By Miriam Raftery

September 14, 2021 (El Cajon) – The German American Societies invite the public to celebrate Oktoberfest in El Cajon the weekends of September 24-26 and October 1-3.  Festivities include Oom-Pay music by the Guggenbach-Buam from Germany, German beers, food and desserts, dancing, kids’ activities, vendors and a raffle with a round-trip flight for two to Germany as grand prize.

East County News Service

September 20, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The German-American Club of San Diego hosts its annual Oktoberfest at its headquarters in El Cajon on the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October.  A trip for two to Germany will be the grand prize for a lucky winner in prize drawings during the event.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: LMVA president Peter Soutowood and Councilwoman Akilah Weber, during Oktoberfest discussion

June 26, 2019 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council, majority approved a 3-year permit for McFarlane Promotions to run the city’s popular Oktoberfest in partnership with the La Mesa Village Association, which will be from October 4-6 this year.

This year’s event will include several changes including an additional beer garden that will be German-themed with traditional German music, foods, and German-costumed servers.  Event-goers can still find a broader variety of music and foods at another beer garden plus food trucks that will be moved to a side street for improved flow; a total of 45 food vendors and 95 nonfood vendors will be included. There will be two kids fun zones with attractions such as a trampoline, inflatable jumps, and face painting. Wiener dog (dachshund) races, another crowd favorite, will return but be moved to Alison Avenue.

McFarlane will  provide a 50% cost recovery to the city, up to a maximum of $50,000 per year. Councilmembers Kristine Alessio and Akilah Weber voted no, wanting a higher cost recovery rate in the wake of projections that the city will likely have to tap its reserves to balance its budget in the next couple of years.

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2017 (El Cajon) – Crowds flocked to Oktoberfests in El Cajon and La Mesa for bratwurst, beer, and festivities. The two community events differed sharply, with the German-American club’s event at its headquarters in El Cajon focused on authentic offerings such as a German band and Bavarian pastries, while La Mesa added some international elements and carnival attractions.

By Jonathan Goetz

August 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – This year’s Oktoberfest will be September 28-Ocober 1 and run by the La Mesa Village Association.  The La Mesa City Council approved the action at last week’s meeting. A proposal to change all City Council meetings to 6 p.m. was continued to a future meeting to allow more community feedback.  The City’s traffic calming program will use more than just speed humps to slow down traffic. Additionally, private fundraising efforts will be launched to raise money for a large gateway sign for downtown La Mesa.

By Ed Barrena



October 3, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Oktoberfest is a big deal in East County. Locally we have many festivities that hit the mark when it comes to the traditional Bavarian celebration. But what is it all about?

By Rebecca J. Williamson

October 6, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon, indeed, will have chickens in their town – not just in ovens---but on hats! Where?  Oktoberfest -- held this weekend at the German-American Societies of San Diego, Inc. facility on South Mollison.

September 6, 2012 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join in kicking off the biggest community event in the region - 2012 Oktoberfest. The three-day Oktoberfest annually brings in over 200,000 people to La Mesa. The Chamber’s preview kick-off will be held September 12 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Continental Catering, 8238 Parkway Drive, La Mesa.

This event is free to Oktoberfest volunteers. Chamber Member & all guests pay $10 per person.

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon) --The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October. Festivities will be held at the Societies’ headquarters at 1017 South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon.

October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The public is invited to an Oktoberfest celebration at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon, for the Elks' annual Oktoberfest on October 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be food and beverages, craft booths, German music to enjoy, a nail pounding contest and pitcher holding contest along with drawings for many prizes.

East County News Service

September 29, 2010 (El Cajon) –The German American Societies presents the 39th annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon over the first two weekends of October, the 1st – 3rd and 8th – 10th, 2010. Hours of this traditional, family-friendly festival are Fridays from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturdays from noon until 10:00 PM, and Sundays from noon until 9:00 PM.