I don't even drink, but I can appreciate a good time! One of the best things about Orange County is that our county does not do anything halfway. Oktoberfest is one of the more unique annual festivals you must catch. You do not need a flight to Munich to get an authentic celebration, oom-pah bands, imported German beer, pretzels the size of your face, and the Chicken Dance included. We have two proper Oktoberfests right here in the county.
Old World Village, Huntington Beach
7561 Center Avenue #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 September 12 through November 8, 2026, Wednesday through Sunday
Old World Village has been hosting Orange County's Oktoberfest since 1978. The German-themed village is a destination on its own, with a German restaurant, bakery, deli, imported beer and spirits pub, and a European market, so you can easily make a full afternoon of it beyond the festival itself.
Admission varies by day. Wednesdays and Thursdays run 6pm to 10pm and are free if you RSVP online at least 2 hours in advance here, or $5 at the door, and kids 12 and under are always free. Fridays start at $10 in advance, and run until 1AM. Saturdays and Sundays get a little complicated, so just check out their website! There is a clear bag policy, so make sure to plan for that.
Fun Fact: If you show up in a dirndl or lederhosen, you can also get free admission during the first hour on Friday and Sunday sessions.
The event runs all ages during the day with 21+ sessions in the evenings, so it works whether you are bringing the kids or making it a date night.
Check out more information here.
Phoenix Club, Brea
375 W. Central Avenue, Brea, CA 92821 Saturdays October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 5pm to 10pm, 21+ only Sundays October 4, 11, 18, and 25, noon to 5pm, all ages
The Phoenix Club is Orange County's longest running Oktoberfest since the 1960s, and they take it very seriously. Saturdays are for 21+ only, and Sundays welcome all ages, now at its newer and bigger Brea location after moving from Anaheim in 2024. Expect Beer drinking and stein holding contests. There are performances Sat. and Sun. by the Die Gemütlichen Schuhplatter, and Sundays the Youth Dance Group live German and Oktoberfest music throughout, traditional dance performances, and Sunday appearances from local youth groups.
Tickets are $26.90 and must be purchased online in advance. The Phoenix Club does not plan to sell admission at the door, so don't show up without a ticket and purchase it here! Onsite parking is limited, and parking vouchers are available as an add on when you purchase your ticket. Note that there are no street parking. Only cash is accepted except for inside Hall bar and food kiosk, and there is no ATM available. Keep these tips in mind for a seamless experience!
Check out more information here.
Which One Should You Go To
If you want the full village experience, shops, a German bakery, a beer hall feel that lasts nearly two months, Old World Village is the one to build a weekend around. If you want a shorter, high-energy weekend celebration with a strong community feel, the Phoenix Club's four-weekend run in Brea is the better pick, especially if you are bringing the whole family on a Sunday.
Either way, this is one of those OC things that flies a little under the radar until you actually go, and then you cannot believe it took you this long to check it out. That is honestly how I feel about most of what this county has to offer. You don't even have to drink and there's so much to explore! It is all right here, you just have to go find it.
