What comes to mind when you think of Oktoberfest? If you thought bratwurst, beers, and dachshund races then Old World Village is the place to celebrate!

Old World Village (PC: visitoldworld.com)

What is Old World Village in Huntington Beach?

The Old World Village began when the dreams of Josef Bischof and wife Dolores inspired them to bring a piece of their homeland with them to share in their new community. Their dream became a reality when they were able to purchase an acreage of land in Huntington Beach and began building a village to replicate an actual town in Germany called Oberammergau with 50 homes above their 50 shops. The village officially opened in 1978 and is home of the original Oktoberfest celebration in Orange County. The shops located within the Old World Village are open daily for visitors to explore and discover unique shops such as the dachshund store, relax at the speakeasy, grab a coffee and fresh baked apple strudel, or even dine at their popular Old World German Restaurant that serves German classics like schnitzels, bratwurst, and potato pancakes!

When is Oktoberfest at Old World Village?

Oktoberfest is the most festive time of the year for Old World Village, where you can experience oom-pah-pa bands flown in directly from Germany, exciting dachshund races, and even the wonderful ritual of the classic “Chicken Dance.”

Outdoor seating

Live Music from Germany

Main Stage

The celebration officially kicks off Sunday, September 30th with a traditional parade and arrival at the Old World’s Festival Hall. The celebration continues through October 28th every Wednesday through Sunday.

How much are tickets?

Wednesdays – Thursdays are FREE and open to all ages from 6:30PM – 10:30PM (anyone under 21 must be accompanied by parent)

Friday – Saturday are open to anyone 21 and over with valid ID from 6:30PM – 1:00AM (Admission is $10 on Friday and $15 on Saturdays in October)

Sundays (Kinderfest) – FREE to attend and open to all ages from 2:00PM – 7:30PM (anyone under 21 must be accompanied by parent) Dachshund races are held every Sunday from 3:00PM – 4:00PM and adult prices are $10, kids 6-12 $3, and 5 under are FREE. Guests can enter their dogs by calling Inge McKellop at (714) 402-7327.

Parking is FREE in their lots or look for signs leading to a nearby parking structure.

Are there any specials?

The Old World Village will be celebrating German Unity Day on Thursday, October 4th with FREE ADMISSION and FREE German food for the first 500 guests that day. Doors open at 6:30PM and the actual celebration will be from 7:00PM – 10:30PM. The event is open to all ages (under 21 must be accompanied by parent) and guests will be able to enjoy German food, imported German beers, German bands straight from Germany, and other fun festivities and competitions!

Any ticket discounts?

Thanks to good ol’ Groupon, I was able to find some discounted tickets for 2 for only $10 (valid any Friday in October); you can check out all the other deals available here

What are some of the German dishes offered?

Half Chicken with traditional mashed potatoes and German potato salad

Half Chicken Plate

I highly recommend getting this dish to share! Not only is the plate loaded (they literally had to use 4 plates to hold it) but it also pairs perfectly with the many beers you’ll be drinking through out the night. You can find this at the Authentic German food stall along the wall, but should definitely come earlier in the night to beat the lines!

Schofferhofer Grapefruit Beer on tap

Schofferhofer Grapefruit

Whether you’re a beer fan or not, you MUST try this! I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of beer for the aftertaste and have yet to find one that I actually enjoyed drinking UNTIL I tried this one. Schofferhofer is a 50/50 mix of Hefeweizen and grapefruit beer allowing for a stronger (and more refreshing) grapefruit taste that will actually make you forget that it’s a beer!

German Bratwurst 

Bratwurst and fries

There’s 3 different types of bratwurst offered at the German Cafeteria and another at the stall along the wall, but I opted to try this one for their larger variety of sides. If you’re looking for a classic Bratwurst, look no further.

Danishes and Strudels

Pastries and Strudels

Located right outside the exit of the cafeteria is a table filled with strudels and danishes that smell amazing! The only downside is that it’s CASH ONLY, so don’t forget to pull some out before you head into Oktoberfest.

That’s everything you need to know about Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach, so what are you waiting for? Check it out and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Address: 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

For more info: https://visitoldworld.com/

Contact: ocfoodfiend@gmail.com

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