Raise a stein to the return of outdoor Oktoberfest in the southland. The beer will be flowing, the bands will be blowing and the pretzels will be warm at these celebrations.

Oktoberfest at all three of the Wirtshaus team’s German restaurants and beer gardens – Wirtshaus, Rasselbock Mar Vista and Rasselbock Long Beach – will commence on Saturday, September 18, with the celebration running through Saturday, October 30. Ceremonial Oktoberfest kegs will be tapped at each location and guests who are seated and purchase an entrée, drink for free from those first kegs until they run dry

Oktoberfest plans at Wirtshaus and both Rasselbock locations entail regularly changing beer and food specials during the celebration weeks (such as Wirtshaus’ Oktoberfest special on the location’s popular Black Forest Cake); live traditional German music on weekends throughout their Oktoberfest stretch; and accompanying Oktoberfest-appropriate décor and giveaways.

All three venues will also encourage guests to break out their best Oktoberfest outfit, joining the fully-costumed staff who will be dressed in their lederhosen or dirndls every weekend throughout Oktoberfest. Costume contests will occur each Oktoberfest weekend, as will stein-holding contests such as Rasselbock Long Beach’s kick-off contest on September 18 (8:00 p.m.), the winner of which will receive a 2-Liter ‘Das Boot’ filled with their favorite beer.

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Warm pretzels for Oktoberfest (Michele Stueven)

The Lake Arrowhead Village fest is back from September 18 through October 30 on Saturdays and Sundays with a long event list including performances by the Warsaw Poland Brothers and the Kalifornia Krauts, dance parties, the sausage toss and plenty of  German potatoes, bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels.

Vegan Oktoberfest takes place in DTLA on Saturday, October 16 at Los Angeles Center Studios with a bevy of beers, non-alcoholic craft brews, Bavarian food and live music. Vendors include Thaimex Cocina and the Word of Mouth truck.

Long Beach’s inaugural Oktoberfest festival six-day event will be taking place over two weekends (October 22-24 and 29-31) at the Scottish Rite Event and Cultural Center. Festivities, which will celebrate authentic German culture and Oktoberfest traditions, will include live music and performances by Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts band, German games, contests, and more. 

Taking place outdoors under a massive 8,000 square foot tent, the venue will feature a biergarten-style setup and stage for entertainment. Food and beverage selections include wine, German beers Paulaner Festbier and Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, and food will be available for additional purchase. Expect an assortment of traditional Bavarian specialties like bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, cabbage, soft pretzels, as well as German-inspired vegan options. For Long Beach Oktoberfest exclusive news, announcements, and ticket giveaways, follow @LBOktoberfest on Instagram and Facebook. Additional information is also available at www.LBOktoberfest.net.

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