Every year the German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktober-fest on the first two weekends of October.

Authentic German food, such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage and a variety of German pastries will be served. Soft drinks & adult beverages will be available, including a fantastic selection of German beers and liquors.

Our band comes straight from Germany. These talented, fine MUSICIANS dress in traditional clothing, and play a variety of German music, just as you would hear in the beer gardens in Germany.

Folk dancing performances will be featured, along with games & contests, vendor & craft booths, and a kids’ zone. Bring your family to El Cajon and experience a real German Oktoberfest!

The History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in September?
Oktoberfest traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday of October.

What is Oktoberfest?

It began with the Royal Wedding on 12 October 1810.

Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were renamed Theresienwiese ("Therese's Fields") to honor the Crown Princess, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to "Wiesn." Horse races in the presence of the royal family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in subsequent years gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Königin Application
Apply to be our 2008 Oktoberfest Queen!! "Click Here" for the application!