Downtown La Mesa will once again transform into a Bavarian-style village as the 52nd annual La Mesa Oktoberfest returns Oct. 3–5.
Billed as Southern California’s largest Oktoberfest, the free three-day event is expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees with nonstop entertainment, food, and activities for all ages.
The festival is produced by McFarlane Promotions, a women-owned production company led by Laurel McFarlane. Her team has been at the helm for the past decade, handling both production and public relations.
“What makes La Mesa’s Oktoberfest so special is that there’s truly something for everyone,” McFarlane said. “It’s not just a beer garden with bands — it’s a full community event where people of all ages can enjoy themselves.”
This year’s Oktoberfest will feature three themed biergartens:
Hofbräuhaus Biergarten: The festival’s main hub, with a packed lineup of live bands and accordion-fueled Polka Parties between sets. Performers range from tribute bands like 90s Rock Show and Faux Fighters to funk, country, and yacht rock acts.
Prost and Play Garten: A family-friendly space with bounce houses, games, and live music designed for kids and parents to enjoy together.
Craft Bier & Seltzer Garten: Focused on local breweries and DJs, this area also introduces the new BPM CAFE, a Saturday-only pop-up serving coffee cocktails, Radlers, Mimosas, and brunch bites alongside sets by local DJs.
Beyond the biergartens, La Mesa Oktoberfest offers a full slate of activities. Families can enjoy the Kinder Garten, packed with carnival rides, inflatable slides, and face painting. Dog lovers can head to Dackeldorf Dachshund Village, featuring dachshund races, costume contests, and a fashion show. The Der Deutsche Dance Square invites visitors to try line dancing, belly dancing, or even join a hula hoop contest. Guests can also participate in the Glücklich Games, featuring keg holding, tug-of-war, and tire flipping competitions hosted by NXPT Fit.
Vendors will line La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Avenue, with more than 100 booths offering a variety of food, crafts, and traditional German fare, including sausages and pretzels. A Ferris wheel, a pumpkin patch, and a children’s dance square add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s not just held in a parking lot,” McFarlane said. “We close down the streets, so people can enjoy the local restaurants, shops, and bars in addition to all the entertainment we bring in. That sense of community is what makes this festival stand out.”
For McFarlane, who has worked on major San Diego events for more than 15 years, the real reward is in seeing people connect.
“The biggest thing for me is when you do the event and everyone’s singing, laughing, or just enjoying themselves,” she said.
“Life can be stressful, but for a weekend, people can let go, meet new friends, and make memories. That’s what keeps me going year after year.”
La Mesa Oktoberfest runs Oct. 3–5, hours are Friday 4–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday noon–8 p.m. Admission is free, with food, drinks, and crafts available for purchase.
Biergarten passes are $8 (kids free), and VIP tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for under 21. Guests are encouraged to take the trolley, which stops directly at the festival entrance.
For a full entertainment lineup and ticket details, visit www.LaMesaOktoberfest.org.
