The fall season entered with the last week of September, and with it the launch of Oktoberfest celebrations around North San Diego County, including one of the most noteworthy in Encinitas.
Below is a sampling of local Oktoberfest celebrations, in addition to arts, music and educational opportunities across our coastal North San Diego County communities to wrap up the month of September.
Click the links embedded in this story’s text for more information about the events covered. Information for this month’s Spotlight is provided by organizations and individuals in the communities covered by the North Coast Current and OsideNews.
Oktoberfest 2024
Oceanside: Sept. 28 — Local artisans gather for the Cheeky Oktoberfest Market at Green Cheek Beer from 2 to 6 p.m. in Oceanside. The event is co-hosted by Thoughtfully Thrifty Markets. Green Cheek Beer Company is located at 601 S. Coast Hwy. Check the event’s online page for more information.
Del Mar/Carmel Valley: Sept. 28 — One Paseo blends the vibes of Munich and Southern California with an Oktoberfest event from 2 to 6 p.m. that helps raise funds for the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Foundation. Guests must be ages 21 and over. Classic Distribution San Diego will provide beers by Harland Brewing Co. Traditional German food, music, beer hall games and a costume contest are also part of the event. Tickers are $35 and include 4 oz. pours and food. The event takes place at The Lawn by Harland. One Paseo is located at 3725 Paseo Place, San Diego. More information: onepaseo.com/events/oktoberfest-2024/.
Encinitas: Sept. 29 — The 28th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire, sponsored by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mountain Vista Drive. The free community event has a tradition of celebrating the German roots of the Encinitas region and highlights local artisans, a German beer garden with entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German refreshments, an international food court, carnival attractions and a local craft beer garden. More information: encinitasoktoberfest.com.
Carlsbad: Oct. 5 — The Rotary Club of Carlsbad presents the 42nd annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival at the Carlsbad Strawberry Co. from noon to 8 p.m. The event features German meals, activities for adults and children and live German music. The Bier Garten will feature a variety of beers on tap including an Oktoberfest varietal and various wines. The Carlsbad Strawberry Co. is located at 1050 Cannon Road. More information: rotaryoktoberfest.org/oktoberfest-info.
Escondido: Oct. 5 — The Welk resort in north Escondido presents a celebration of Bavarian culture from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes beer tasting, pretzels and family-friendly activities. A Killer Dueling Pianos contest will provide entertainment. Family-friendly activities include children’s rides and craft activities. Food and other activities will be available for purchase. General admission is free. In addition, $50 admission is available for visitors ages 21 and up that includes beer samples. Visitors ages 20 and below can also enjoy activities for $20 admission. The Welk is located at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive. More information: Call 877-218-8253 or go to the event’s information page.
San Marcos: Oct. 13 — MYL Beer Co. brings vintage Volkswagen club North County Air-Cooled to its location for a car show 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. MYL will have its Oktoberfest beer, VolksLager, available. Entertainment includes the Polka Party Band. German food will also be available. MYL Beer Co. is located at 288 Rancheros Drive. The car show is limited to 60 vintage Volkswagens. Pre-registration is available by calling 760-845-8447. More information: myyardlive.com/events/volkswagen-oktoberfest-3.
Encinitas
Sept. 28: Cardiff Farmers Market Kids Day — The Cardiff Farmers Market hosts Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering creative learning opportunities for children and their families. The event will feature activities for all ages, including the Little Buds Nature Club, face painting, arts and crafts, and a workshop with Girls Empowerment Movement and Support. The market is held at MiraCosta College’s Cardiff campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. More information: cardiff101.com/cardifffarmersmarket.
Vista
Sept. 28: Gun safety event — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office hosts a gun safety event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North County Regional Center, 325 S. Melrose Drive.Unwanted firearms and be turned in for gift cards of varying amounts: $100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns, and $200 assault weapons. Firearms must be in working order, unloaded, and placed in the trunk. More information is available on the Sheriff’s Office event page.
Sept. 29: Cyclovia — The city of Vista as it hosts its first Cyclovia event in downtown Vista from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly event offers an opportunity to explore downtown Vista by bike, foot or other forms of self-powered transportation, free of cars. The event also marks Clean Air Day in Vista and provides educational opportunities about sustainability throughout the city. More information is available at the city’s Cyclovia event page.
Solana Beach
Sept. 26: Chamber Business Expo — The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce holds its 12th annual Business Expo from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. More than 30 local businesses will be on hand. The event will also feature networking, entertainment and food. Go to the Visit Solana Beach event page for more information.
Sept. 29: City Cycling Class — The city of Solana Beach and San Diego Bicycle Coalition hold a cycling workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. The class will cover road rules, where to ride, general bike safety, emergency maneuvers, legal rights, responsibilities on the road and skills drills. More information: cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/city-cycling-class.
Submit events for publication to the North Coast Current and OsideNews at currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.