Happy OktoBEER

It is only the first week of October, and yet I'm already late to the binge-beering, sauerkraut-piling, Jäger-bombing, lederhosen-wearing extravaganza that is Oktoberfest. A Bavarian tradition dating back to 1810, Oktoberfest kicks off in late September and lasts 16 to 18 days. Since I can't be one of the more than five million people that attend the world's largest fair in Munich, Germany, I make the most of what SoCal has to offer. Below are some options available for those interested in some good German-style fun, practically in your own backyard.

Old World Village | Huntington Beach

The eight acres off the 405 freeway at Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach upon which Old World Village modestly sits can be considered the epiccenter of Orange County's Oktoberfest scene. From Sept. 4 to Oct. 30, the authentic Bavarian-style Village is arguably the most popular Oktoberfest celebration in Orange County. With its live (genuninely German) oom-pah-pah bands that play Wednesday through Thursday and the "deal-icious" ($2 off) drink specials Wednesday through Saturday between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Old World Village Oktoberfest draws large crowds, especially on weekends. If you're only going to make it to their Oktoberfest once this year, try to make it on a Sunday. At 3 p.m. every Sunday, Old World hosts the Dachshund Races, where swift, short-legged wiener dogs race competitively on a small track. Dog owners and spectators get really into the action. Side bets, anyone?

Below is a promotional video from last year's Oktoberfest at Old World Village.

Standard Admission: $15 Fri./Sat. (Print your $5 off coupon here.) and $5 on Sun.
Check out Old World Village's website here.

Phoenix Club | Anaheim

The colony of German immigrants that founded the city of Anaheim still runs The Phoenix Club on Sanderson Ave. off Ball Rd., where they hold one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in California every weekend from Sept. 16 through Oct. 30. Saturdays seem to be prime time at the Phoenix Club, where at 2 p.m., dance instructors offer free polka lessons. Save yourself the $5 admission when you arrive between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. There are plenty of activities for kids, which makes this the most family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration in OC. Be sure to bring plenty of cash, as much of the food and beverage (though worth it) can be pricey. But don't fret, because that small $6 German beer will pack a bigger punch than the pint of Coors you might be used to. German food is typically heavy, so whatever you order will go a long way. The potato pancakes are a delicious oily, salty snack. This particular Oktoberfest also earns points for having plenty of seating and open space. I suppose one should expect no less from Orange County.

Standard Admission: $5 (Kids under 12 free)
Check out The Phoenix Club's website here.

Alpine Village | Torrance

The absolute largest and most popular Oktoberfest celebration in the greater Los Angeles area unfolds every year at Alpine Village in Torrance under a massive 32,000-square-foot tent. Held every weekend between Sept. 9 and Oct. 23, Oktoberfest at The Alpine Village is a loud and festive celebration complete with oom-pah-pah beats, German fare, and great beer (With official sponsorship from Paulaner of Munich). While Alpine Village carries on its legendary Oktoberfest, faithful patrons have griped about some of the changes this year, particularly with respect to the heightened level of security, which is likely the result of one bad apple ruining the fun for everyone else. Admission prices also raised to $20 this year. Be sure to arrive early, as the line at the entrance can get pretty ridiculous and parking can be an ordeal. What used to be a South Bay gem is now a magnet for scores of out-of-towners who have discovered it in recent years.

Standard Admission: $20 (Tickets available online)
Check out The Alpine Village's website here.

The Abbey | West Hollywood

When I heard that a gay bar in West Hollywood would be hosting their own take on Oktoberfest, I thought of every stereotypical thing I knew about "WeHo" and about Oktoberfest in general. What The Abbey Food & Bar on Robertson has come up with lies somewhere in the middle of those two experiences. It just wouldn't be Oktoberfest without the currywurst, giant pretzels, Hefeweizen, and beer pong. The Abbey provides all of that in full effect. On the other hand, it just wouldn't be a true WeHo affair without a drag queen host(ess) and some go go boys, who shake their tail feathers in skimpy lederhosen. All in all, a unique and interesting take on Oktoberfest. Though, I'm not sure how comfortable one would be ordering "Pig on the Spit" at a gay bar. (What? Too much? Sorry.)

Admission: Free
Check out The Abbey's website here.

Ocean Beach | San Diego

A newly expanded 2-day event in the Ocean Beach area, the OB Oktoberfest is a chance for San Diegans to enjoy the Bavarian-style festivities near the water. Friday night will include a battle of the bands final exclusively for tribute bands that will cover the likes of AC/DC and Red Hot Chili Peppers for a $4,000 cash prize. The 91X Happy Hour tonight between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. will give event attendees a chance to double their fun with two-for-one beers and bratwursts courtesy of local radio station, 91X San Diego. The Saturday beer tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $15 will get you six tastes of 15 local microbrews. Also, the Charger Girls will be around tonight.

Admission: $3 donation (Beer Garden)
Check out the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest website here.