La Mesa Oktoberfest is returning this year Oct. 4-6. Now in its 51st year, this annual journey for thousands draws merrymakers for three days of live music, authentic German food, and a plethora of German and craft beers. New this year, is the Artisan Alley, Pumpkin Patch & Flower Shop, Palm Avenue Pub & Grub, and the return of the La Mesa Oktoberfest Ferris Wheel.
McFarlane Promotions President Laura McFarlane said the Ferris Wheel has not been at Oktoberfest since 2019 and is excited to have it back. She said new this year are changes to the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village.
“It has become so popular we have moved it down to Fourth Avenue, so it is an entire block, with additional dog activities, more races, and even races for dogs who think they are dachshunds, so it is inclusive to all dogs,” she said. “We are doing fun things for humans too, like they have a stuffed dachshund dog on their back and whomever can hold in on their back without it falling while racing wins a big stuffed dachshund.”
McFarlane said they heard from the community that they wanted more homemade and local crafts at the event.
“All of Allison Avenue this year will only be small homemade crafters, so that is almost 45 additional homemade crafters that we are bringing in for the event {at the Artisan Alley Craft Faire],” she said. “We still have the beloved vendors on La Mesa Boulevard. We also have a sponsorship with a water company who is bringing in the large water bellies, so if people bring their reusable cups, they can get free water at the festival this year.”
The event has changed Palm Avenue to the Palm Avenue Pub & Grub now, said McFarlane.
“We are going to have umpa music that people love with open seating, then later from around 7-10 p.m. will be a DJ on Friday, and 7-10 p.m. on Saturday we will have karaoke, which will be fun. So, if you are a good singer, we hope to see you at the Pub & Grub.”
McFarlane said that new games have been added to the main biergarten and music. She said this year the La Mesa Police Department will have a large fire engine on Third Avenue for the kids to get on as a thank you to the community’s first responders.
McFarlane said they are working with a local company since it is October where you can pick your pumpkin at the pumpkin patch.
“Also, with Bavarian tradition you have the flower crowns. We are working with a local florist that you can make your own flower crown,” she said. “We also have the famous Glucklich Games and strongman games as well.”
