Every October, La Mesa Village in San Diego transforms into a Bavarian Paradise. The annual La Mesa Oktoberfest presents a great opportunity to try an array of beer varieties, savor excellent German food and create meaningful memories with your friends and family. The festival, which has been held since 1973, is free for the public.

For three unforgettable days, La Mesa Oktoberfest embraces Munich-inspired festivities. The Hofbrauhaus Biergarten offers traditional German beers as well as brat eating competitions, musical chairs, and yodeling contests. The guests are entertained with live music and performances by regional, German, and polka bands. Indie rock concerts and more entertainment will satisfy any taste. Attendees have to purchase a Biergarten Pass for $5 (kids are free).

For cocktails and unusual brews, visit The Craft Bier & Seltzer Garten, where visitors are entertained with chicken dance, a giant board game, and DJ beats. Palm Avenue Bier Hall is a perfect place to dine in while Lederhosen-dressed waitresses deliver your favorite Bavarian delights.

Oktoberfest is all about fun competitions. Would you dare to race through a mini obstacle course while holding full steins at the Beer Stein Race? Beer Barrel Roll, the Keg Haul Relay Race. Wiener/Dachshund dog race, Tug-O-War, and the Partner Carrying Race are other great options to get distracted from eating and drinking. Meanwhile, children can visit German Kinder Karneval with the giant Ferris Wheel, rock-climbing wall, inflatable slides, interactive art, brat-eating competitions, and scavenger hunts.