La Mesa Oktoberfest 2026: What to Know About the 53rd Year

Three days of biergartens, polka, dachshund races and a Ferris wheel in La Mesa Village. Here’s the schedule, how to get there, and where to grab a bite before and after.

La Mesa Oktoberfest is back for its 53rd year, and it’s one of the best weekends of the year in our city. The festival takes over downtown La Mesa Village from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, and general admission is free.

Oktoberfest hours

Friday, Oct. 2: 4pm – 10pm (dachshund races start at 5pm, ceremonial keg tapping at 6pm)
Saturday, Oct. 3: 10am – 10pm
Sunday, Oct. 4: noon – 8pm

What’s happening

Three biergartens ($8 entry, VIP upgrades available)
Dachshund races, the crowd favorite
Live music on two stages, from polka to rock, cover bands and DJs
Glücklich Games: stein holding, bratwurst tossing and pretzel eating
Kinder Village for kids, with pumpkins, flower crowns and a Ferris wheel
Artisan Alley with local makers and vendors

Organizers expect somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000+ visits over the weekend, which is great news for local businesses all over town.

Getting there

Streets around the Village close from Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2pm until Monday, Oct. 5 at 7am, so plan ahead. The easiest way in is the MTS Orange Line trolley to La Mesa Boulevard Station, or a park-and-ride lot like Grossmont Transit Center.

Eat before, eat after

Festival food is half the fun, but if you want something before the gates open or after they close, we’re a short drive away on University Ave:

Before Saturday’s 10am start: we open at 9am. Grab a breakfast burrito to go.
After Sunday’s 8pm close: we’re open until 11pm on weekends. A California burrito or a hot pastrami hits different after a day of polka.
Feeding a crew? Call ahead at (619) 467-7020 and we’ll have it ready.

Prost, La Mesa. See you out there.

Quick answers

When is La Mesa Oktoberfest 2026?

Friday, Oct. 2 from 4–10pm, Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10am–10pm and Sunday, Oct. 4 from noon–8pm.

Is La Mesa Oktoberfest free?

General admission is free. Biergarten entry is $8, with VIP upgrades available.

How do I get to La Mesa Oktoberfest without parking?

Take the MTS Orange Line trolley to La Mesa Boulevard Station, or use a park-and-ride lot such as Grossmont Transit Center.

Where can I eat near La Mesa Oktoberfest after it closes?

Dos Bros Tacos & Deli at 6903 University Ave in La Mesa is open until 11pm on Saturday and Sunday, after the festival wraps up.