Encinitas will once again celebrate its Oktoberfest, which honors the community’s German roots.
Olivenhain was established by German farmers in the mid-1880s. The event coincides with Germany’s Oktoberfest, which typically begins in mid-September and ends in early October.
The 26th annual family-friendly festival on September 25 is expected to attract 15,000 visitors for German food and beer, international refreshments and live entertainment, including Bavarian music and dance groups. Attractions include two beer gardens and a craft street fair with over 175 local vendors and local artisan products. A ceremonial parade is planned at noon. There will be a family fun zone, carnival rides and games.
Food and refreshment tents will serve German beer and food from Tarintino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland. The “Keepin’ It Local Craft Beer Garden” celebrates San Diego’s craft beer scene and features local breweries Duck Foot Brewing, Eppig Brewing, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Hangar 24 and Helia Brewing Co. Hard kombucha from Local Roots and hard cider from Bivouac Ciders will be offered. The family tent will exclusively serve beer from sponsor Burgeon Beer Co.
The Bavarian music of The Bavarian Beer Garden Band will perform along with the dance companies of The Gemütlichkeit Alpine Dancers and Ballet Encinitas. Bach to Rock Encinitas will DJ the music in the Craft Beer Tent.
The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Mountain Vista Drive off Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. The event is organized by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.
