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkraut will command the stage. Get ready for non-stop fun with a mix of traditional and modern tunes, sing-alongs, dance-alongs, wacky games, contests, and so much more! And don’t forget to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl. Dressing up for the event is highly encouraged.

Oktoberfest at Fairplex in Pomona, California

Oktoberfest at Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona, CA 91768

Oktoberfest brings a taste of Germany to Los Angeles at Fairplex, home of the L.A. County Fair. In celebration of Bavarian culture and a nod to the world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest at Fairplex provides all the excitement and German tradition that Los Angeles can offer. Guests will be  “transported” to Bavaria as they walk through the gates and into an Oktoberfest full of oom pah pah music, games, prizes. authentic German food, and gallons upon gallons of beer.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest in Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

For 52 years in the mountains of Southern California, an extended family has come together to celebrate Oktoberfest. At 6,750 ft., the crisp Fall air creates an atmosphere of “Getmütlichkeit” and well-being. Surrounded by pine trees, the aroma of Brats grilling, and German Polkas, the hassles of everyday life melt away. The 2022 Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for nine consecutive weekends through Nov. 5, every Saturday and Sunday, plus Fridays in October.

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest at Lake Arrowhead Village, California

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest Lake Arrowhead Village 28200 State Hwy.189 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest has moved to an all-new venue, Waterfront Park, situated on the waterfront at the Lake Arrowhead Village, a replica waterfront Alpine Village with over 100 shops and restaurants. Since 1981, Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest has offered authentic German beer, food, music and fun. Admission to the event is free and parking is free at Lake Arrowhead Village.

Alpine Village Market German grocery story in Torrance, California

Alpine Village Market 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502 

Ready to stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home? Just scoot down the 110 Freeway and faster than you can say wunderbar, you’ll arrive at Alpine Village Market in Torrance. The market offers a huge selection of German food imports, and also houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop that produces award-winning sausages, and a great selection of beers, wines and liquors such as Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside. While you’re there, take a stroll around Alpine Village, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California. This iconic shopping destination was recently designated a County Historic Landmark by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. 

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Photo #2: Benny Boy Brewing

Photo #3: Fig at 7th

Photo #4: Berlin Currywurst

Photo #5: Old World German Village

Photo #6: CA Dirndl Haus

Photo #7: Long Beach Oktoberfest

Photo #8: Oktoberfest at Fairplex

Photo #9: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Photo #10: Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest

Photo #11: Alpine Village Market

A November to Remember! LA’s Best Food, Fairs & Festivals

There’s something about November that makes us want to celebrate! The weather is changing, and the air is crackling with anticipation for the busy season ahead. But before you dive down the holiday rabbit hole, take some time out for yourself. From wine and food events, to great music and immersive experiences, make this a November to Remember – with L:A’s best food, fairs, and festivals!

Wine & Food

USA Today Wine & Food Experience LA Centre Studios 450 S Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Nov 9 The USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor and explore the Los Angeles culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting: a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Lively cooking demonstrations, chef meet & greets, and seminars deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, connoisseurs, partners, purveyors, and industry personalities. Indulge in the VIP experience for an hour early admittance into the experience, plus a chance to mix and mingle with chefs. Elevate your experience even further with additional Meet & Greet opportunities with celebrity talent.

Coffee Festival

LA Coffee Festival Magic Box @The Reef 1933 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007

Nov 8-10  Back for a second year and based on the highly successful programs in London, New York and Amsterdam, this caffeinated event is an unmissable show for all serious coffee lovers and key industry stakeholders. The Festival will feature live experiences from coffee, food and equipment suppliers. Visitors will enjoy endless free coffee tastings, interactive workshops, demonstrations from world-class baristas, delicious street food, intoxicating coffee cocktails, live music, art and so much more.

Dessert Goals

Dessert Goals Evolve Project LA 1921 Blake Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Nov 9-10, 16-17  Don your tie-dye and tropical prints and gather your dessert-loving friends, because Dessert Goals is back in LA for the Tie Dye Tiki edition, presented by Chase Sapphire®! General Admissions ticket includes entrance into the event for 1.5 hours; access to a drool-worthy roundup of 20+ of the best dessert vendors in LA (+ a few from New York), with desserts available for purchase; a Candy Bar with free candy; a savory Salt Bar to cleanse your palate; complimentary Rise Brewing Co cold brew coffee, Boxed Water, Vita Coco, OLIPOP + Koia;  one complimentary snack from My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream; and more. Share your fun in an Instagram Garden filled with custom Insta-friendly backdrops.

Fantastic Planet

Fantastic Planet FIGat7th 735 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017

Until Nov 10 Four giant, illuminated humanoid figures have taken over FIGat7th and are observing the human activity at this bustling retail center! These giants from afar are quiet and gentle, yet curious about our fantastic planet and its inhabitants. Created by Australian artist Amanda Parer, these edgy and ephemeral artworks explore the natural world, its fragility and our role within it. Inspiration for this light installation has been taken from the 1973 Czech/ French film Fantastic Planet (La Planète Sauvage). Fantastic Planet is free and open to the public as part of Arts Brookfield’s continued effort to bring the public spaces of Brookfield Properties to life through music, film, interactive experiences, and visual art.

Wisdome

Wisdome.LA  Jam Week 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nov 7-10 Check the out immersive arts and entertainment park Wisdome in DTLA for four days of mind-bending 360 VR concerts featuring the music of Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and Jerry Garcia. On Nov 7th & 8th, experience Dark Side of The Dome featuring the all-star band Think:EXP, which includes former members of Pink Floyd, Jane’s Addiction, Kid Rock and Fishbone as they perform Pink Floyd’s iconic album “Dark Side of The Moon” end to end, accompanied by custom Floyd inspired visuals. The weekend of Nov 9th & 10th, Wisdome transforms into a Dead Head’s virtual dream world as Melvin Seals and JGB perform live with special guests Steve Kimock and a DJ set by DJ Logic. The event is highlighted by an interactive and immersive Dead Head playground featuring a Shakedown Street with vendors, food and a microbrew beer garden!

The Rendon

Art at The Rendon // Rhythms of the City The Rendon 2055 East 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Nov 8-10 Art At The Rendon presents ​RHYTHMS OF THE CITY, ​ an immersive, site-specific experience that will fuse various styles of live music and dance into a simultaneous, collaborative performance that transforms the building itself into a musical instrument. Following the success of ​HIDDEN ROOMS ​and ​STORIES in 2018, Art At The Rendon’s latest production will highlight the musical and cultural diversity of Los Angeles, while emphasizing the synergy of the city as a whole. 100% of proceeds will benefit Play with Music, a local nonprofit that provides music education to underserved schools in Los Angeles.

The Geffen

Get Together Music Fair The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 North Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nov 15-16 Spaceland and Other Music Present: The Get Together 2019 Label Fair and Music Festival, bringing together some of the most exciting independent record labels across genres, locally, nationally, and internationally, The Get Together fosters a vibrant music community of artists, fans, and industry alike. After three seasons programming the Come Together Label Fair at MoMA PS1 in New York, Other Music joins up with Spaceland to bring The Get Together to MOCA, with dozens of amazing labels selling vinyl and other merchandise. Meet and mingle with the teams behind the records you love and enjoy live performances, DJs, exhibits, and much more.