The SoCal Polka Band performs during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park in Redlands on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Oktoberfest kicked off Saturday, Oct. 7, in Redlands with un-beer-lievable festivities.
The 12th annual Oktoberfest in Sylvan Park included German food, local brews, live music, games and contests.
Hosted by the Redlands Optimist Club, the fest featured musical performances by the Inland Empire Polka Band and Raincross Drive.
The lines for beer move fast during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Redlands resident Eddie Macias walks with two beers, including one for a friend, during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Jami Holland, left, and Carlton Bell play cornhole during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Alfredo Nava hands a sausage with onions to a customer during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Members of the SoCal Polka Band get people up to dance during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carlton Bell plays cornhole with a cigar and a beer in hand during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Janine Campos, left, reacts after missing the nail as, from left, Gerry Garcia; Noah Garcia, 11; Logan Garcia, 3; and Eli Garcia, 7; yell “Drink, Drink, Drink” while playing Hammerschlagen during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A guest at the Redlands Oktoberfest enjoys sausages and beer at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Adalyn Bottinhouse, 5, plays in the kids’ bounce house area during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The SoCal Polka Band performs during the Redlands Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park in Redlands on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The Stein Holding contests and Hammerschlagen are set to return for the second day of the event, Sunday, Oct. 8.
Day two of Oktoberfest kicks off at 10 a.m. with more German food, beer, games, and live performances from the same two groups.
Other Oktoberfest celebrations are scheduled across the region at Fairplex, Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead.
The event at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona, takes place Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6 to 21, with German music, bands, and a DJ. Admission is $14 in advance and $22 at the gate.
Big Bear Lake, is staging its 53rd Oktoberfest on Fridays through Sundays, until Nov. 4, at 42900 Big Bear Blvd., in the San Bernardino Mountains. The festivities include indoor and outdoor bars, live German bands, imported beer and a Brat Burger. Admission ranges from $18 to $32.
Lake Arrowhead Village is hosting its Oktoberfest at 28200 State Highway 189, in Lake Arrowhead, on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29. There will be contests, games and music. Admission is free, but to drink beer or wine, guests must buy a $22 package.
