Oktoberfests: Your 2020 Guide To Oom-Pah In California

Susan C. Schena
·11 min read

CALIFORNIA — Just because the coronavirus pandemic fueled cancellations of many Oktoberfests throughout California this year, dirndls and lederhosen need not languish in the back of closets.

Statewide, scads of organizers scrambled in recent months to revamp and present Bavarian-inspired events and smaller-scale German feasts to replace those scrapped in 2020 due to COVID-19 mandates.

Peruse Patch's annual Oktoberfest guide, which looks very different this year, to be sure, and see what's going on near you.

And Prost, from Patch!

NOTE: Double-check that listed activities are still proceeding as previously posted and planned. And if we missed your organization's Oktoberfest event, email details and an online link to susan.schena@patch.com.

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ALAMEDA:

OCT. 3: Oktoberfest. Outdoors, socially distanced, masks & pre-purchased tickets required.

  • Dahoam1516, 1516 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, CA

OCT. 12: Speisekammer Chef's Oktoberfest Cooking Class. Fundraiser for Alameda Family Services.

  • Online event from Alameda, CA

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ANAHEIM:

OCT. 1-25: Oktoberfest in Biergarten 2020: Phoenix Club. German cuisine, beer & music in outdoor setting.

  • The Phoenix Club in Anaheim, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, CA

SEPT. 26: Droptoberfest: Oktoberfest Event Live & Online. With tours, tastings, music, magic & to-go kits.

  • First Class Pizza - Woodbury, 6420 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA & Windsor Homebrew Supply, 1045 N. Armando St., Anaheim CA

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BEAUMONT:

SEPT. 18-20: 31st Annual King Ludwig's Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Noble Creek Park, West Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont, CA

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BIG BEAR LAKE:

Through NOV. 7: 50th Annual Oktoberfest. "We are continuing to plan for the 50th Anniversary, with possibly adjustments to schedules and activities as needed."

  • Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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BURLINGAME:

OCTOBER: 'Hawktoberfest' Hoover Elementary Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Masonic Lodge, 145 Park Road, Burlingame, CA

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CAMPBELL:

OCT. 17-18: Downtown Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Downtown East Campbell Avenue and North 1st Street, Campbell, CA

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CARLSBAD:

SEPT. 21: St. Patrick Church's 8th Annual Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St., Carlsbad, CA

OCTOBER: Rotary Oktoberfest Family Fall Festival. Canceled.

  • Holiday Park, 1055 Chestnut Ave., Carlsbad, CA

OCT. 1-31: Oktober-Feast. A month of dining discounts from participating restaurants, including Bavarian-inspired meal deals from Tip Top Meats.

  • Participating restaurants, Carlsbad, CA

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CARMEL:

SEPT. 5: Annual Oktoberfest Monterey Bay 2020. Canceled.

  • The Barnyard Shopping Village, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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CHATSWORTH:

SEPT.: Oktoberfest- Band, Beer Garden & Kids' Zone. No event posted for 2020.

  • Chatsworth Junior Baseball League, 21350 Mayall St., Chatsworth, CA

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CHICO:

SEPT. 19: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Haus Party. "Dance like you’re under the big tent!"

  • Virtual via Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 E. 20th St., Chico, CA

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CLAYTON:

OCT. 3-4: Oktoberfest & Carnival. Canceled.

  • Main Street, Clayton, CA

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CLOVERDALE:

OCT. 3: Oktoberfest & Courtney's Pumpkin Patch. Canceled.

  • Downtown Plaza, Cloverdale, CA

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CONCORD:

OCT. 9-10: Annual Oktoberfest. Postponed/Canceled.

  • Todos Santos Plaza, 2151 Salvio St., Concord, CA

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CORONA:

OCT. 23: Oktoberfest 2020: American Legion. Deutsche dinner for just $20 & tickets on sale.

  • American Legion Joe Dominguez Post 742, 1557 Yorba St., Corona, CA

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CORTE MADERA:

OCT.: Annual Oktoberfest: Menke Park. No event scheduled for 2020.

  • Menke Park, Corte Madera, CA

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COTATI:

OCT.: Oktoberfest. No event posted from Cotati Chamber of Commerce.

  • La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA

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CYPRESS:

OCT.: St. Irenaeus Oktoberfest. No info publicized or posted for 2020.

  • Saint Irenaeus Catholic Church, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress, CA

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DAVIS:

OCT. 3: Sunrise Rotary Oktoberfest To-Go 2020: Sudwerk Brewing. German dinner options include vegan and cobblers. Order soon!

  • Sudwerk Brewing Co., 2001 2nd St., Davis, CA

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EL CAJON:

SEPT. 25-27 & OCT. 2-4: Oktoberfest - Food, Dance & Kids' Zone. Canceled.

  • German American Societies of San Diego, 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA

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ENCINITAS:

OCT. 4: 25th Annual Oktoberfest & Parade. Canceled.

  • El Camino Real & Mountain Vista Drive, Encinitas, CA

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ESCONDIDO:

OCT.: Welk Resorts' Annual Oktoberfest. No event scheduled for 2020.

  • Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido, CA

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FAIRFAX:

OCT. 10: Biketoberfest Marin 2020. Canceled.

  • Fairfax Plaza, Downtown Fairfax, CA

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GILROY:

OCT. 3: Bavarian-Style Harvest Dinner: Fernwood Cellars. A Bavarian twist on dinner in the vineyards.

  • Fernwood Cellars Winery, 7137 Redwood Retreat Road, Gilroy, CA

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GRANADA HILLS:

OCT.: Rotary's Oktoberfest Beer & Wine Tasting. No 2020 event posted.

  • Granada Hills Street Faire, 17603 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA

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HAWTHORNE:

SEPT. 26: Oktoberfest Virtual Bash: Common Space Brewery. With contests for costumes, yodeling & more!

  • Common Space Brewery, 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA

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HERMOSA BEACH:

OCT: Oktoberfest: Abigaile's. No 2020 event: Restaurant permanently closed.

  • Abigaile Restaurant & Brewery, 1301 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA

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HOLLISTER:

OCT. 3-4: Oktoberfest At Renaissance Fair. Canceled.

  • Casa De Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy., Hollister, CA

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HUNTINGTON BEACH:

SEPT. 18- OCT. 31: Oktoberfest: Old World Huntington Beach. Beloved German menu served at spacious and doggy-friendly, outdoor Biergarten or to-go.

  • Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA

SEPT. 23: Oktoberfest 'Alpine View' Paint-n-Sip. A socially distanced good time with mini art lesson, beer, wine and charcuterie tray.

  • Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA

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IRVINE:

SEPT. 26: Droptoberfest: Oktoberfest Event Live & Online. With tours, tastings, music, magic & to-go kits.

  • First Class Pizza - Woodbury, 6420 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA & Windsor Homebrew Supply, 1045 N. Armando St., Anaheim CA

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LA MESA:

OCT. 2-4: Oktoberfest Reimagined. "All of the festivities you know and love in formats that are safe for the current season."

  • La Mesa, CA

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LAKE ARROWHEAD:

OCT. 3-25: Oktoberfest 2020: Lake Arrowhead Village. Canceled.

  • Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 State Hwy. 189, Lake Arrowhead, CA

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LIVERMORE:

SEPT. 25 & 27: Oktoberfest 2020: Shadow Puppet Brewing. Brats soaked in beer!

  • Shadow Puppet Brewing, 4771 Arroyo Vista, Livermore, CA

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LODI:

OCT. 24: 15th Annual Oktoberfest. Tickets on sale for drive-thru Bavarian dinner.

  • American Legion, 320 N. Washington St., Lodi, CA

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LONG BEACH:

SEPT. 19 - OCT. 30: Oktoberfest Dining: Rasselbock. Enjoy food & drink specials on the patio, or Oktoberfest Bundles to-go.

  • Rasselbock - Kitchen & Beer Garden, 4020 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA

OCT.: Taste of Brews Oktoberfest: Canceled.

  • Lighthouse Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA

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LOS ALTOS:

SEPT.-OCT.: Oktoberfest Foods: Esther's German Bakery. Authentic, old-world baked goods available for takeout, delivery & outdoor dining.

  • Esther's German Bakery, 987 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA

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LOS ANGELES:

SEPT.-OCT.: Wurstküche Restaurant. The outdoor Beer Garden is open with Bavarian dishes.

  • DTLA, 800 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA

SEPT. 19-OCT.: Oktoberfest: Wirtshaus Beer Garden. "Join us for a fun (socially distanced) time in the Biergarten!"

  • Wirtshaus, 345 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA

SEPT.- OCT: Oktoberfest at Rasselbock. Biergarten and sidewalk dining open with acclaimed German cuisine and wide selection of beers.

  • Rasselbock L.A. Kitchen & Beer Garden, 3817 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

OCT. 3: Vegan Oktoberfest 2020. Canceled.

  • Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA

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MAMMOTH LAKES:

SEPT. 17-19: Oktoberfest 2020. Canceled.

  • Village At Mammoth, 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA

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MAR VISTA:

SEPT.- OCT: Oktoberfest at Rasselbock. Biergarten and sidewalk dining open with acclaimed German cuisine and wide selection of beers.

  • Rasselbock L.A. Kitchen & Beer Garden, 3817 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

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MARINA:

OCT. 10: American Legion Oktoberfest Takeout Fundraiser. Order up: a schnitzel dinner with German fixings.

  • American Legion Post 694, 694 Legion Way, Marina, CA

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MILL VALLEY:

SEPT. 19: Tam Valley Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley, CA

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MILPITAS:

SEPT. 19-OCT. 4: Oktoberfest Dining Specials 2020: Seven's Bar & Grill. Celebrate Bavarian-style with dishes perfect for Oktoberfest - dine outdoors or to-go.

  • Seven's Bar and Grill, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas, CA

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MONTROSE:

OCT. 3: Oktoberfest & Carnival & Contests. Canceled.

  • 2200-2400 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose, CA

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MOORPARK:

OCT. 9-11: Oktoberfest: Enegren Brewing. Spread out over three, socially distanced days with German food, beer, song & more.

  • Enegren Brewing Company, 444 Zachary St., Moorpark, CA

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

SEPT. - OCT.: Oktoberfest Dining: Steins Beer Garden. Brats, pretzels & more on dining & to-go menu.

  • Steins Beer Garden, 895 Villa St., Mountain View, CA

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NOVATO:

OCT.: Oktoberfest Dinner & Music. Not scheduled for 2020.

  • Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato, CA

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OAKLAND:

OCT. 3-4: Oaktoberfest In The Dimond. Canceled.

  • Dimond District, MacArthur Boulevard and Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA

OCT. 4: Oktoberfest With Nature Friends Tourist Club. Canceled.

  • Oakland Nature Friends Tourist Club, 3115 Butters Drive, Oakland, CA

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OCEAN BEACH:

OCT. 9-10: OB Oktoberfest. Postponed/Canceled.

  • Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA

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PALM SPRINGS:

SEPT. 23: Oktoberfest Beer Tasting. "On The Mark Oktoberfest is ON!!"

  • Zoom with On The Mark Fine Foods & Provisions, 111 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

OCTOBER: Oktoberfest: Draughtsman. Pub is permanently closed.

  • Draughtsman/Palm Springs Fan Club, 1541 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

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PETALUMA:

SEPT. 12: Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival. Canceled.

  • Water Street, Downtown Petaluma, CA

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POMONA:

OCT. 9-10, 16-17 & 23-24: Oktoberfest 2020: Fairplex. Canceled.

  • Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA

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RAMONA:

OCT. 17: Motorcycle Rally 5th Annual Bike Show & Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona, CA

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RANCHO BERNARDO:

OCT.: Rancho BEERnardo Festival. No event listed for 2020.

  • Webb Park, 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA

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REDLANDS:

OCT. 3: Optimist Club's Annual Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Sylvan Park, 601 N. University St., Redlands, CA

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REDWOOD CITY:

SEPT.-OCT: Gourmet Haus Staudt Oktoberfest. "A slice of Germany" open with biergarten & market.

  • Gourmet Haus Staudt & Beer Garden Staudt, 2615 Broadway St., Redwood City, CA

SEPT.: 5-Day Oktoberfest. Not scheduled for 2020.

  • Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City, California 94063

OCT. 1-4: Oktoberfest 2020: Freewheel Brewing Co. Plans in the works at pub with patio dining and takeout.

  • Freewheel Brewing Company, 3736 Florence St., Redwood City, CA

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SACRAMENTO:

SEPT. 26: Der Biergarten's Oktoberfest. Virtual this year, with party kits for sale.

  • Der Biergarten/Midtown BierGarten, 2332 K St., Sacramento, CA

OCT. 9-10: Sacramento Turn Verein Oktoberfest. Canceled.

  • Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J St., Sacramento, CA

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SAN DIEGO:

SEPT. 17-20: Eppig Oktoberfest on the Harbor. Socially distanced with German food & beer. Lederhosen and dirndls encouraged. Tickets required.

  • Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten, 2817 Dickens St., San Diego, CA

SEPT. 19 - OCT. 4: CRAFToberfest Beer & Pretzels: Liberty Public Market. Beer, growlers & pretzel specials. Prost!

  • Bottlecraft Beer Shop and Tasting Room, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA

SEPT. 30: Wine Tasting: Oktoberfest 2020: WineSellar & Brasserie. With German wines & food pairings!

  • The WineSellar & Brasserie, 9550 Waples St., San Diego, CA

OCT. 10: Oktoberfest Virtual Beer Festival. With beers, oom-pah band, pretzels & collectible stein.

  • Virtual via video. Pick-up: Tavern and Bowl, 930 Market St., San Diego, CA

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SAN FRANCISCO:

Through Oct.4: Schroeder SF's Oktoberfest. German cuisine in new, "parklet" dining space.

  • Schroeders SF, 240 Front St., San Francisco, CA

SEPT.: Oktoberfest By The Bay. Nothing posted for 2020.

  • Pier 35, San Francisco, CA

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SAN GABRIEL:

OCT. 22: Dumpling & Beer Fest. Canceled.

  • San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA

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SAN JOSE:

SEPT. 25 & 26: Ludwig's German Table Oktoberfest. "A new concept and new set up for 2020."

  • Ludwig's German Table, 261 North 2nd St., San Jose, CA 95112

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SAN LUIS OBISPO:

SEPT. 18-19, SEPT. 25-26 & OCT. 3-4: Oktoberfest 2020: Beda's Biergarten. Six, socially distanced nights with authentic German food, beer & music!

  • Beda's Biergarten, 3230 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, CA

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SAN RAMON:

OCT. 3: Oktoberfest 2020: Forest Home Farms Historic Park. Canceled.

  • Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon CA

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SANTA MONICA:

OCT. 4: Oktoberfest 5K, 10K, 15K & Half Marathon. Socially distanced with staggered start times. You can run in lederhosen, right?

  • Beach path near Crescent Bay Park, Santa Monica, CA

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SOLANA BEACH:

SEPT. 20: Oktoberfest 'Cook with Jason' Class & Dinner. With a fun, German-inspired menu. Reservations required.

  • Solana Beach Farmers Market, 444 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA

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TAHOE CITY:

SEPT. 26: Oktoberfest 2020: Commons Beach. Canceled.

  • Commons Beach, 400 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA

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TORRANCE:

SEPT.-OCT.: Oktoberfest 2020. The Alpine Village restaurant is closed, but market is open with German foods & baked goods! "Pflaumenkuchen" available through September.

  • The Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA

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VENICE:

SEPT.-OCT.: Wurstküche Restaurant. The outdoor Beer Garden is open & Bavarian dishes are available.

  • Wurstküche Restaurant, 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

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VISTA:

OCT. 3 & 4: Oktoberfest In The Garden: Eppig Brewing. Food included, and tickets required.

  • Eppig Brewing, 1347 Keystone Way, Vista, CA

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WALNUT CREEK:

OCT. 17: Annual Oktoberfest & Kids' Zone. Canceled.

  • Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE:

OCT. 15-18: Oktoberfest at The Stonehaus. With food, music & overflowing steins!

  • The Stonehaus, 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA

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YORBA LINDA:

SEPT.: Oktoberfest: St. Martin de Porres. No event posted for 2020.

  • St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 19767 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA

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If we missed your organization's Oktoberfest event, email details and an online link to susan.schena@patch.com

This article originally appeared on the Across California Patch