The first official Oktoberfest, held in Munich 1810, was a celebration of the royal wedding of Ludwig I of Bavaria to Therese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen when citizens were invited to line the streets and drink up.
In the ensuing two hundred years, Oktoberfest has morphed into what’s been called the largest secular celebration on Earth. Its growing popularity has been fueled by pork, potato pancakes, the chicken dance, and lots of beer. As with other holidays, Bay Area residents put our own spin on the season’s festivals.

Oktoberfest by the Bay, September 19–21

The area’s largest Oktoberfest runs this Friday through Sunday. This traditional fest boasts nonstop music, Bavarian folk dancers, sausages and related pork products, and an ocean of crisp Spaten. Friday and Saturday night sessions are 21 and older. If you want a guaranteed place to sit, easy access to food, a private bar and bathrooms, use the website and spring for VIP tickets. The site also has order codes to get discounts on other tickets. Pier 48

Schroeder's Oktoberfest, Weekends starting September 19

Schroeder's, the oldest and largest German restaurant on the West Coast, kicks off their Oktoberfest this Friday afternoon with an outdoor beirgarten on Front Street. The party will move indoors for the next two weekends, where patrons can enjoy beer by the bootful and participate in traditional Hofbräu activities, including stein holding contests, Polka, and chicken dances. Classic Oktoberfest food specialties will be featured including wienerschnitzel, bratwurst, and spätzle. Make sure you get seats by using Schroeder’s website to make a reservation at least two days in advance. 240 Front St. 

Schmidt’s Oktoberfest, September 20–October 30

If you want to observe Oktoberfest without hearing anyone sing Ein Prosit, book a reservation for your party here. While Schmidt’s food is German with a local twist, the beer and wine menus are traditional. Schmidt’s is celebrating Oktoberfest with one liter beer specials, the traditional Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock), and sampler platters of their house-made sausages. 2400 Folsom St.

Oaktoberfest Oakland, Saturday, October 4

Oakland’s fest is held in the Dimond District, which was a turn of the century oasis of German beer gardens and vacation resorts. Although Oakland’s free street fest has German beer, food, and entertainment, its broad offerings reflect the city’s diversity. There are over 35 craft breweries, local food vendors sell a variety of fare, and the music runs the gamut from Bavarian to world beat. Avoid the lines by using the website to purchase drink ticket packages. New for this year’s fest is a ticket that gets you unlimited beer tastes. MacArthur at Fruitvale 

BiketoberfestFairfax, Saturday, October 11

Biketoberfest in Fairfax is a free, family-friendly event that combines bikes, food, music, and local craft beer. If you’re interested in sampling from among the 35 brews available, you can buy $25 tickets for unlimited tastings at the event’s website or for $30 at the event. While enjoying the beer, food, and live music, be sure to check out the bikes. Biketoberfest will have over 70 bike exhibitors, organized mountain and road rides, a parade, vintage bicycle show, cargo bike jubilee, valet bike parking, and kid-centered events.

Fairfax is a relatively flat, 20-mile ride from downtown SF. If you prefer to bike with a group, the SF Bicycle Coalition often hosts a ride from the Ferry Building. FairAnselm Plaza: 765 Center Blvd. Fairfax

Single, Fresh, Wet & Wild Harvest Festival Chico, Saturday, October 18

Over 50 breweries from across the country join Sierra Nevada on the brewery’s hop field for this 21 and over fest. Many of the brewers don’t sell their beer in Northern California making this a unique opportunity to sample their suds. A ticket gets you admission, a commemorative tasting glass, unlimited beer pours, and food tastings from Sierra’s excellent taproom. The Monophonics will supply a funk and psychedelic soundtrack for the afternoon. See the web site for additional details and tickets.