Torrance Oktoberfest Guide: Where to Drink Local Beer
- Jason Hargrove
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Find the best Torrance Oktoberfest beer at local brewery events. While the famous
Alpine Village fest is closed , celebrations like Smog City's Smogtoberfest and seasonal fall lagers from HopSaint Brewing now lead the tradition.
Forget pumpkin spice. The real sign of fall in Los Angeles is the hunt for a good Märzen. And in Torrance, you are in "brew heaven". With the highest concentration of breweries in all of LA County, this is the spot for craft beer.
Torrance is home to 11 breweries, making it the undisputed hub for the Southern California craft scene. But if you're searching for "Oktoberfest Torrance," there's one big thing we need to talk about first.
What Happened to the Alpine Village Oktoberfest?
Let's get this out of the way. For 50 years, the Alpine Village Oktoberfest was the "GOAT". It was the oldest and longest-running Oktoberfest in Southern California , famous for its massive 32,000-square-foot tent and authentic Bavarian vibe.
Unfortunately, the Alpine Village Oktoberfest is permanently gone.
The beloved cultural landmark was sold in 2023 , and the new owners are redeveloping the property for industrial use.
But don't pack up your stein just yet. The spirit of Oktoberfest has simply moved. It now lives where Torrance truly excels: in its local breweries.
Local Brewery Events for Oktoberfest in Torrance
As the OG festival has faded, local breweries have stepped up to fill the void with their own celebrations, German-style lagers, and fall-themed parties.
Smog City's Smogtoberfest: The New Torrance Tradition
Smog City Brewing (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) is leading the new charge with its annual Smogtoberfest. This isn't just a beer release; it's a full-on party at their Torrance taproom. They bring in traditional German Oktoberfest bands (like Carrera, who used to play at Alpine Village!), host stein-holding competitions, and feature a lineup of German-themed food trucks like The Berlin Truck and Wetzel's Pretzels.
The star of the show is their Smogtoberfest Festival Lager. This 5.5% ABV copper-colored lager has complex notes of toffee, biscuit, and bread crust. You can find it on tap at the Torrance brewery throughout the fall.
Nearby Fests: Hermosa Beach Oktoberfest
If you're craving that massive street-fair feel that Alpine Village once offered, the best nearby option is the Locale 90254 Oktoberfest (https://www.hbchamber.net/locale-partner/) in Hermosa Beach. This event was created specifically to help fill the void left by Alpine Village.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, downtown Hermosa transforms with a huge beer garden, live music, and classic Bavarian contests. Get ready for yodeling, stein hoisting, and even a sausage eating contest.
Where to Find Torrance Oktoberfest Beer & Fall Seasonals
You don't need an oompah band to enjoy an Oktoberfest beer. This fall, head straight to the source. The best "Oktoberfest Torrance" experience is now a self-guided tour of the city's taprooms, which are all releasing world-class fall beers.
Must-Try Märzen and Festbier Lagers
These breweries are crafting the classic German styles that define the season.
HopSaint Brewing Company (https://www.hopsaint.com/) This award-winning brewpub at 5160 W 190th St brews a "deliciously malty lager made in the German Oktoberfest style." It's hopped with traditional German Tettnanger and modern Ariana hops for a perfect balance.
Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/) Located in the former Yorkshire Square Brewery space, this pub specializes in proper cask ales and traditional lagers. Look for their Festbier on tap, "Die Feier" (5.3% ABV), a light, crisp, and crushable fall lager.
The Dudes' Brewing Co. (https://dudesbrewing.com/) Head to their massive Torrance production brewery for "Schnitzengiggle". It's their classic, easy-drinking German-style Märzen that's rich in malt body with a balanced hop character.
More Than Lager: Your Guide to Fall Beer in Torrance
Fall in SoCal isn't just one flavor. As the tap lists turn over, look for these other seasonal releases from Torrance's best.
Absolution Brewing Co. (https://www.absolutionbrewingcompany.com/) Known for its award-winning Belgian-style ales , Absolution celebrates the season with darker brews. For International Stout Day on November 6, they're tapping their new "Leaf Fall American Stout".
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant (https://www.redcarbrewery.com/) As Torrance's first brewery , this Old Torrance staple is a must-visit. They brew classic English-style ales and are the perfect spot to find seasonal favorites like their "Pumpkin Head Ale".
Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/) With over 20 beers on tap , Scholb has a fall beer for everyone. They recommend their "Call the Kettle Black" IPA, a Black IPA with rich roasted flavors that's perfect for a cool fall evening.
Smog City Brewing (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) Beyond their Smogtoberfest lager, their fall lineup is deep. Keep an eye out for the "Pumpkin Spice Chip Shot Coffee Porter" and their cozy "Winter Ale", which appears on tap in late fall.
Monkish Brewing Co. (https://www.monkishbrewing.com/) While world-famous for hazy IPAs , don't sleep on their other styles. Their fall-season "Bomb Autumnically" DIPA is a cult favorite, and their dark, spicy Belgian-style ales are perfect for the season.
Don't Miss: The 2025 Torrance Beer Run
Mark your calendar for the 6th Annual Torrance Beer Run, happening from November 7–16, 2025.
Don't worry, no actual running is required. This awesome event, presented by Discover Torrance (https://discovertorrance.com/), is a self-paced tour of all 11 Torrance breweries. You just pick up a passport at any participating brewery (like Red Car Brewery, HopSaint, or Smog City).
Collect a stamp from each stop. Once your passport is full, you turn it in at any of the breweries for a custom Torrance Beer Run 16 oz. can-style glass. It's the best way to explore the entire scene.
Build Your Own Torrance Beer Fest at Home
Running around to 11 breweries is a mission. So is hunting through the amazing, but packed, cold-box at 3TEN Liquor (http://www.hopped.com/places/3ten-liquor) looking for that one seasonal you loved.
You did the hard work. You found your favorites. Now, let the beer come to you.
Why not skip the trip and check our /new-releases for the latest Torrance fall beers? Or learn /how-it-works and let us curate a personal beer fest for your fridge.
FAQ: Your Torrance Craft Beer Questions Answered
What is the difference between a Märzen and a Festbier?
Märzen is the traditional, amber-colored, toasty-malty lager that was historically brewed in March (März) and lagered all summer. Festbier is the lighter, golden, more drinkable lager you'd actually find served at the modern Oktoberfest in Munich. It's less heavy, so you can drink more of it.
What should I wear to an Oktoberfest event?
Traditional Trachten (costumes) are always encouraged! This means Lederhosen (leather pants, usually with suspenders) for men and Dirndls (a dress with a bodice, blouse, and apron) for women. But if you're just hitting a local brewery, casual clothes are totally fine.
Are Torrance breweries dog-friendly?
Yes, Torrance is very dog-friendly. Most breweries, including Scholb Premium Ales (https://www.drinkscholb.com/) , Smog City (https://www.smogcitybrewing.com/) , and The Brews Hall (https://delamo.thebrewshall.com/) , allow leashed, well-behaved dogs on their patios.
What happened to Strand Brewing and Yorkshire Square?
Two Torrance pioneers! Strand Brewing Company (https://strandbrewing.com/) sadly closed its taproom during the pandemic. Yorkshire Square Brewery was sold in late 2022 and has been rebranded as the (also excellent) Project Barley Square (https://projectbarley.com/project-barley-torrance/).
How many breweries are there in Torrance?
Torrance is home to 11 breweries. This gives it the highest concentration of craft breweries in all of Los Angeles County , making it a true beer destination.
Comments