Oktoberfest is an annual celebration some people only dream of attending. Being that it’s held in Munich, Germany, not everyone can make it overseas to check it out. Fortunately, cities all over the world host their own Oktoberfest celebrations.

If you are looking for an Oktoberfest closer to home, Oaktoberfest may be the ideal option. It is Oakland’s version of Oktoberfest. Read on to find out what it has to offer.

About Oaktoberfest

Hours are as follows:

• Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM

• Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

Beer Packages

While the festival is free to enter, you have the option of purchasing beer packages. Selections include:

• Full Pour Package: ($25): Includes a festival stein and four 12 oz. craft beers. Drink tickets can be redeemed either day and can also be used for wine, cider, and root beer floats.

• Four by Four Ticket Pack ($100): This package includes everything in the Full Pour Package times four. It comes with four commemorative steins and sixteen 12 oz. craft beers. You do not have to arrive with your group to use this package. You can give the drink tickets to whoever you please.

• Two Day Unlimited Tasting ($100): This option includes a commemorative festival stein and unlimited 4 oz. tastings for all pro-breweries and home brewers. It is good for both days.

• Saturday or Sunday Unlimited Tastings ($60): This option is the same as the two-day unlimited tasting option but it’s available for one day only. You can purchase the Saturday or Sunday package separately. It covers tastings in all breweries and the wine pavilion.

• Table Reservations: You can reserve tables at the Bavarian Hall for a fee. Generally, a table that seats 5 costs $30 to reserve while a table that seats 8 is $40 to reserve. You can also order a special German style meal for $57 which feeds two. It includes pork schnitzel, bratwurst, mashed potatoes, bead dumplings and gravy, braised red cabbage and two kinds of mustard.

You can also buy beers separately for$6 each.

Events and Activities

Here are some events and activities you can enjoy at Oaktoberfest:

• Live Music: The festival has four stages set up offering entertaining performances by musicians representing a broad variety of musical genres.

• Family Friendly Attractions: There will be plenty of family friendly attractions including a root beer garden where root beer floats are sold.

• Vendors: Hundreds of vendors will be on hand selling clothes, crafts, and food.

Food and Beer

The festival will features 20 food vendors including the most prominent chefs in the Oakland and Bay area. They will be cooking German favorites including pork schnitzel, bratwurst, bread dumplings, braised cabbage and fresh baked strudel.

43 different brewers will be offering limited release and German style beers.

Things to Do in Oakland

Here are some things to do in Oakland when you are not enjoying Oaktoberfest:

• Lake Merritt: This wildlife refuges offers peaceful strolling and beautiful gardens.

• Oakland Museum of California: This museum offers rotating exhibits that show the culture of the region.

• Chabot Space and Science Center: The Space and Science Center is a great place to learn about space exploration and the solar system.

• Redwood Regional Park: Visit the Redwood Regional Park to check out redwood trees that grow as tall as 150 feet.

• Mountain View Cemetery: This cemetery offers peaceful strolls and breathtaking views.

• African American Museum: The African American Museum offers insight on the African Americans who settled in the region.

• Old Paramount Theater: The Old Paramount Theater was built almost 100 years ago and its still a great place to see a show.

• Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate: Once the home of a prominent coal baron, this estate is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Oakland California Temple: This second ever temple built in California is worth checking out.

• Downtown Oakland: Downtown Oakland has a great city vibe. It’s a terrific place to check out shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

If you can’t make it out to Munich for Oktoberfest, Oaktoberfest offers a terrific alternative. There are so many fun activities to check out. Will you be scheduling a trip for the coming season?

Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market