Fall is just around the corner, and that means one thing: find those lederhosen! If you love sipping on giant cold beers, diving into authentic brats, and enjoying Bavarian traditions, the 53rd Annual La Mesa Oktoberfest is the place to be.
But even if you aren’t the biggest beer lover – there’s a four-legged reason you won’t want to miss out. The Dackeldorf Dachshund Village is back to steal everyone’s heart.
La Mesa Oktoberfest: what to expect
Expected to draw crowds of over 100,000 attendees, La Mesa Oktoberfest continues its tradition of being one of SoCal’s largest and most fun family-friendly celebrations.
This year, the festival takes place between October 2 – 4, 2026. General admission is entirely free for all ages. If you want to step into the Biergartens, entry is just $8 (payable at the door), while those under 21 get in free.
For the ultimate experience, Hofbräuhaus Biergarten VIP passes range from $10 to $49, offering perks like commemorative steins, front-of-line privileges, dedicated bars, and Oktoberfest flower crowns or chicken hats.
The star of the show: Dackeldorf Dachshund Village
Let’s be honest – we all know what the main attraction is. Given how much San Diegans love their pups, it’s no surprise that the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village is a crowd favorite. While the village celebrates the iconic wiener dog, friendly dogs of all small breeds are welcome to participate!
Here’s what’s happening at the pup-centric village:
- The Dachshund races: Easily the most anticipated event of the weekend! Watch speedy pups run down the racetrack to the roaring cheers of the crowd. Pick your favorite contender and watch the tiny legs fly.
- Dachshund planking: Test your core strength with a twist: holding a plank while balancing a plush dachshund on your back. Outlast your competitors, and you get to take the plush pup home.
- The fashion show: Pups are encouraged to dress in their Bavarian best to compete for festival fame. Categories include Best Hot Dog, Best Lederhosen or Dirndl, Most Oktoberfest Spirit, People’s Choice, and Best Matching Costumes for dogs and their humans.
- Howl-deling & trick contest: Does your dog love the spotlight? Whether they have a hidden talent, a silly trick, or an impressive set of vocal cords ready to howl-del, this is their moment to shine.
More than just pups
While the dogs are the undisputed stars, there’s plenty more to explore. With 3 Biergartens pouring German and craft biers, attendees can enjoy non-stop live music, Bavarian bingo, and Stein Holding competitions.
Families can head to the Kinder Village for activities, go for a spin on the towering Ferris Wheel, or explore the Artisan Market featuring over 100 vendors selling crafts and international foods.
Get ready for an unbeatable weekend right in the heart of La Mesa!
