It’s the fall and there are people in costumes and “corpses” passed out on the ground. It sounds like Halloween, but it’s actually another annual celebration- Oktoberfest. Don’t let the name confuse you. Despite sounding like it should take place in October, this annual festival actually occurs primarily in September. Dating back almost 200 years, this beer centric event is an important part of Bavarian culture. Each year, for 16 days from the end of September until the beginning of October Munich, Germany hosts the official Oktoberfest. This celebration draws in some 6 million people and is the world’s largest fair. If you can’t make the jump across the pond but still want to stuff yourself silly with ales and würstel (sausage), there are luckily some Oktoberfests right here in Southern California.

Alpine Village in Torrance hosts the largest and longest Oktoberfest in Southern California. This year, the festival is running from September 12^th through October 25^th. During this time visitors can participate in a range of events from yodeling and pretzel eating contests to the famous Chicken Dance. And let’s not forget about the beer. Friday through Sunday there is a beer garden to which admission is $8. Alpine Village is a cute and authentic little town that will make you forget you’re in LA.

New this year is the LA Oktoberfest which being held in LA Mart downtown. How do you know you’re in LA? Our Oktoberfest features veggie sausages, wine tasting and beer ice cream floats. Not exactly things you’ll find in Munich, but all very intriguing. There will also be a silent action and a beer pong tournament on top of the traditional festivities. This fest also sets itself apart from the rest because it’s one day only- Saturday, October 10^th from 1-6pm. There are different levels of tickets from $15 to $100 VIP that includes early admission and a full day worth of drinks. So dust off those Lederhosen because it’s time to get nice and sloppy drunk.