Fall’s on the horizon, and that means one thing: Oktoberfest is around the corner! If you love sipping on giant cold beers, all dressed up in your lederhosen, this is the best time of the year. Sounds good? Keep reading. Not into it? Keep reading anyway – because this year, La Mesa is bringing a crowd favorite. The Dackeldorf Dachshund Village is here to steal everyone’s heart.
This weekend, from October 3 to 5, make sure not to miss a weekend full of wiener dog races, costumed pups, and tail-wagging excitement at SoCal’s largest free Oktoberfest celebration. Given how much San Diegans love their four-legged friends, it’s no wonder that over 100,000 attendees are expected – we’re in for a party!
Oktoberfest at La Mesa
The La Mesa Oktoberfest returns this fall, bringing 3 days of beer, brats, and family fun. You can enjoy 3 lively biergartens featuring German and craft beer, live music, and Bavarian entertainment. It’s a very family-friendly event, with attractions like the Ferris Wheel and Kinder Karneval. Adults can explore over 100 vendors offering food, crafts, and festival finds. Here are the festival hours:
- Friday, October 3, from 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday, October 4, from 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday, October 5, from 12 PM to 8 PM
Admission is free, with optional Biergarten Passes available for $8 (kids go in for free).
Line-up at Dackeldorf Dachshund Village
Now, on to even more important events…all the pups! Here’s what you can expect:
Dachshund Planking – Test your strength with a fun twist by planking while balancing a plush dachshund on your back. You can even win the plush pup as a prize.
· Friday, Oct. 3 @ 6:45 PM
· Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM
· Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 1:15 PM | 2:45 PM | 3:45 PM
Dog Races – Watch speedy pups dash through the racetrack in one of the most entertaining events of the weekend. Pick your favorite and cheer them on!
· Friday, Oct. 3 @ 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM
· Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 12:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM
· Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 12:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM
Some “Dachshund at Heart” races are open to all small dog breeds.
Fashion Show – The Dachshund Fashion Show welcomes friendly dogs of all breeds to dress up and strut their stuff for a chance to win fun prizes and festival fame. Categories include Best Hot Dog, Best Lederhosen or Dirndl, People’s Choice, Most Oktoberfest Spirit, and Best Matching Costumes for dogs and their humans.
· Friday, October 3 – 6 PM
· Saturday, October 4 – 11 AM
· Sunday, October 5 – 3 PM
Howl-deling & Trick Contest – If your pup has a special talent, silly trick, or simply loves the spotlight, the Howl-deling and Trick Contest is the place to show off. There are special prizes awarded for standout performances.
· Friday, October 3 – 5 PM
· Saturday, October 4 – 6 PM
· Sunday, October 5 – 1:30 PM
Dachshund Village is open to any breed, so make sure to pack your leash and bring your lovable pooches out to play!