These Southland events will offer up beer, oompah bands, the chicken dance and more

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Members of the SoCal Polka Band urge people to get up and dance in Redlands’ Sylvan Park in 2023. Six local breweries will have their wares on hand at this year’s edition Oct. 5-6. TERRY PIERSON — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Marko Kavticnik gets the attention of kids by tooting an alpenhorn during a 2022 Oktoberfest gathering at Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, where this year’s festivities begin Sunday. Pomona, Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Arcadia are among other cities whose Oktoberfest observances spread over multiple weekends. LEONARD ORTIZ — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Children and adults share the dance floor at Old World Huntington Beach in 2022 as the Bluebirds play. The venue’s Oktoberfest runs Wednesdays-Sundays through Nov. 3, with attendance limited to adults Friday and Saturday evenings. LEONARD ORTIZ — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Oktoberfest in Southern California is a long goodbye to summer.

While inspired by the folk festival in Munich, local celebrations have taken on their own vibe. After all, they’re a lot closer, and in some cases, on the beach.

The biggest events, in Big Bear and Huntington Beach, kick off this weekend and run through early November.

Look for plenty of Bavarian touches, such as authentic German beers, oompah bands, big beer steins, dirndl and lederhosen. But you’ll also find the chicken dance and even a Tiki bar, as well as local craft brews.

Some celebrations are family affairs with kids activities and fun zones, while others are adults-only. Also, a few are cash-only or cashless events. Check out the details before you commit.

Here are some events to look for throughout Southern California.Multiweek festivals

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest >> Convention Center of Big Bear Lake, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake. Weekends through Nov. 2. 909-585-3000, bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest.

The 54th annual festival will have four outside beer gardens, including a Tiki bar and two full-service bars within the convention center. German foods will include bratwurst, knockwurst and apple strudel.

Entertainment will be a mix of Southern California oompah bands and three bands from Germany performing two weekends each. Pastimes will include log sawing, stein holding and wall climbing, plus inflatables for the kids. General admission tickets range from $28.68-$34.01, depending on the weekend. Admission is free for current and former U.S. military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement and front-line health workers Saturday and Sunday as well as Sept. 14-15 and Nov. 2. Immediate family members and significant others can get in at a discount.

Fairplex presents Oktoberfest >> Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4-26. fairplex.com/events/oktoberfest.

This event with German food and music is for guests 21 years or older. Tickets are $14-$23, depending on the day, and are cheaper online. The Fairplex is a card-only facility.

Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest >> Waterfront Park, Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 State Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead. Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 14-Oct. 27. lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com.

The festival has a new location that was formerly Lollipop Park in Lake Arrowhead Village. Parking and admission are free, but pub and picnic tables can be reserved for $25-$100. Beer costs a flat rate of $15 a cup, unlike in starter packages of prior years. Entertainment includes oompah bands, dance parties and games for kids. This is a cash-only event.

Old World Village Oktoberfest >> Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave., No. 49, Huntington Beach. Wednesdays-Sundays from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3. oldworldhb.com.

Entertainment includes oompah bands, and food includes sausages, and a pretzel and charcuterie board. Admission is free Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets for Fridays through Sundays are $10-$45, depending on time and day. Most events are all ages, but Friday and Saturday evenings are for adults 21 or older. Seating is first-come, first-served without table reservations.

There will be more going on at Old World Village. The restaurant, which serves schnitzel and sausage, is not part of the festival, but reservations are available.

Wiener dog races will take place Sunday and Sept. 22.

But first come performances by cover bands in Rockoberfest, running through Saturday.

Santa Anita Oktoberfest >> Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Noon-4:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13 and 19-20. santaanita.com/event/entertainment/oktoberfest.

In addition to horse racing, there will be live music, costumes, games and beer. Advance tickets cost $26 through Sept. 22, $38 after that. Tickets include a $5 betting voucher.

Single day or weekend festivals

Hermosa Beach Oktoberfest >> Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Avenue between 10th and 14th streets and Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach. Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 28-29. locale90254.com.

Family-friendly event with German food, carnival rides and contests. Dogs and costumes are allowed. The event is free, but beer tent admission is $20 plus fees. Beer tickets are $8 for a 16-ounce pour.

Los Angeles Beer Festival >> Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles. Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 12. labeerfest.la.

Organizers promise the event will have an Oktoberfest presence with a “Bavarian beer village.” More than 70 craft breweries will be represented and there will be a fleet of food trucks. General admission is $50 and includes samples. This is a 21-or-older event.

Montrose Oktoberfest >> 2200-2400 blocks, Honolulu Avenue, Montrose. Noon-10 p.m. Oct. 5. oktoberfest.montrosechamber.org.

Admission is free at this family event, but food, drinks, rides and games are paid for with a ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website.

Night Market Oktoberfest, Mission Viejo >> 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 5-9 p.m. Sept. 21. eventbrite.com.

Festivities include live entertainment, games, food vendors and photo ops. Admission is free. Reservations are available at Eventbrite.

Redlands Oktoberfest >> Sylvan Park, 601 University St., Redlands. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Oct. 5-6. redlandsoktoberfest.com.

All-ages event with German music, a kids zone and pastimes such as ax throwing, giant Jenga and Hammerschlagen. Six local breweries will have a presence. General admission is $10.

Simi Valley Oktoberfest >> Lemon Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 5. simioktoberfest.com.

German music, beer and gaming tables. This event is for those 21 or older. General admission is $40 plus fees and includes beer.