The big Munich Oktoberfest and other large beer-centric gatherings may have been canceled once again, but there are still plenty of smaller scale ways to celebrate Oktoberfest around the Bay Area. Everything is subject to change in the pandemic era, of course, so be sure to double check details and venue-specific COVID health restrictions before you go.
Schroeder’s Oktoberfest Block Party: 3-11 p.m. Sept. 17 and every Friday through the end of October, 240 Front St., San Francisco. Enjoy live music by Department of Rock, beer, sausages, pretzels, a costume contest and beer games. The first beer is free if you come in a dirndl, lederhosen or other Oktoberfest attire. Free admission. Eventbrite: bit.ly/2XkwahA
San Francisco Brewing Co. Oktoberfest: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 18, 3150 Polk St., San Francisco. Enjoy a day of German-inspired bier, traditional volksmusik band, classic hofbrau foods, best dressed contest, yodelling competition, chicken dance off, pretzel pass team event and more. Ticket ($20) includes a German drinking boot to take home. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3AetXSO
Lake Chalet Oktoberfest: 3:30-7 p.m. Sept. 23, The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill, 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Ticket ($41.30) includes a stein, house-brewed beer and entertainment by a live German band. A la carte menu available. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3AbHo67
Ludwig’s Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 8, Ludwig’s German Table, 261 N. Second St., San Jose. Featuring a traditional Oktoberfest menu, music, a best dressed contest and a stein holding competition. Ticket price covers entry for six to eight adults ages 21 and up. $120. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3ny9eWP
Original Pattern Brewing Co. Oktoberfest: Sept. 25-26, 292 Fourth St., Oakland. Celebrate the release of the annual Festbier lager while enjoying traditional German bites and live music performed by Polkageist West. Free admission. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3kcjSjO
Park Chalet Oktoberfest: 12:30-4 p.m. Sept. 26, 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco. Offering private tables for four, six and eight that include a three-course German dinner, traditional stein with house-brewed beer and live German music. Single tickets also available. $41.30-$802.40. Eventbrite: bit.ly/395AOlN
William Tell House Oktoberfest: Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 2, 26955 Highway 1, Tomales. Enjoy local and German Oktoberfest-style beers, live music and bratwurst. Admission is free. A $30 ticket gets you a large glass boot stein, reserved table and two complimentary beers. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3nzS2QA
Los Lagos Golf Course Oktoberfest: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 2, 2995 Tuers Road, San Jose. Enjoy local beers and live music. $25. Eventbrite: bit.ly/397fKuX
Campbell’s Oktoberfest: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17, downtown Campbell. Enjoy live music, beer, local wines, Bavarian pretzels, German food, the chicken dance and stein holding and costume contests. campbelloktoberfest.com/
Biketoberfest Brewfest and Bike Expo: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 16, Marin Museum of Bicycling, 1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax. Sample 25 beers and ciders, see amazing bikes, enjoy live music and family activities, try out an e-bike, jump on a group ride and connect with 35 bike exhibitors. Beer tasting tickets include unlimited tastings and a keepsake souvenir glass. $35-$50. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3z82Vv6
San Francisco Scottish Rite Masonic Center Oktoberfest: 3-9 p.m. Oct. 16, 2850 19th Ave., San Francisco. Enjoy country music, barbecue fare, beer, dancing and more. $30. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3nBCQCE
Oktoberfest — Forejour, Beer and Brats: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Campos Family Vineyards, 3501 Byer Road, Byron. Enjoy your favorite Journey and Foreigner songs while sipping local craft beer and award-winning wines and enjoying Evergood Fine Foods bratwurst and other fare. $44. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3hAvF9I
Sundaze Oktoberfest: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17, District Six, 428 11th St., San Francisco. This family-friendly celebration features live music, food and beer. $5-$40. Eventbrite: bit.ly/3EgYn9H