The Pomona Fairplex hosts its annual Oktoberfest this month, attracting beer enthusiasts from all over. The space allotted for this event allows for plenty of different areas to enjoy a stein of beer in full Bavarian-style.
The Fariplex’s Oktoberfest preemptively preps its attendees with a full “Beer Vocabulary” located on its website, explaining the distinctions of ales, lagers and barley beers.
German words are also translated for those interested in knowing the meaning of all the German words displayed at the event.
This 21-and-over event brings Germany to Pomona with a live band entertaining an enclosed area of Oktoberfest.
Inside are tables of people enjoying the variety of beers offered. The indoor space is surrounded by interactive decor to enforce the German feel where people are encouraged to take pictures.
All servers are dressed in German clothing to authenticate the full experience of a Bavarian festival.
The band traditionally played the tune of the chicken dance, increasing in speed every round it was performed as people dancing attempted to keep up.
Holding spilling steins of beer added to the Bavarian feel as people swayed messily to familiar tunes. Crowds gathered in the indoor space where drinking competitions and games were held, rewarding guests with free beer and other prizes.
A dance hall is located in a separate indoor space where a live DJ played hip-hop music next to two go-go dancers. Sparse at first, more people began to join the dance party as the night progressed. Near King Taco, covers of Led Zeppelin songs were performed for a different ambiance.
German beers are the feature; however, other alcoholic beverages are available at the event such as mini-bottles of Stella Rosa wine, margaritas and spiked seltzer on tap. Jager shots are also sold at $7 and jager bombs at $11. All beers are purchased at any stand in a stein for $22 or in a cup for $13. Refills for steins are allowed this year at $13 each.
Dining options include known food chains such as Pink’s Hot Dogs, offering food from their special menu. However, prepare to pay almost double their regular prices. King Taco is also sold on the opposite side of Pink’s at a much lower price.
Other food stands sell German-style hot dogs, ribs, chili cheese fries, ice cream and pretzels. The food is plenty at this festival with hefty prices but full servings.
Traditionally Oktoberfest is a folk festival hosted annually in Germany lasting up to 18 days of celebrating drinking and Bavarian culture. It stemmed from a wedding celebration that happened 208 years ago.
The celebration lasted several days and became an annual tradition. The main indoor area of Oktoberfest mimics the celebration hall where the wedding took place with long tables and high ceilings.
Thousands of people travel to Germany to experience Oktoberfest. Luckily, the Pomona Fairplex offers a local authentic substitute. Oktoberfest at the Fairplex is located in Pomona on 1101 W. McKinley Ave.
All Friday tickets are $6 online and $10 at the door, while Saturdays are $10 online and $13 at the door. Groupon offers a deal under $22 for general admission with a complimentary stein of beer. Parking is $15 at Gate 17 where the event is held a short walk away. Ride-share drop-offs and pick-ups like Uber and Lyft are located by Gate 1.
Oktoberfest will continue through Oct. 19 on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight.
