Forget pumpkin spice. The real deal in fall taste sensations came into being in 1810, sparked by a Bavarian royal wedding. Since then, Oktoberfest has grown into a beer-drinking orgy that draws millions of tourists to Munich every year. And the tradition is alive and well in Santa Clara County. Here’s what’s on the menu.
Sep 13–Oct 25 at Teske’s Germania—It doesn’t get more German than Teske’s. Owned by the Baumann family since 1990, Teske’s has a long history as San Jose’s top spot for Oktoberfest revels. From 6–11pm on select Fridays and Saturdays, meals will be accompanied by live music from the Internationals (except for Sep 20, which features the Gruber Family Band). In addition to a full menu of classic German dishes, Teske’s serves a copious assortment of German beers and liqueurs. 255 N 1st St, San Jose, 408.292.0291; teskes-germania.com.
Sep 14–Oct 26 at California’s Great America—This Oktoberfest celebration taking place on select weekends has the basics covered: German food and beverages, music and family entertainment. Included with amusement park admission. 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara; cagreatamerica.com.
Sept 20–22 and 24–29 in Redwood City—This peninsula city’s annual celebration is a standout for fans of all things Teutonic. Held in a 10,000-square-foot tent, this Oktoberfest is filled with games, food, stein-holding contests, yodeling displays and dance competitions. On top of that will be live music provided by the Internationals, the Alpine Sound Band and Deutscher Musikverein, as well as traditional dances by the Golden Gate Bavarian Club. Tickets are $10–$30. Courthouse Square, Redwood City; redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/oktoberfest.
Sep 20–21 and Sep 27–28 at Ludwig’s—For two weekends straight, this Mountain View restaurant will serve up authentic German beer, Bavarian food and musical accompaniment starting at 4pm. Culinary options include imported German pretzels, a sausage sampler, Jägerschnitzel (pork, chicken or vegan options), Bavarian dumplings and, for dessert, Ofenfrischer Apfelstrudel mit Vanilla Sauce. 383 Castro St., Mountain View; 650.282.5342. ludwigsmv.com.
Sep 27-29 and Oct 4-6 at Clandestine Brewing—The dedicated beermeisters at Clandestine Brewing are looking forward to serving up “a bunch of hyper-specific German-style kolsches and insane German-style beers” over two weekends. Many of Clandestine’s annual releases only come out at this time of year, so devotees will want to belly up to the bar. (Also of note: this Saturday, from 6–10pm, Clandestine hosts Local Vibes, a group art show with music, food, games and giveaways.) Open noon to 9pm; 980 S 1st St, Suite B, San Jose; 408.520.0220; clandestinebrewing.com.
Sep 28 at Gordon Biersch Brewery—From 2 to 10pm in the brewery, expect Bavarian pretzels, po boys, special release beer, a stein holding competition and live music by the Mike Rinta Band. 357 E Taylor St, San Jose, facebook.com/gordonbierschbrewingco.
Sep 28 at Laughing Monk Brewing—This Sunnyvale brewpub invites imbibers to raise a toast to National Drink Beer Day, with many craft brews to choose from, including German-style beers such as kolsch, hefeweizen and weizenbock. The restaurant is open from 11am to 9pm. 1235 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale; 408.736.2739. sunnyvale.laughingmonkbrewing.com.
Sep 28 at Esther’s Kitchen and Beer Garden—From 4–9pm, the eatery celebrates Oktoberfest in the beer garden. 987 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos; 650.941.4463. estherskitchenbeergarden.com.
Sep 29 at Los Gatos Civic Center—From noon–6pm, KCAT’s third annual Oktoberfest celebrates German culture with plenty of food and beer, plus raffles and live music by the Internationals. Proceeds support public TV & radio, digital arts and education. The event will be held at the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn. For information or to preorder “Prost boxes,” visit kcat.org/oktoberfest2024.
Oct 5 at Pour Me Taproom—From 1 to 11pm, this Gilroy establishment celebrates German beer, food and music at its Oktoberfest Tap Takeover. 7499 Monterey St, Gilroy, 408.337.5447; eventbrite.com.
Oct 5–6 in downtown Mountain View—The ninth annual Mountain View Oktoberfest, hosted by Steins Beer Garden and the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, features a 200-foot tent where adults can enjoy classic German beers and wine or sip cocktails at the Steins Speakeasy. There will also be live entertainment, contests, dancing, food, a Makers Market with local artisans, and a kids’ zone. Open 11am–7pm at the intersection of Dana and Bryant streets; mvoktoberfest.com.
Oct. 5–6 at Casa de Fruta—The Northern California Renaissance Faire hosts an Oktoberfest weekend, with a takeover by German mercenaries and their camp followers bent on celebrating with some cold Willingtown ale. Admission is $35. 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister; norcalrenfaire.com.
Oct 19–20 in downtown Campbell—A popular event for foodies and beer lovers, the Campbell Oktoberfest has been held since 1994. The two-day salute to Bavarian culture showcases regional fare—sausages and sauerkraut, pretzels and potato salad, and a variety of beers and ales—as well as an art fair featuring more than 100 artisans and live entertainment. Activities at the Biersch Garten—courtesy of beer sponsor Gordon Biersch Brewing Company—hosts the Biersch Garden, and there will be a stein-holding contest, a costume contest to honor the best Bavarian attire and a Braumeister Competition that will select the best Oktoberfest-style Marzen beer from entries by 20 home brewers. Doors open at 10am. 267 E. Campbell Ave, Suite C, Campbell; campbelloktoberfest.com.
