La Mesa Oktoberfest celebrates a monumental 50th year with the largest celebration to date in the La Mesa Village on Friday, September 29, Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1. This San Diego staple event kicks off Fall celebrations across the county with three days of free Oktoberfest celebrations, live music, traditional food and drink, games and so much more for the whole family. To commemorate the milestone 50th year, La Mesa Oktoberfest is rolling out a limited release of collectable 50th Anniversary memorabilia and merchandise available while supplies last. Guests of all ages won’t want to miss the festivities as the La Mesa Village hosts the largest German celebration San Diego has to offer!
Dance the day (and night) away with non-stop performances by local and regional bands for young and old alike with German Polka bands, indie rock jams, cover bands, brass musicians and more! Grab your steins and get ready to “Prost!” (Cheers!), because there is a libation to satisfy the taste of every Mann or Frau at this year’s Oktoberfest – including a traditional keg tapping ceremony not to be missed.
A fully loaded food court will offer a wide variety of traditional German food, giant pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and other delicious delights. Those who are looking for a less traditional bite will delight at the Food Faire featuring over 40 unique food vendors throughout the event grounds ready to satisfy any craving.
Gather up your brute and brawn for the Glücklich Games and battle it out in a series of ferocious games. Attendees will have the chance to compete in challenges like Keg Stands, NXPT Workout Challenges, Air Bike Sprint, Sandbag Toss, Farmer’s Carry, Tank Push and more. Winners receive coveted La Mesa Oktoberfest metals and bragging rights.
Another long-loved tradition of La Mesa Oktoberfest are the long rows of specialty vendors throughout the event. The Artisanal Market features boutique, small-business vendors offering unique and hand-made items. Guests can expect over 100+ vendors to browse and shop! This is a huge part of the La Mesa Oktoberfest culture from the festival’s beginning and is the perfect stop for holiday shopping for your loved ones (and yourself!).
2023 50th Anniversary Lineup – Three Epic Unique Areas!
The Hofbräuhaus Biergarten is the largest biergarten featuring the Main Stage of cover band and oompah band programming, a large tent style communal seating, sing-a-longs, interactive games, walk up German food booths and over 150 ft of beverage service stations. For VIPs, there is an additional VIP-only bar at this stage for optimized service.
Friday, September 29th
4PM-4:45PM: Polka Party
5PM-5:45PM: Lady Dotty & the Diamonds
6PM – 6:45 PM: Polka Party
7PM – 8:15 PM: Betamaxx
8:30PM-10PM: Cassie B Project
Saturday, September 30th
10:30AM – 12:15PM: Polka Party
12:30PM – 1:15PM: Smooth Excursion
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Polka Party
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Red Headed Stranger
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: Polka Party
4:30 PM-5:15 PM: Solitary Diamonds
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM: Polka Party
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Power Snake
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM: Polka Party
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Paging the 90s
Sunday, October 1st
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: The Beatles Cover Band
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Polka Party
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Jimmy’s Buffet
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Polka Party
4:15 PM – 5:45 PM: The Trip
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Polka Party
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: ABBA LA
The Palm Avenue Bier Hall has been expanded for 2023 and is the most traditional biergarten with restaurant-style service, oompah bands, polka groups and interactive games.
Alternating Oompa Brother’s Band and interactive games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Der Deutche Dance Floor is a lounge-style biergarten with classic San Diego vibes including craft bier, free-play games, and DJ beats.
Friday, September 29th
DJ Lineup:
4PM: TPE
6PM: DJ Yodah
8PM: DJ Dax
Interactive:
Hula Hoops, Interactive Dance, Ana’s Belly Dancers, Groove Dance Floor
Saturday, September 30th
10AM: DJ Yodah
12PM: TPE
2PM: DJ Edge
4PM: DJ Latina
Interactive:
Hula Hoops, Interactive Dance, Line Dances, Visionary Dance Theare, Ana’s Belly Dancers, Groove Dance
Sunday, October 1st
12PM: TPE
2PM: Wolfgang Alexander
4PM: DJ Yodah
6PM: TPE
Interactive:
Hula Hoops, Interactive Dance, Ana’s Belly Dancers, Groove Dance
A Biergarten Pass is $5 for adults and free for children. Upgrade your experience and go VIP with packages ranging from $10 to $45. For those under 21 there are also packages available with perks like VIP entry, VIP restrooms, and flower crowns or chicken hats.
La Mesa Oktoberfest VIP Ticket Packages for the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten:
Hofbräuhaus VIP Experience ($15)
Biergarten Pass with access to all 3 biergartens | Hofbräuhaus Biergarten Dedicated VIP Entrance | Dedicated VIP Bar |Additional Restrooms Available for VIP only, Front of the line entrance privileges.
Hofbräuhaus VIP Experience ($30)
(2) 16oz Biers | Biergarten Pass with access to all 3 biergartens | Hofbräuhaus Biergarten Dedicated VIP Entrance | Dedicated VIP Bar | Additional Restrooms Available for VIP only, Front of the line entrance privileges.
Hofbräuhaus VIP Experience ($40)
(2) 16oz Biers | A 50th Anniversary Commemorative Stein | A Chicken Hat | Biergarten Pass with access to all 3 biergartens | Hofbräuhaus Biergarten Dedicated VIP Entrance | Dedicated VIP Bar | Additional Restrooms Available for VIP only, Front of the line entrance privileges.
Hofbräuhaus VIP Experience ($45)
(2) 16oz Biers | A 50th Anniversary Commemorative Stein | A Flower Crown or German Alpine Hat | Biergarten Pass with access to all 3 biergartens | Hofbräuhaus Biergarten Dedicated VIP Entrance | Dedicated VIP Bar |Additional Restrooms Available for VIP only, Front of the line entrance privileges.
Celebrating its 50th year, La Mesa Oktoberfest continues to top its traditions and present Bavarian festivities that San Diegans of all ages can partake in! All are invited to come and experience this beloved multi-generational tradition that has come to be a local must-stop each Fall.
Hold on to your Lederhosen – 2023 is going to be one for the books! For more information, schedules, line-ups, and to purchase VIP passes, visit www.LaMesaOktoberfest.org.
Terry Bunch
