La Mesa Oktoberfest: A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
The La Mesa Oktoberfest is back again this weekend, running from October 4-6, 2024. This annual festival is a delightful blend of traditional German culture and modern festivities that captures both locals and visitors alike. From tantalizing German beer to delicious bratwurst and lively oompah music, this event promises to deliver a weekend full of fun and excitement.
Join the festivities at La Mesa Oktoberfest!
One of the things that makes La Mesa Oktoberfest stand out is how it has transformed over the years. Though it has deep roots, being one of the oldest Oktoberfest celebrations in the county with a 51-year history, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the experience it offers today. Laurel McFarlane, the festival’s producer and affectionately dubbed the “queen of fun,” has made it her mission to enhance what began as a simple beer garden into an expansive celebration.
Laurel reflects on their growth: > “We added a lot of elements.”
Her vision has manifested into an impressive array of activities that extends beyond the traditional beer and bratwurst. There are carnival rides, arts and crafts stations, yodeling contests, and even pumpkin patches, alongside quirky events like dachshund races and karaoke. For those looking for their beer fix, the festival features three beer tents, catering to lovers of German lagers, craft selections, and even a pub focused on football enjoyment.
The commitment to making this event family-friendly has clearly been a game changer, leading to a safer, more inviting atmosphere. As McFarlane noted, encouraging families to attend helps prevent rowdiness: “It stops people from being overly aggressive.”
An Adventurous Sip: Arrogant Bastard Whiskey
While we’re celebrating beer, let’s not forget the siblings of the brewing family – whiskey. In a delightful twist, La Mesa’s own Cutwater Spirits has made a name for itself in the whiskey market. Established by Yuseff Cherney and Earl Kight, the producers of Arrogant Bastard Whiskey, have successfully bridged the gap between breweries and distilleries.
A year ago, Stone Brewing made headlines by partnering with Foundry Distilling to create their own version of whiskey crafted from the robust character of their Arrogant Bastard beer. This year’s offering, aged for over four years in charred oak barrels, boasts of a higher proof at 97 but tastes surprisingly lighter than anticipated.
Discover the bold flavors of Arrogant Bastard Whiskey
Jonah Flicker of the Robb Report described it as “surprisingly fruity and light, with notes of green apple, pear, berry, and citrus, along with some spice and vanilla on the palate.” This innovative creation challenges the notion of what whiskey should taste like and expands the horizons for whiskey lovers everywhere.
Join the Next Round of Celebrations
As the weekend approaches, beer enthusiasts can look forward to other exciting events! O’Brien’s annual Wet Hop Beer Festival kicks off today, lasting for ten days or until the final barrel is emptied. Located at O’Brien’s Pub on Convoy Street, it promises to be another wonderful event full of brews and good times.
Don’t miss the final celebrations of Oktoberfest at North County’s Blue Fire Brewing and San Diego’s Deft Brewing this Sunday, as they wrap up their Oktoberfest festivities. You can find Blue Fire at 2892 S. Santa Fe Ave., San Marcos, and Deft Brewing at 5328 Banks St., San Diego.
An Invitation to Celebrate
In conclusion, whether you’re there to enjoy the plethora of beers, dive into traditional Bavarian treats, or engage in family-friendly activities, La Mesa Oktoberfest is the place to be this weekend. It’s an event that celebrates community, culture, and creativity, all wrapped in the fun of a fall festival. So grab your lederhosen and dirndls, and head on over for what promises to be a memorable weekend filled with laughter, music, and of course, great whisky and beer!
Capture the spirit of Oktoberfest in La Mesa!
