Chug! No it’s not Animal House — it’s Oktoberfest!
We know the annual rite of October for the beer, but it started as a celebration of a royal marriage in 1810. No royalty around these parts, but you can get your beer, brats and Bavarian cream all around the region this weekend.
- La Mesa will host the grand daddy of San Diego-area Oktoberfests beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday. The free event, in an area bounded by Spring and 4th streets and Allison and Lemon avenues, includes entertainment on multiple stages, a carnival and one major Tug-o-War. VIP options are available from $5-45.
- El Cajon continues its Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday at the German-American Societies of San Diego, 1017 Mollison Ave. Admission costs $10, except for Sunday, when it’s $5. Active military gains free entry.
- Craftoberfest takes up the cause for, but of course, craft beer Friday through Sunday at the Liberty Public Market. Admission is free. Compete for the top spot for your costume and sausage-eating abilities.
- The Quartyard in East Village opens its Oktoberfest from 2-7 p.m. Saturday. Admission costs $15, with a discount for groups of three or more.
- Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St., offers St. Elizabeth’s Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday.
- Carlsbad’s Oktoberfest and Family Fall Festival at Holiday Park opens at noon Saturday. It will feature the traditional fare, along with crafts and costume contests. Admission costs $15.
You say nein to beer, no matter how plentiful? How about fish, because boy, will they ever be biting, at least in Santee.
Santee Lakes will get more than its share Saturday and Sunday as organizers divvy up a bounty of 3,500 pounds of catfish, at Stockzilla. Gates open at 6 a.m., but a fishing permit is necessary to cast a rod.
Two San Diego communities enjoy local celebrations this weekend. The Mira Mesa Street Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, on Camino Ruiz between Mira Mesa Boulevard and New Salem Street. PB hosts Pacific Beachfest from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the boardwalk from Felspar to Thomas streets.
Both free events have multiple music stages, while Mira Mesa’s includes the Marines, and PB’s boasts fish tacos and beer. Yep, we’re back to beer. That’s how San Diego rolls, October or no.
Finally, if you’re looking to get a leg up on that other big October event – you have four weeks left – San Diego Museum of Art is here to help. “Masks, Skulls and More” is the featured Family Drop-In Day craft event at 1 p.m. Sunday, just in time to get ready for, ahem, Oct. 31.
– Staff reports
