Dust off your lederhosen, grab your steins, and get ready for a whirlwind of bratwurst, brews, and Bavarian fun — North County’s Oktoberfest season is here, and whether you’re into polka dancing, pretzel-munching, or just trying to win a stein-holding contest, there’s something for everyone.
The 43rd Annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest & Fall Festival returns Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 12–8 PM at the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields. Enjoy authentic German food and beer in the lively Bier Garten, live music from Big Lucky, and contests like yodeling, wiener toss, stein holding, and a costume competition. Family fun abounds with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and kids’ activities. Admission is $15 and proceeds benefit the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad and local charities.
Oktoberfest at One Paseo returns on Saturday, September 27, from 2–6 PM at 3725 Paseo Place, bringing Munich vibes to the heart of Carmel Valley. Raise a stein with locally brewed beers (including Harland), plus wine and spirits, while enjoying German-inspired bites with a One Paseo twist. Expect live music on The Lawn, beer-hall games, and a lively costume contest to keep the celebration buzzing. Tickets include twelve (4 oz.) pours, a plate lunch, and snacks, with proceeds benefiting the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Foundation (21+ only).
Admission: $40
Celebrate the 29th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM along Mountain Vista Drive between Wandering and Rambling Roads. This free, family- and pet-friendly festival draws more than 15,000 guests for San Diego County’s biggest Oktoberfest, with the ceremonial parade at noon.
Enjoy Bavarian music and dance troupes, authentic German food, international drinks, and two beer gardens, plus shop 130+ artisan booths featuring crafts, jewelry, and handmade goods. Kids can dive into a play zone with slides, games, crafts, face painting, and a rock wall, while pets join the fun in a new costume contest.
With frosty steins, sizzling sausages, warm pretzels, and lively oompah music, Oktoberfest in Encinitas blends Southern California sunshine with German tradition.
Admission: FREE
Experience an Oktoberfest extravaganza at The Welk in Escondido from 11 AM to 5 PM. This celebration of Bavarian culture offers a $50 ticket option for ages 21+ that includes beer samples and rides, and a $20 ticket for those 20 and under. Enjoy traditional pretzels, brews, and family-friendly fun, including rides and kids’ crafts. Don’t miss the Killer Dueling Pianos, providing lively entertainment all day.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Union Kitchen & Tap from 6 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy food and drink specials, live music, and test your strength in the Stein Holding Contest. It’s the perfect way to raise a glass and say Prost to the Oktoberfest season at this lively coastal spot.
Join the fun at My Yard Live in San Marcos for Oktoberfest on October 13th from 10 AM to 7 PM. Kick off the day with a classic VW car show hosted by North County Air-Cooled, and indulge in German fare while sipping on a special Oktoberfest brew: VolksLager, a 5.2% Festbier. There will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day, including the always-popular Polka Party Band. Celebrate Oktoberfest with food, beer, and classic cars.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in style at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Escondido on October from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Join Stone Brewing’s co-founder Steve Wagner for a special Beer & Cigar Dinner, featuring a decadent four-course German-inspired menu paired with perfectly selected beers. Your $125 ticket includes three hand-selected cigars to complement the evening. Expect delicious dishes like braised herbed duck, Schweinshaxe, and German chocolate cake, all paired with unique Stone beers like Stone Dunking Dudes Dunkelweizen and Ghoulish Delights Dark Lager.
Omakase to go, French cooking in the Ranch, and gelato inside Oceanside’s Top Gun House: these arrivals bring a range of new options to the local dining rotation.
The woman behind Encinitas favorites The Roxy and Anigma shares the stories, collected treasures, and sense of belonging that shape her spaces.
Local restaurants and familiar chefs join a week of culinary discovery this November 1—8.
More than 170 artists, an open-air tasting garden, live music and plenty to eat take over Girard Avenue October 10–11.
Discover the best pumpkin patches in North County San Diego & plan your next fall adventure with hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more.
Smash burgers, roadside classics, steakhouse sleepers and a few very good reasons to order the burger.
