Dogs don't normally get past the gates at South Coast Botanic Garden, but for a few weekends each fall, the Rancho Palos Verdes Peninsula garden throws open its paths to four-legged visitors for Dogtoberfest. Now in its third year, the event runs Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, pairing Oktoberfest staples like beer and a live band with dog races, contests and a splash-pad zone built just for pups.
The 2026 edition is bigger than past years, according to South Coast Botanic Garden, which says this year's Dogtoberfest features “a larger band with dancers, more Oktoberfest-inspired competitions, an expanded VIP Beer Tasting experience along the Pup Crawl and a VIP Dog ticket.” The garden sits at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to Time Out Los Angeles, which also lists admission at $18 for humans, $7 for dogs, $38 for the VIP package and $25 for VIP dogs.
As NBC Los Angeles notes, the garden is usually off-limits to canines outside special welcome days, which makes Dogtoberfest one of the rare stretches when dogs can roam the grounds at all. Per that outlet, dogs need their own ticket to get in — $7 for the general public or $6 for garden members — while people need admission unless they already hold a membership.
What's New This Year at the Biergarten
The centerpiece of the human side of the event is the Pup Crawl, a short walking route through the front half of the garden that strings together dog activities along the way. The same southcoastbotanicgarden.org release describes the Pup Crawl as leading guests “to various dog activities along a short walk in the front half of the Garden,” with VIP Human tickets including four free beer tastings placed along that route — plus a root-beer option for anyone skipping the alcohol.
Live music comes courtesy of Die Sauerkrauts, who the garden's website says will play 30-minute sets at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on each event day inside the Dogtoberfest Biergarten on the Upper Meadow. For dogs willing to pay to play, the VIP Dog ticket adds a complimentary canine goodie and a dog beer tasting, along with access to the VIP Top Dog Zone, which the garden says includes splash pads and doggie pools. Humans who go VIP also get a make-and-take pretzel necklace, per NBC Los Angeles.
Races, Rules and Remaining Dates
Every event weekend includes Dog Races for pups weighing 30 pounds or less, with fun runs filling the gaps between heats, according to the garden. NBC Los Angeles reports the event's remaining 2026 dates fall on Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1. Time Out Los Angeles frames the expansion in broader terms, noting that Dogtoberfest has turned the garden's dog access from a once-a-month treat into an every-weekend affair for the entire month of October.
The garden's rules are strict about keeping the event safe for everyone involved. Dogs must be attended and kept on a leash at all times while onsite, including in the parking lot, according to South Coast Botanic Garden. The garden also confirms that reserved timed tickets are required for entry at all times, and separately states that outside alcoholic beverages aren't permitted unless they're purchased or consumed during an approved event like Dogtoberfest. Children under 16 must have an adult with them throughout the visit, per the same source.
