Dana Point Oktoberfest

Free Admission  |  October 15th  |  12 – 7 p.m. |  Sea Terrace Park

Dana Point’s 3rd annual Oktoberfest captures the true spirit of the season, combining German food, music and dancing with a bit of fun in the sun. This time-honored folk festival, which originated in Munich in 1810, delivers the Bavarian traditions you’d expect with a California-style twist!

“We’re here to celebrate!” enthuses Master of Ceremonies Peter Melton, or the “Pieter Meister,” as he is affectionately called throughout the event. “Plan to come early and stay late. We always have a rockin’ good time!” 

The free, family-friendly event is produced by Eventwerks in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, and has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Last year, thousands attended the festival, partying until the end of the day and drinking up every last bit of tasty German beer. This year, the same tempting array of authentic German Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet treats, pretzels (the Pieter Meister’s favorite), and of course, plenty of beer – including at least 15 varieties of premium German and American brew, plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids will be on hand. Munich’s famous Spaten beer takes center stage, along with favorites from Franziskaner, Beck’s and Hoegaarden. Enjoy your favorite brew in a 16.9 oz. commemorative Dana Point Oktoberfest mug  that comes with party beads and your first beer for only $20. Refills are only $8.

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without festive music! The Bavarian BeerGarden Band will provide traditional and fun German music starting at noon and the Warsaw Poland Bros. will liven things up with their unique Oktoberfest Polka-Billy musical style starting at 4 p.m. Games include musical chairs for the kids, the hilarious and now-famous sausage toss, the ever-popular chicken dance, a sauerkraut eating contest, stein holding, and beer chugging. The festivities also feature sing-a-long songs and a dance party, lending this traditional German folk festival a distinctly American flavor.

“Part of what’s made our Oktoberfest event such a success,” shares Peter, “is how we’ve combined German tradition with good, old American fun. I’ve had people come up to me, even traditional people who’ve been to Oktoberfest celebrations for years, and tell me they prefer ours greatly.”

Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point provides a stunning venue, with gorgeous ocean views of Salt Creek Beach, fresh sea breezes, grassy park areas where the kids can run around and play, and an abundance of picnic tables. For a close-up view of the stage and the Pieter Meister’s crazy brand of German-American fun, arrive early to get the best table. Many attendees come dressed in costume, but if you happen to forget your lederhosen, vendors will be selling gear and souvenirs on-site. 

Most of all, come prepared to have a good time. Whether you’re German or American, have attended Oktoberfest every year or if this is your first one, you will find something to enjoy. Starting with the playful opening ceremony and tapping of the keg, the day promises a boisterous good time with family and friends, and hilarity as revelers dance, sing, and toast to the bounty of the harvest season. As the Pieter Meister says, “The dance party at the end, as it’s getting dark, is worth the trip alone!”

Dana Point’s Oktoberfest runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th. Free parking and a free shuttle to and from the event can be found at Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern Road). The first shuttle starts from Dana Hills High School at 11:30 a.m. and runs every half hour thereafter until 7:30 p.m. Additional parking is easily accessible on Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive, and entrances to the event can be found behind the Dana Point Library walking path and through the underground Pacific Coast Highway tunnel adjacent to the Salt Creek Beach parking lot. For more information on parking visit the website at DanaPointOktoberfest.com.