ENCINITAS — The Encinitas Oktoberfest will celebrate its 30th year on Sept. 27.
The event will take over Mountain Vista Drive, featuring more than 130 local craft and jewelry artisans and food vendors, creating a lively marketplace for an expected 15,000 visitors, according to a news release.
“For three decades, Encinitas Oktoberfest has brought residents and visitors together to kick off fall with great food, lively entertainment and unmistakable coastal spirit,” said Carol Knight, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas, in the release. “It’s festive, family-friendly and truly one of a kind—just like Encinitas.”
The dog costume contest is scheduled to return, with pups showing off their best German-themed outfits for prizes.
A kids’ play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course and a rock climbing wall is also planned.
The festival pays tribute to Olivenhain’s founding by German farmers in 1884 — coincidentally, the same year famed German painter Max Beckmann was born.
Attendees can choose from craft brews at two beer gardens.
The craft beer tent will feature local breweries such as Carlsbad Brewing Company, Culture Brewing and Fox Point Brewing Company, according to the release. The Tap Truck will also dispense brews from a 1921 Buick, and fans of other adult beverages can enjoy wine, seltzer and kombucha.
Vendors such as Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland will offer bratwurst, pretzels and other Bavarian staples.
The event is free to attend and will take place on Mountain Vista Drive between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. A free shuttle will run between Flora Vista Elementary School’s parking lot and the event.
