La Mesa Oktoberfest: A Celebration Like No Other

This weekend, La Mesa Village transforms into a vibrant celebration of Bavarian culture, traditionally associated with boisterous beer tents and hearty eats. But don’t be fooled; the La Mesa Oktoberfest, running from October 4-6, is more than just an occasion for steins and sausages.

Experience the fun and festivities in La Mesa Village.

The Queen of Fun’s Revamp
Laurel McFarlane, lovingly dubbed “the queen of fun” and the mastermind behind this spectacular festival, has truly elevated it beyond its humble origins. With over half a century of history, the La Mesa Oktoberfest started as a simple beer garden and has blossomed into a rich tapestry of activities and cultural experiences. In her words, “We added a lot of elements,” transforming the once modest festival into a diverse family-friendly event. It now boasts carnival rides, arts and crafts areas, yodeling contests, and even dachshund races! Yes, you heard it right—what’s not to love about watching adorable pups race?

Brews for Everyone
This year, attendees can enjoy three separate beer tents, each catering to different tastes: German lagers, craft beers, and a dedicated space for football fans—The Palm Tree Pub and Grub. McFarlane emphasizes that bringing families into the fold has helped temper the event’s atmosphere, reducing any unruly behavior that previous years might have witnessed. Last year, for instance, the La Mesa police reported no arrests during the fest—a testament to the successful family-oriented approach.

“Bringing in the family element was important. It stops people from being overly aggressive,” McFarlane mentioned.

Spirits in the Spotlight
To transition from beer to whiskey, a fascinating sibling relationship exists. As many in the San Diego distilling scene have noted, wort, a sticky mix of grains and water from the beer-making process, can be distilled into whiskey, creating connections between these two beloved beverages. Take Cutwater Spirits, for example, founded by the pioneering duo Yuseff Cherney and Earl Kight, who transitioned from brewing to distilling back in 2006. Their journey reflects a broader cultural trend of collaboration in the beverage industry.

Zooming into the whiskey scene, we can’t overlook Stone Brewing’s foray into craft distilling. In partnership with Foundry Distilling*, they introduced Arrogant Bastard Whiskey, derived from their iconic Russian Imperial Stout. After aging for over four years, their latest release has sparked intrigue among whiskey lovers and critics alike.

Arrogant Bastard Whiskey has stirred interest in the whiskey community.

A bold flavor profile awaits as one label boldly declares, “Loved By Few. Hated By Many.” Jonah Flicker from Robb Report described it as “surprisingly fruity and light,” with notes of green apple and vanilla—perfect for those who enjoy an adventurous whiskey experience.

Festivities Galore
As we look ahead to the rest of the weekend, October brings so many opportunities! Starting today, the annual Wet Hop Beer Festival at O’Brien’s Pub runs for the next ten days. It’s a haven for hop aficionados who want to taste the freshest brews from local and regional breweries.

Quick Sips, Oktoberfest Edition
In the midst of these festivities, here’s a quick rundown of some beers well worth trying:

Ohana Mana

• Brewery: San Diego Brewing
• ABV: 5.5%
• Style: Wet Hop IPA
  Verdict: Drink. This IPA emphasizes a light body and herbal hop qualities that perfectly match the spirit of fall. It’s a refreshing treat for the warmer October weather.

Fresh Hop Cole IPA

• Brewery: Living Haus Beer Co., Portland, Ore.
• ABV: 7%
• Style: Wet Hop IPA
  Verdict: Drink. A hoppy explosion of grapefruit and citrus without overwhelming bitterness makes this IPA a favorite.

Wet Exit

• Brewery: Kern River Brewing, Kernville
• ABV: 6.8%
• Style: Wet Hop IPA
  Verdict: Drink. This one brings refreshing flavors of berries and orange combined with a crisp finish, a perfect complement to any Oktoberfest celebration.

The Wet Hop Beer Festival is not to be missed!

Conclusion

The La Mesa Oktoberfest is an event that continues to evolve while maintaining its core of fun, family, and, of course, great beer. With the addition of various cultural activities and a wider selection of beverages, this weekend’s festivities promise to be inclusive and entertaining. Whether you’re a traditionalist at heart or looking for the thrill of the new, La Mesa offers something for everyone. I can’t wait to see you there, enjoying a stein or a dram—perhaps both!