Oktoberfest season is upon us, and it’s time to dust off those lederhosen and dirndls! Silicon Valley has a host of exciting events to celebrate this traditional German festival, blending both classic and modern activities. From beer and brats to rock climbing and stein-holding competitions, there’s something for everyone. Here are five must-visit Oktoberfest celebrations in Silicon Valley this year.
Held on October 5-6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Mountain View Oktoberfest at Steins Beer Garden promises a festive weekend filled with exciting new additions. This year marks the event’s ninth edition, featuring a speakeasy on the back patio with lawn games, misters, fans, and craft cocktails for attendees aged 21 and over. Wine lovers will also be thrilled to find local wine selections available at the main event.
Since its launch in 2013, the Mountain View Oktoberfest has grown from 4,000 to over 10,000 attendees. It’s famous for offering authentic glass steins and boots, something the event has done continuously since its inception. While admission is free, drinking participants will need to purchase glassware and drink tickets.
There will be a wide selection of beers from Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Stiegl, along with German and American food from multiple vendors. Expect live performances by SF German Band and BlowMusik. Don’t forget to join in contests like the steinhoisting and best costume competitions, or bring the kids to the family zone with jumpy houses, face painting, and arts and crafts.
For a more intimate Oktoberfest experience, visit Ludwig’s Biergarten in downtown Mountain View. This celebration, taking place on September 20-21 and September 27-28 from 4-10 p.m., offers a cozy setting to enjoy classic German fare like pork knuckle and leberkäse, paired with Paulaner beer sauce.
A $150 ticket reserves a table for eight for the entire evening, but walk-ins are also welcome (though seating is limited). The event will feature live accordion music, a DJ, and fun competitions like best-dressed and steinhoisting. Kids can join in on the fun too, with a special mini-stein holding contest.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush with their beer, head to California’s Great America in Santa Clara for Oktoberfest on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 14 through October 26. Sip on imported German beer from Hofbräu München and Paulaner while enjoying the park’s roller coasters, like RailBlazer and Flight Deck.
The park offers Oktoberfest-exclusive dishes like German nachos, käsespätzle, and honey-glazed pork wings. Attendees can join contests like brat-eating and stein-holding, and take part in yard games like cornhole and horseshoes. Tickets start at $44.99, making it a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Downtown Redwood City transforms into a Bavarian wonderland for nine days, from September 20-22 and September 24-29. Located at Courthouse Square, this ticketed event ($10-$30) includes a commemorative stein and a drink ticket. Larger groups can reserve VIP tables for six, complete with 12 drink vouchers.
Listen to live performances by The Internationals and Alpine Sound Band, and join in dance, stein-holding, and yodeling competitions. Though family-friendly, this event won’t have a dedicated children’s area, so plan accordingly.
The Campbell Oktoberfest on October 19-20 offers a lively celebration with four stages of music and over 100 arts and crafts booths. Hosted by Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, this festival also includes a homebrewing competition. Sign up by October 4 to have your Marzen beer judged by experts like Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch.
Guests can prepurchase drink tickets and glassware, and join the steinhoisting contest. The top homebrewers will be awarded medals and bragging rights, with the first-place winner receiving a coveted Oktoberfest glass boot.
