Allisson Williams The history of Oktoberfest dates back to 1810 in Munich, Bavaria, when King Ludwig the First married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today the Munich Oktoberfest draws more than 6 million people a year.
Old World Huntington Beach offers one of the most authentic German Oktoberfests in California.
This charming village, built-in 1978, mimics a real Bavarian town with cobblestone streets, beautiful murals, European markets, and plenty of authentic German food. You can even go downstairs into a German-style Rathskeller and enjoy real German beers such as Spaten, Bitburger, or Warsteiner.
Though it’s open year-round, Old World really comes alive during Oktoberfest, held annually in September and October.
You can’t help but get caught up in the fun as partygoers dance to Oktoberfest music and Oktoberfest girls pass out delightful liqueurs from the Old Country.
My favorite part? The dachshund races, featuring the fastest wiener dogs in the Southland, and the old-fashioned contortionist show featuring two 70-year-old sisters straight from Germany.
Following the show, stroll through the village where you can shop for handmade garden gnomes, try on some Oktoberfest costumes, or shop at an authentic German market.
At Old World German Restaurant & Bakery, you can fuel up on Oktoberfest food like German potato salad, sauerkraut and bratwurst served with their soft German Farmers Rye.
Just don’t leave without trying one of their delicious Berliners, a soft and chewy donut stuffed with cherry filling. They’re absolutely incredible!
