Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Palm Springs, the Inland Empire & SoCal

Fall in Southern California doesn’t come with crisp leaves or sweater weather, but it does come with beer steins, bratwursts, and a surprising number of Oktoberfest celebrations.
From brewery parking lots in the desert to full-scale mountain festivals, these are some of the most reliable places to enjoy Oktoberfest in and around Greater Palm Springs, the Inland Empire, and Southern California.
This guide focuses on events that run annually or have a long-standing history. Dates, prices, and programming can change year to year, so always check directly with the organizer before heading out.
Oktoberfest Celebrations Near Palm Springs
La Quinta Brewing Co. — Palm Desert
(La Quinta Brewing)
- Why it’s good: One of the most consistent Oktoberfest-style celebrations in the desert.
- What to expect: German-style beers, food, music, games, and a lively crowd.
- Good to know: Typically held the last Saturday in October
Website: lqbrewing.com
Coachella Valley Brewing Company — Thousand Palms
(Instagram: @coachellavalleybrewing)
- Why it’s good: Big energy, lots of beer, and a full-day festival vibe.
- What to expect: Live music, seasonal beers, games, and food.
- Good to know: Often a parking-lot style event with multiple acts.
Website: cvbrewco.com
Mountain Oktoberfest Events (Worth the Drive)
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest — Big Bear Lake
- Why it’s good: One of the longest-running Oktoberfests in Southern California.
- What to expect: Traditional German food, music, dancing, and imported beers.
- Good to know: Runs multiple weekends every fall.
Website: bigbearevents.com
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest — Lake Arrowhead
- Why it’s good: Scenic setting and a classic Oktoberfest feel.
- What to expect: Bavarian music, beer, food, and village atmosphere.
- Good to know: Typically held on weekends throughout the season.
Website: lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com
Other Notable Oktoberfest & Beer Festivals in Southern California
King Ludwig’s Oktoberfest — Beaumont
(Beaumont-Cherry Valley Parks & Rec)
- Why it’s good: Community-focused and family-friendly.
- What to expect: Food, beer, games, and live entertainment.
- Good to know: Typically held at Noble Creek Park.
Website: bcvparks.specialdistrict.org
Redlands Oktoberfest — Redlands
- Why it’s good: A well-established, community-driven Oktoberfest.
- What to expect: Live music, German food, beer, and a kid-friendly setup.
- Good to know: Hosted annually by the Redlands Optimist Club.
Website: redlandsoktoberfest.com
Update: This post was refreshed to remove outdated dates and ticket details and reorganized as an evergreen Oktoberfest guide for Southern California. Events typically occur each fall—always confirm current details with the organizer.
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Written by : Casey Dolan
Casey is the founder of Cactus Hugs and also works with local businesses on their websites and digital marketing. Learn more (and hire!) him here. Please, send him your news tips and your whiskey!



