SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — It's a weekend packed with Oktoberfests across San Diego County as October and the fall season kicks into fear.
El Cajon, La Mesa, Carlsbad, and Julian all celebrate Oktoberfest this weekend, with fun fall festivals featuring delicious brews, games, folk music and dancing, and German cuisine.
If you're looking for some early scares, Balboa Park's Haunted Trail is open for the season. Head to the park if you dare for a hike like none other.
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Pacific Beach and Mira Mesa also welcome the community out this weekend for their own street fairs, with live music, arts and crafts, and more fun in the sun.
THURSDAY
Oktoberfest in El Cajon
Where: German American Societies of San Diego; Cost: $5 - $10
(Thursday - Sunday) Enjoy live German "Oom-Pah" music, traditional foods like bratwurst and ox-on-the-spit, German beers, folk games and dancing, and a kids' zone at El Cajon's massive Oktoberfest party.
Haunted Trail at Balboa Park
Where: Marston Point; Cost: $25 - $40
(Thursday - Sunday) Prepare for a scare as you walk down the mile-long trail. The theme for 2019 is “Stranger Things” and features the swampy fog of the upside down. Pregnant women and young children are banned from entry.
FRIDAY
Fall Home Garden Show
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: Free - $8
(Friday - Sunday) Get all you need to spruce up your home and garden for fall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend for the annual Fall Home Garden Show. Guests can put together their own succulents, get tips from design and gardening experts, check out seasonal foliage, and more.
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Where: La Mesa Village; Cost: Free to attend
(Friday - Sunday) La Mesa Village claims their Oktoberfest is the largest this side of the Mississippi. Head over for three-days of traditional sing-a-longs, original glücklich games like stein races and keg bowling, contests and crafts, and traditional German dishes and food.
SATURDAY
Pacific Beachfest
Where: PB Boardwalk, from Felspar St. to Thomas St.; Cost: Free
Hit the Pacific Beach boardwalk for a festival on the sand, with multiple stages of live music, arts and crafts village, kids zone, beer garden, fish taco contest, and more to check out. The day kicks off with a 5K and volleyball tournament and runs through to a beautiful beach sunset.
Mira Mesa Street Fair
Where: Camino Ruiz, from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem St.; Cost: Free
Enjoy live music across two stages, international foods, kids activities and inflatables, and more at the Mira Mesa Street Fair this weekend. The US Marines will be on hand to give visitors a look at their explosive ordinance disposal robot and visitors can take a peek into a solar telescope.
Carlsbad Oktoberfest and Family Fall Festival
Where: Holiday Park; Cost: Free - $15
Not only can you enjoy Oktoberfest in Carlsbad, but help support the local Rotary Club. The event hosts costume contests, arts and crafts, games and rides, live music, and delicious authentic German meals and brews.
SUNDAY
KSON's CountryFest
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: $35 - $45
Grab your favorite pair of boots and head down to Del Mar to see country music stars Billy Currington, Blanco Brown, Jon Langston and Dillon Carmichael perform. Line dancing will surely be in the mix along with fun games and delicious foods and drink.
Rendezvous in Poway
Where: Old Poway Park; Cost: Varies
(Saturday - Sunday) Living history groups help bring the 1800's alive in Poway, where the annual Rendezvous in Poway gives visitors the chance to pan for gold, experience western reenactments, peruse handcrafted arts, and learn more about the west's early history.
Oktoberfest in Julian
Where: Julian Town Hall; Cost: Free to attend
(Saturday - Sunday) Julian hosts a fun-filled Oktoberfest and fall celebration with live traditional folk and polka music, craft booths, raffles for prizes, and delicious German cuisine and Julian treats.
