Oktoberfest originated in 1810 and started as a festival celebrating a wedding, Bavarian traditions, and beer brewed within Munich’s city limits. Today’s celebrations generally begin in September and run through October. Find all the Oktoberfest details here on our guide to Oktoberfests in Orange County. O’ zapft is!
Old World Village
September 17 – November 5, 2023
7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
- Wednesdays & Thursdays – Free, Family Friendly: 5PM – 10PM
- Fridays – 21+ $10-$25: 5PM – 1AM
- Saturdays – 21+ $15 – $25: 5PM – 1AM
- Sundays – Family Friendly – $10 – $12: 1PM – 7PM
It doesn’t get much more authentic than Oktoberfest at the German-themed Old World Village in Huntington Beach. The most popular and longest running Oktoberfest in Orange County is open five days a week and has live music every night.
More at Old World
Old World Village is a German Village with a variety of shops. At Old World Village you will find:
Old World German Restaurant
Old World German Bakery
Award-Winning Sausages (Voted Best Sausage in California)
German Deli
Imported Beers & Spirits and the German Pub
European Market
The Phoenix Club of Brea (formerly Anaheim)
2023 Cancelled due to relocation
375-385 West Central Avenue, Brea, CA 92821
With the Phoenix Club’s new facility not yet ready to host an Oktoberfest, they suggest attending the Garden Grove Elks’ Oktoberfest (October 20-22). It will offer a similar atmosphere to theirs on a more intimate scale.
GameCraft Brewing Oktoberfest
GameCraft Brewing
23301 Avenida De La Carlotta C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
September 16-November 5, 2023
Fridays-Sundays
Oktoberfest celebrations include German-style beers, Oktoberfest dishes like wurst, pretzels, and schnitzel, plus tons of fun games!
SteelCraft Oktoberfest
SteelCraft Garden Grove
12900 S Euclid St, Garden Grove
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Join in the Oktoberfest fun with craft beer, food specials, themed menu items, live music and more.
St. Irenaeus Annual Oktoberfest
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church
5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress, CA
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Enjoy live music, pretzels, German style dinner and dessert, games, dancing, and a selection of beer and wine. Presale tickets can be purchased online.
St. Martin de Porres Oktoberfest
19767 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda
September 29 & 30, October 1, 2023
Friday: 5-11PM | Saturday: 2-11PM | Sunday: 1-8PM
This Oktoberfest carnival includes rides, games, entertainment, bingo, food and drinks, and much more. Come out for a weekend of fun and celebrate this fall tradition.
More Oktoberfests
- Brewery X: 3191 East La Palma Ave. Anaheim; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 23, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 24.
- Long Beach Oktoberfest: 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA | Sept 29 – Oct 22
- Radiant Beer Co.: 1566 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim; Sept. 15-17.
- The District at Tustin Legacy: 2437 Park Ave., Tustin; night market, 5-9 p.m. Sept. 21.
- Pumpkin City: 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (Laguna Hills Mall), Sept. 29 – Oct. 31.
Orange County Elks Lodges
Most of the Orange County Elks Lodges hold Oktoberfest events, also known as Elktoberfest. Usually you have to be a member or a guest of a member but some are open to the public such as the Garden Grove Elks (October 20-22).
Orange County American Legions
Many of the American Legion Chapters host Oktoberfest events as well with proceeds benefitting Veterans organizations. You may need to be a member to attend some events, but several are open to the public, or you can attend as a guest of a member. One such Oktoberfest event is Midway City American Legion Chapter 555 (October 28, 2023).
California Oktoberfest
If you’re feeling adventurous try trekking to these these Oktoberfest in California and make a weekend out of it.
- Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
- Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
- Catalina Island Oktoberfest
- Julian Oktoberfest
- Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
- La Mesa Oktoberfest
- Long Beach Oktoberfest
- Mammoth Oktoberfest
- Ocean Beach Oktoberfest (San Diego)
- Oktoberfest in Downtown Downey
- Santa Anita Oktoberfest
When does Oktoberfest start and end?
Oktoberfest traditionally run 16 to 18 days and starts mid- or late-September and ends the first Sunday in October.
Why Does Oktoberfest Start in September?
When Oktoberfest began in 1810, it did take place entirely in October. Over time the starting dates were moved because the days were longer the weather was warmer. To keep with tradition the last weekend of modern Oktoberfests almost always takes place in October.
Related Articles
| Fairs & Festivals in Orange County | Orange County Breweries |
| Orange International Street Fair | The Orange County Fair |
| OC Japan Fair | Live Music Venues in Orange County |
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.