Oktoberfest is an event that takes place every year in Munich, Germany. It is a celebration of the German culture honoring the country’s food, customs, dress, and especially it’s beer.
Not everyone will be able to make it to Germany for Oktoberfest, but fortunately, there are cities all over the world that celebrate it in their own way. Redwood City is northern California city that does Oktoberfest right. Read on to find out what you can expect when you stop by.
About Redwood City Oktoberfest
Redwood City Oktoberfest takes place in September in Courthouse Square in the downtown area. Dates have not yet been announced for 2023, but in 2021, it took place on Sept. 19 from 4 to 8 PM with extended dates from Sept. 16 to the 26th.
The event is now in 9th year, but it would have been 10 years if it hadn’t been canceled in 2020.
Organizers do their best to mimic a traditional Oktoberfest with a tented area that offers over 1,100 feet of ‘family bench seating’. You can enjoy happy hour seating which includes live music or festival style seating which offers contests, live music, and performances by German cultural groups.
Happy hour seating is available on weekdays (Tues, Wed and Thurs while the festival is happening) from 5-9 PM. Festival seating is available Friday through Sunday. Friday hours are from 5-10 PM, Saturday hours are from 12-4 PM and 5-9 PM and Sunday hours are from 11-3 PM and 4-8 PM.
Ticketing
Ticket prices for 2023 have not yet been announced but there is an entrance fee that includes a commemorative beer stein and one drink ticket, good for a beer or soda, depending on the type of ticket you are purchasing. The 2021 Oktoberfest fee ranged from $17 to $27.
There are also VIP tables that can be purchased for $250 (based on 2021 prices). The tables seat six and include 12 drink tickets and a special entrance door.
Activities
Redwood City Oktoberfest features several exciting activities. These include the following:
- Dancing and singing with tons of artist participation
- A stein holding contest- whoever holds a full stein of beer the longest with their arm outstretched wins
- Dance contests
- Yodeling contests
- Skits with hand gestures to select songs
- Variations of the international chicken dance.
- Performances by German cultural groups
There will also be plenty of German food available including pretzels, brats, and other favorites. The beer will be flowing. You must purchase additional tickets that can be traded for beer and food.
Things to Do in Redwood City
There are plenty of things to do in Redwood City while you’re in town for Oktoberfest. Here are some activities to enjoy.
- San Mateo County Museum: This museum takes you on a journey of life in San Mateo County through the decades.
- Redwood Morton Community Park: The park is a great destination for tennis, BBQ’s, ball games, baseball, skateboarding and working out.
- Pulgas Water Temple: The temple was built in 1934 to celebrate the feat of bringing water to the Bay Area through the Sierra Nevada. Its Greek and Roman inspired columns pay homage to the cultures that inspired the techniques used to move the water.
- Fox Theatre: The Fox Theatre is a historic theater registered on the National List of Historic Places. Find out what’s going on at the venue when you’re in town.
- Century 20 Cinema: This cinema offers multiple screens and a huge arcade.
- Gourmet Haus Staudt: If you just can’t get enough of German beer, stop by Gourmet Haus Staudt to sip tasty brews in the beer garden and try the German cuisine.
- Nazareth Ice Oasis: The Ice Oasis offers a skating rink, hockey, broomball and just about anything else ice related.
- Unleashed Art Gallery: Unleashed is known for featuring the latest up and coming artists.
- The Record Man: A vinyl collector’s dream!
- The Foundry: Fitness fanatics won’t want to miss out on a chance to visit the Foundry. The state-of-the-art facility features basketball and volleyball court as well as a modern gym.
If you are looking for an Oktoberfest experience, but can’t travel to Germany, Redwood City offers a great alternative. With 10 days of fun, you won’t run out activities to enjoy. Will you be booking a trip for the coming season?
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