Overview: La Mesa Oktoberfest
Guests know they’ll get authentic Bavarian food, sizzling bratwursts, crispy schnitzel, giant pretzels, steins of beer, and classic oom-pah music, but they also discover new bands, games, and surprises every year.
If you’re in the mood for some fun, good food and drink, and perhaps some polka, then head over to the 52nd annual La Mesa Oktoberfest taking place from Oct. 3-5.
The annual party has wide appeal – it not only attracts many residents of La Mesa, but also visitors from throughout San Diego County and beyond.
La Mesa Courier caught up recently with McFarlane Promotion’s owner Laurel McFarlane to discuss this year’s event. McFarlane Promotions, Inc. has been producing the annual event for many years.
LMC: Given this is the 52nd edition of La Mesa Oktoberfest, how has it evolved over the years?
McFarlane: Fifty-two years ago, La Mesa Oktoberfest was a small neighborhood gathering with one beer tent and a few bratwursts. Today, it’s Southern California’s largest Bavarian block party, filling the Village for three days with three all-ages beer gardens, great live bands that change every year, and classic oom-pah music.
Guests can stroll through the new Craft Village with over 50 artisan and crafter vendors, cheer on the famous Dachshund Village wiener dog races, and watch the giant Ferris Wheel light up the night sky. All along the way, visitors can enjoy authentic Bavarian treats such as sizzling bratwursts, crispy schnitzel, giant pretzels, and a full menu of festive food that makes Oktoberfest delicious.
This year also brings pop-up mini-golf and an expanded kids’ dance square, building on our popular VIP experiences and giving even longtime fans something fresh.
LMC: How does this event help La Mesa area businesses and the community in general?
McFarlane: La Mesa Oktoberfest is the city’s welcome mat and its biggest showcase. More than 100,000 guests pour into our walkable downtown, discovering local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques as they enjoy the festival. The festival also creates seasonal jobs, highlights nonprofits, and strengthens the sense of community pride that makes La Mesa special.
LMC: For families looking to enjoy the event, what are some of the attractions for kids?
McFarlane: La Mesa Oktoberfest is designed for families to enjoy together. Because all three beer gardens are open to all ages, parents and kids can experience the live music, oom-pah bands, food, and games side by side. Families can explore Kinder Village and Palm & Play for carnival rides, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and the pumpkin patch – over 150 craft, food and non food vendors.
Children and adults alike can build flower crowns, putt around the new mini-golf course, dance at the kids’ dance square, and cheer on the famous Dachshund races in Dackeldorf Village. Along the way everyone can grab favorite sweet treats or classic Bavarian food, from sizzling bratwursts and schnitzel to giant pretzels and creative desserts.
LMC: La Mesa Oktoberfest is arguably the biggest event in the city each year. What makes it continue to be such a popular attraction?
McFarlane: It’s tradition with a twist. Guests know they’ll get authentic Bavarian food, sizzling bratwursts, crispy schnitzel, giant pretzels, steins of beer, and classic oom-pah music, but they also discover new bands, games, and surprises every year. Three all-ages beer gardens buzz with live entertainment, the Craft Village overflows with artisan finds, and the Village itself transforms with a Ferris Wheel, dachshund races, sweet treats, and nonstop fun.
Over the decades, La Mesa Oktoberfest has become a true family tradition; many of our guests came as children and now bring their own kids to create the same memories, and that enduring connection is what keeps people coming back year after year.
