Old World, Alpine Village and Big Bear Bring German Beer Halls To Southern California
Hoisting big beers, doing big cheers arm and arm and flapping arms like wings doing the chicken dance, all to the live music of an oompha band.
It’s Oktoberfest and you don’t have to go to Munich to experience it.’
While there are great Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the world – and nearly every city in the United States puts up beer tents – the place with the most variety is Los Angeles. There are not one, or two, but three big month-long places to party that if, you close your eyes and dream a bit, might make you think you are in Munich.
Here’s a look at them:
ALPINE VILLAGE, TORRANCE
The biggest of the three in terms of space, it has a pretty large area with an elevated stage for the band. And, a couple of times a night, beer mug-holding contests. (And, if you’re a cute girl, dancing).
This is the South Bay Beach City’s Oktoberfest party place. There are a number of single people, but also about half the people are couples. There are more singles at Old World in Huntington Beach (keep reading.)
It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru Oct. 28.
There are long picnic tables, much like there is in the Munich beer halls, and some people jump on the benches and tables when the band plays the chicken dance.
See more in PubClub.com’s Party Review: www.pubclub.com/losangeles/oktoberfestalpine.htm.
BIG BEAR OKTOBERFEST
This party on the mountain sells out, it’s so popular. So get your tickets in advance!
Held in the Big Bear Convention center, it’s focused mainly on two prime weekends in the middle of October. It’s both indoor and outdoor and even has a mechanical bull (is that a good idea after a few “das boots!?”), Western photo-ops and a petting zoo.
This wild west of an Oktoberfest is king of the mountain before the snow season starts.
It runs thru Oct. 27.
See more in PubClub.com’s Party Review: www.pubclub.com/InlandEmpire/oktoberfest.htm
OLD WORLD HUNTINGTON BEACH
More intimate than Alpine Village, it may be the best of the three. That’s because it’s a bit more intense, at least inside. You’re right on top of the oompha band, there’s a lively dance floor and it’s so conversationally loud it just sounds like Oktoberfest in Munich.
Plus, there’s a little bar to the side that is a lot of fun, a patio with beer stations and food, picnic tables, and hot shot girls are cruising the grounds, tempting you with angel eyes and cleave cleavage propped up in those German Bavarian costumes.
It runs through Oct. 28.
See more in PubClub.com’s Party Review: www.pubclub.com/losangeles/oktoberfest.htm.
OKTOBERFEST MUNICH
It’s the real deal, and as long as you’re reading about Oktoberfest, I might as well share this story with you. It’s PubClub.com’s look at the beer tents and the scene. I was there on Opening Day a few years ago and walked in just ahead of the band when the Hofbrau Haus opened. It was 11 in the morning and the place was already packed. Every seat was taken and it has a capacity of at least 5,000.
There were people as far as the eye could see.
I stopped and stared in amazement. And could think but one thought:
“This is beer drinker’s heaven!”
Here’s more: www.pubclub.com/SpecialEvents/oktoberfest.htm.
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