If the ubiquitous pumpkins at every grocery store weren't enough of a clue, we're here to tell you that autumn has officially arrived. Fall means many things to many people (here in the Bay Area, it means summer, but hey...), not least of them the chance to grab a stein of beer and celebrate Oktoberfest with the best of them. Whether you're planning to don some lederhosen or a traditional alpine folk dress or you just want to try some German food and beer, Hoodline has the scoop on where you can find Oktoberfest events around San Francisco, the South Bay, and the East Bay. (As is traditional, Oktoberfest partying typically happens in September, and some San Francisco events have already passed.)
Note: Most of these events are outdoors, but exercise judgment and be sure to check local COVID-19 regulations and precautions. Always confirm events ahead to be sure they're taking place as planned.
Events in San Francisco:
District Six Oktoberfest events
This open-air event space (formerly SoMa StrEAT Food Park) is hosting a couple of German-themed events: an Oktoberfest Night Market, Friday, Oct. 15, 5-10 p.m., and Sundaze Oktoberfest, Sunday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Both should feature plenty of suds and pretzels.
Details:
428 11th Street, San Francisco
www.districtsixsf.com
Oktoberfest at the Scottish Rite Center
In an only mildly disconcerting collision of cultures, there will be an Oktoberfest festival in two weeks at the Scottish Rite Center in the Sunset, complete with country music, dancing, haystacks, BBQ, and, naturally, beer. Hey, why not?
Details:
Sat., Oct. 16, 3-9 p.m.
2850 19th Avenue, San Francisco
Tickets here.
Events in the South Bay:
Campbell Oktoberfest (Campbell)
Food vendors, five stages of live music and other entertainment, artisan booths, stein-holding, costume contests, a kids' zone, and, of course, plenty of German beers — including a Biersch Garden.
Details:
Sat., Oct. 16 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 17 - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Campbell
campbelloktoberfest.com
Ludwig's German Table Oktoberfest (San Jose)
Ludwig's German Table restaurant and biergarten is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration featuring a traditional German menu, live music, and a DJ playing traditional music. Tickets required; over 21 only.
Details:
Friday, Oct. 8, 5-10 p.m.
www.ludwigssj.com/events
Oktoberfest weekend at the Renaissance Faire (Hollister)
Celebrate Oktoberfest in a recreated renaissance village.
Details:
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 9-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Casa De Fruta, Pacheco Pass, HWY 152, 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister
norcalrenfaire.com/theme-weekends/
Events in the East Bay:
Oakland Nature Friends Tourist Club (Oakland)
In the tradition of old German, Austrian, and Swiss hiking clubs, the Oakland Nature Friends Tourist Club celebrates friends and nature. The club's Oktoberfest will feature dancing to live fok music, German food, and a performance by traditional dancers, plus beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Details:
Sun., Oct. 3, 12-5 p.m.
3115 Butters Drive, Oakland, CA 94602
thenaturefriendscorporation.org/festivals.html
Hofkuche/Forage Kitchen Oktoberfest (Oakland)
Hofkuche and Forage Kitchen have announced they'll be celebrating Oktoberfest with good food and beer very Saturday during October.
Details:
478 25th St., Oakland
www.hofkuche.com, www.foragekitchen.com
Oaktoberfest (Oakland)
An open-air biergarten in Oakland’s Dimond District inspired by the Bavarian beer halls of Munich, with live German music, traditional German food, and a variety of Bay Area craft beers on tap and in 16 oz cans. Order ahead for a German food platter.
Details:
Sat., Oct. 9
3400 Dimond Ave, Oakland (off Fruitvale at the corner of Dimond Ave and Bienati way in Oakland’s Dimond District)
www.oaktoberfest.org
Buck Wild Brewing Oktoberfest
Buck Wild Brewing & Taproom is holding an all-day Oktoberfest celebration with games, themed music, a raffle for folks in Oktoberfest garb, traditional German snacks, and beer — including a new gluten-free Festbier served in a tall half-liter stein.
Details:
Sat., Oct. 2,11 a.m.-10 p.m.
401 Jackson St., Oakland
www.buckwildbrew.com
Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack Oktoberfest
Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack joint will be hosting an Oktoberfest weekend of live music, Oktoberfest-style food, specials, and beer.
Details:
Sat.-Sun. Oct. 2-3, live music starts at 8 p.m. Saturday
4006 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Oakland
arthurmacs.square.site
