It's Almost Oktoberfest Season!

Suzanne Schalow
6 hours ago
4 min read

When Oktoberfest arrives in Los Angeles, local taprooms celebrate by pouring traditional German lagers such as Marzen and Festbier. You do not need to fly to Munich to enjoy these seasonal styles. Getting fresh local craft beer delivered straight to your door makes experiencing the festival completely effortless.

Oktoberfest is a massive cultural festival celebrating rich German history and traditional lagers.
Los Angeles breweries produce incredible local versions of classic festival styles.
You can skip the crowded taprooms and have cold beer delivered right to your house.

The Origins of Oktoberfest

Every autumn, millions of people gather to celebrate the world's most famous beer festival. The tradition started way back in 1810 in Munich, Bavaria. It was originally a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates. The party was such a success that they decided to repeat the horse races and agricultural shows the following year, giving birth to an annual tradition.

A little German history

Over the decades, the festival evolved. Agricultural shows took a back seat, and amusement rides were added. By the late nineteenth century, small beer stands had been replaced by massive tents set up by local breweries. This German history shaped the modern festival we know today. Now, it is a two-week celebration of Bavarian culture, food, and, of course, exceptional beer. You can learn more about the official traditions from the Munich Tourism Board (https://www.munich.travel/).

Raising the steins

You cannot celebrate properly without the right glassware. Heavy glass steins are the traditional vessel of choice. These massive mugs are designed to hold a full liter of beer, keeping it cold while you toast with friends. The thick glass also prevents the mugs from shattering when festival goers clink them together in celebration. Whether you are at a massive tent in Munich or your own living room, using proper glassware elevates the entire experience.

Traditional Styles for Oktoberfest

When you think of festival beer, two distinct styles dominate the conversation. Both are incredibly crisp, malt-forward lagers that pair perfectly with giant pretzels and roasted meats.

Exploring the Märzen

For over a century, marzen was the official beer of the festival. The name translates to "March" because it was historically produced in the spring and stored in cold caves over the summer. This resulted in a smooth, amber colored lager with rich toasted malt flavors. It has a slightly sweet caramel profile but finishes dry and clean. Many traditionalists still prefer this darker, maltier style.

The lighter festbier

In the 1970s, organizers realized that the heavy amber lagers were a bit too filling for a long day of celebrating. They shifted to festbier, which is now the primary style served in the main tents. Festbier is lighter in color, resembling a strong golden lager. It offers a doughy, bready malt character with a slightly more pronounced hop bitterness to balance the sweetness. It is highly drinkable and incredibly refreshing. The Brewers Association (https://www.brewersassociation.org/) provides great resources on the exact specifications of these classic styles.

Finding Oktoberfest celebrations in LA County

You do not have to travel to Europe to get into the festive spirit. There are incredible Oktoberfest celebrations in LA County happening all September and October. Local taprooms transform their spaces with long communal tables, traditional music, and special food menus. It is a fantastic time to explore different neighborhoods and see how California brewers interpret classic German recipes.

Drink local LA craft beer at home

Sometimes the best place to celebrate is right in your own backyard. You can fire up the grill, throw on some bratwurst, and enjoy fresh local LA craft beer without fighting traffic or hunting for parking. Los Angeles has an incredible selection of independent breweries that release amazing seasonal lagers this time of year.

When planning your home celebration, remember to have a reliable way to get those beverages. Brwtxt handles the heavy lifting by bringing cold, fresh options directly to your door. Our drivers verify that all customers are 21 or older with a valid ID upon arrival, ensuring safe and responsible delivery. This means you can focus on entertaining your guests and enjoying the crisp autumn air.

FAQ: Los Angeles craft beer questions

What exactly is an Oktoberfest beer? **

It is a traditional German-style lager, typically either a rich amber marzen or a lighter golden festbier. These beers are known for their smooth malt profiles and crisp finishes.

Can I get local seasonal beers delivered to my house?

Yes, our service delivers fresh, locally made seasonal lagers straight to your door in Los Angeles. You just need to have your ID ready when the driver arrives.

What food pairs best with a marzen?

Rich, toasted malt flavors pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled sausages, and classic soft pretzels. The slight caramel sweetness perfectly complements savory, salty foods.

How cold should I serve a festbier?

It is best served very cold, ideally between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature highlights the crisp, clean finish of the lager.

Why is the festival celebrated in September?

The celebration actually starts in mid-September and ends on the first Sunday in October. The dates were moved up to take advantage of the warmer, more reliable early autumn weather.