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The Lodi Oktoberfest is offered by the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club
Lodi’s Largest Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
American Legion Hall
October 24, 2026
4:30pm - 9:30pm
Celebrate Tradition at Lodi’s Premier Oktoberfest!
Proudly hosted by the Lodi Tokay Rotary every year since 2006, this is Lodi’s longest-running and most authentic Oktoberfest tradition.
Come for the world-class beer and incredible German cuisine, and stay for the high-energy live music and festive crowd games! We’ll be pouring a fantastic selection of both traditional German imports and American favorites. To pair with your brew, legendary Northern California chefs Ady and Kerstin Cogiel will be cooking up a spectacular storm of authentic German dishes.
Live Music & Legendary Games
The Gruber Family Band returns to the stage, bringing their raucous, crowd-pleasing mix of traditional German folk music and upbeat pop hits.
Think you have what it takes to be crowned a champion? Don't miss our famous Stein-Holding Contest, where competitors go head-to-head to see who can hold a filled stein at arm’s length the longest. The last person standing takes home an authentic German beer mug! And if the crowd brings the energy, we might just kick off an impromptu yodeling contest.
Event
What’s Included With Your Ticket
Your Oktoberfest Experience
Step into a fully transformed American Legion Hall and immerse yourself in the ultimate Oktoberfest celebration! Your ticket is an all-access pass to an unforgettable evening of tradition, music, and community. Here is what you can look forward to:
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The Grand Opening: Witness the authentic re-enactment of the tapping of the very first beer keg, officially kicking off the Lodi Oktoberfest!
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Live Music & Dancing: Dust off your dancing shoes for the Gruber Family Band. Whether you want to sing along, hit the dance floor, or just relax with a cold, traditional brew, the festive German beats will keep the energy high all night.
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Authentic German Cuisine: Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of traditional German dishes, expertly prepared by Chefs Ady and Kerstin Cogiel.
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The Outdoor Beer Garden: Take a stroll and unwind in our lively outdoor beer garden.
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The Stein-Holding Contest: Test your grit—or cheer from the sidelines—in a thrilling, traditional German feat of strength!
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Party for a Cause: Best of all, you can feel good about every sip. All proceeds from this event directly support vital local community initiatives and international humanitarian projects.
"The Lodi Oktoberfest is an absolute must-attend event, featuring incredible authentic German food, fantastic live music, and a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
It is the perfect way to enjoy a great night out with neighbors while supporting vital community projects!"
The History of Oktoberfest
The world’s greatest beer festival began with a royal wedding. On October 12, 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Munich's citizens were invited to celebrate in the fields outside the city gates. The party was such a resounding success that the couple decided to repeat it the following year, birthing a legendary annual tradition.
Over the decades, Oktoberfest evolved into a grand spectacle. Early festival-goers enjoyed quirky competitions like tree-climbing, wheelbarrow races, and goose chases. By the 1870s, mechanical rides joined the fun, and in 1908, the festival debuted Germany’s very first roller coaster.
The Story Behind Oktoberfest Beer
True Oktoberfest beer belongs to a classic variety called Märzen. Darker, richer, and stronger than average beer, Märzen typically sits around 6% ABV, is bottom-fermented, and is lagered for at least 30 days.
Before modern refrigeration, this lager was brewed in March (hence Märzen) and aged through the summer to reach peak perfection just in time for autumn. Like all authentic German beers, it is brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot (the 1516 Beer Purity Law). This ancient standard dictates that only four ingredients can be used: water, barley, hops, and yeast.
Driven by Lodi Tokay Rotary Club
The Lodi Craft Beer Festival is the brainchild of the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club, with the vision to create a first-class festival of craft brewers within the Northern California area, accompanied by some of the best food vendors in the Lodi area. The Lodi Tokay Rotary Club is hosting the event with 100% of the proceeds going to the ongoing preservation of Lodi Lake and local and international charities.
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