Prost! This California Oktoberfest named one of the best in US. See 9 celebrations not to miss

Skip the costly trip to Germany and instead head to Southern California, home to one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in America.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest was named one of the top 10 best Oktoberfest events in the country by USA TODAY 10Best , as voted by readers.

Celebrating its 54 ^th anniversary, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs each weekend through Nov. 9, promising its thirsty guests plenty of brews, German cuisine and contests.

But for fans of the annual fall-time festival looking for a celebration closer to them, here’s a sampling of some of the Oktoberfest events taking place throughout the state in October.

Arcadia

Play musical chairs, listen to 1980s hits and a German Oompah band and sip on Oktoberfest beers as part of Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park . A costume contest, corn hole competition, stein holding competition and plenty of food round out the festivities at this event in Arcadia.

• Where: 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia
• When: Oct. 12-13, 19-20
• Price: General admission is $38

Carlsbad

Head south to Carlsbad for the 42 ^nd annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, which hosted over 5,000 attendees last year, according to the festival. The family-friendly event has plenty of things to do, from a yodeling competition, a costume contest, a kids’ chicken dance competition, and more.

• Where: 1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad
• When: Oct. 5
• Price: $10 entrance, free for children five and under

Chico

Before you visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for their Oktoberfest , check if your mustache needs grooming. That’s because one of the festivities is a mustache competition, in addition to more traditional fun like a live polka band or the chicken dance. The Oktoberfest celebration is for adults 21 and up.

• Where: 1075 E. 20 ^th St., Chico
• When: Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5
• Price: General admission is $62

Los Angeles

Those zeroed in on the beer aspect of Oktoberfest may want to get tickets for the Los Angeles Beer Festival at the Los Angeles Center Studios, which will have over 70 local and craft breweries and a Bavarian beer village — perfect for those who still want to celebrate Oktoberfest. Polka band Die Sauerkrauts will perform as you find your next favorite craft beer and grab a bite from a dozen food trucks.

• Where: 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles
• When: Oct. 12
• Price: General admission is $50

Oakland

Five stages of live music will keep you grooving as you choose from over 200 craft beers to try at Oaktoberfest . The family-friendly event offers a kid’s zone for the little ones in your group to have fun and will host food vendors to keep you satisfied for a day of celebrating.

• Where: Oakland’s Dimond District, Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard intersection
• When: Oct. 5-6
• Price: Admission is free

Pomona

Snack on potato pancakes and pretzels, dance to a polka band and see a car show as part of the Oktoberfest celebration at the Pomona Fairplex, which is home to the LA County Fair. The event is for adults 21 and up.

• Where: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
• When: Fridays and Saturdays in October
• Price: Advance admission starts at $14

Simi Valley

Fantastic news for people who appreciate affordability : Beer is included at the Simi Valley Oktoberfest , meaning all you need to do is purchase a ticket. Have fun listening to traditional polka from a four-piece band that will also treat the audience to classic rock or tango. Dig into German food, in cluding an assortment of German desserts, for those with a sweet tooth.

• Where: 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley
• When: Oct. 5
• Price: $50 general admission

Valencia

How about Oktoberfest with a side of roller coasters? Celebrate Oktoberfest differently at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. The Oktoberfest Food Festival at the amusement park invites you to try various foods such as German meatballs and sauerbraten, a German pot roast, and snack on pretzel bites and bratwurst. Of course, beer is available for adults 21 and up.

• Where: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia
• When: Friday through Sunday through Nov. 3
• Price: Included with park admission

When is Oktoberfest in Germany 2024?

The 189 ^th Oktoberfest began Sept. 21 and will wrap up on Oct. 6, according to Munich Oktoberfest .

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Prost! This California Oktoberfest named one of the best in US. See 9 celebrations not to miss