Over 200 years ago, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria threw a big party to celebrate his wedding in Munich. The wedding was an epic celebration featuring horse races, carnival attractions, marching bands and an excessive amount of food and beer. Munich residents kept the tradition alive with an annual celebration of German and Bavarian culture which spread to communities around the world. Starting in late September and ending in early October, Oktoberfest is a festive celebration on a massive scale of German culture, food, music, dancing and, of course, beer. 

In Carlsbad, Oktoberfest and the Family Fall Festival is a beloved annual tradition. This year, Carlsbad is going all out for its 40th Oktoberfest celebration, presented by the Carlsbad Rotary Clubs. The festival will be held from 12 p.m. – 8 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/40th-annual-oktoberfest-fall-festival-tickets-291590664527. Proceeds from ticket sales go towards the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad and local charities. 

The Oktoberfest Family Fall Festival will feature German food all day including bratwurst sausage, pretzels, strudel and sauerkraut. From 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. there will be lots of fun activities for participants! Adults can compete in a best dressed German costume contest for the chance to become Oktoberfest King and Queen. Guests can also participate in a wiener toss contest, shake their tail feathers at the Chicken dance competition and show their knowledge of the origins of Oktoberfest during interactive group trivia. 

For children, there will be a petting zoo and a kids zone which includes photo opportunities, magic and science performances, face painting and a balloon animal station. 

The Bavarian Bier Garten will feature everything from hefeweizens to pilsners on tap and wine. Participants can throw their hats in the ring for a stein-holding competition while enjoying the Bavarian Beergarden Band from 4 p.m. – 8p.m. Activities also include the Musical Hut Spiel (a spin on musical chairs with traditional German hats) and Schnitzelbank (a fun song rhyming competition with a comedic twist).

The 2022 Oktoberfest Family Fall Festival will be held at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company (1050 Cannon Road in Carlsbad). Free parking and bike racks are available. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www.rotaryoktoberfest.org/oktoberfest-info. 

The post PROST! Celebrate Oktoberfest at Carlsbad’s 40th Annual Family Fall Festival appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Fire Up a Feast

Bob’s Steak and Chop House

The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is home to some of the best luxury accommodations in the city. Alongside the stellar grounds and exemplary staff, the resort also boasts one of San Diego’s finest steakhouses. It is the perfect place to treat your dad to something special.

Bob’s Steak and Chop House was created in the heart of Texas. The local chain serves up big slabs of meat and a variety of fresh-caught seafood. They specialize in flavorful steaks paired with iconic sides that will impress any dad’s taste buds and guarantee no one leaves the table hungry. Make a reservation or order ahead for curbside pickup to spoil dad at home.

Pacific Point Lounge

If your dad is someone who likes to stretch out and enjoy a cocktail after a hard day’s work, Pacific Point is a great place for a Father’s Day cocktail that he’ll remember. The lobby bar and terrace are a luxurious outdoor retreat with a heated terrace. On Father’s Day, Park Hyatt’s lobby bar will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Treat dad to a tasty drink and a bite to eat during one of Carlsbad’s stunning summer sunsets – he’ll be able to unwind, relax, and recharge for the week ahead.

Get Out and Grill Out

South Carlsbad State Beach

For dads that feel at home in the outdoors, South Carlsbad State Beach is the spot to pitch a tent, grill up a good meal, and enjoy the coastline. The popular bluff-top campground runs along the south end of the city’s 7-mile stretch of beaches. Campsites have an upfront and personal view of the ocean, complete with waves crashing below as you sleep. Fire pits calm the chill of the evening air and give campers a place to gather after a day full of swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. Book your campsite now to reserve a space this Father’s Day.

Cruise Down the 101

In Carlsbad, some of life’s joys are in the small things. A drive down the coastline on Historic Highway 101 is a chance to soak in the diverse and vibrant ecosystems that are spread out along the way. Rent a car, put the top down, and treat dad to a drive that will create memories for years to come.

Explore the Village

For quality time with limitless things to do, bring dad to the Carlsbad Village. You can start the day by grabbing a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants, spoil yourselves to dessert, and even get some shopping in while you’re at it.

Fresco 264

Woodfired pizza and seafood hold the keys to anyone’s heart. At Fresco 264, you can stroll into the heart of Carlsbad Village for a drink, a snack, or a full-blown meal.

Pure Brewing Taphouse

Pure Brewing Taphouse is one of Carlsbad Village’s newest additions. For a craft brew in the heart of the Village on State Street, Pure Brewing’s west-facing views and open-air patio are the perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy a tropical Biergarten vibe.

Handels

For dessert, Handels has homemade ice cream that’s created one batch at a time. Handels uses the finest ingredients with personal recipes sourced from creator Alice Handel who started the shop in the summer of July 1945.

After dessert, you can burn off your ice cream by browsing the shops and heading over to the boardwalk for a stroll along the beach.

Tee Off

Aviara Golf Club

If your dad loves to spend his free time on the golf course, there’s no better gift than a tee time at Carlsbad’s famed Arnold Palmer signature golf course at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa. The 72 par course winds through rolling valleys and has ocean views that are next to none for a day on the greens.

Dads are one of life’s most precious gifts and Father’s Day is a hallmark to honor that. Enjoy a meal, cruise down the coast, and swing for the hills – your dad deserves it.

The post Top Picks for Father’s Day 2021 appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

German Cuisine and Classic Oktoberfest Fare

The Carlsbad Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival has been ushering in the start of fall since 1982. For 32 years, the festival has opened its doors to beer enthusiasts and grown into what it is today. While you don’t have to be German to take part in the fun, German culture is the backbone behind the food, music, and celebration. Classic dishes of bratwurst and sausage paired with potato salad and sauerkraut will be available. If you prefer something lighter, chicken is also an option. Food vendors with fall snacks will have everything from pumpkin pie and strudel to pretzels and cotton candy. Adults can buy a traditional stein and wash it all down with an ice-cold German beer.

Live Music and More

During the beginning of the day, DJ Rob will be serving up traditional German music and games. Little ones can compete in the Best Dressed German Junge & Mädchen (girl and boy) contest on the Main Stage. The BlueBirds German band will take the stage at 4 p.m. and accompany the official welcome and the star spangled banner. The welcome will be followed by a yodeling contest. From there, The Last Call Rock Band and BlueBirds German band will take turns sharing the stage through the end of the night. The famed Chicken Dance will be on full display, encouraging little kids, big kids, and adults to join in the fun.

Fun Activities for All

In addition to the German food, German music, and bier, Carlsbad Oktoberfest also offers a variety of fall-themed activities for kids. There will be a pumpkin patch where children can choose a pumpkin and decorate it, as well as face painting, bouncy houses, and balloon artists. Children under 10 years old are admitted free, and kids who come in costume can participate in the costume contest to win a prize. Adults in costume can also take part in the Fetching Fräulein Costume Contest or Masculine Mann Costume Contest taking place at 4:30pm on the Main Stage.

Tickets for the event are available now. If you purchase your meal in advance, you will get free admission included in your purchase. $15 will get you a meal ticket and entry into the festival. Tickets for kids over 10 years old and adults who do not want a meal are only $5. This year, the Carlsbad Rotary is sponsoring the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and Solutions for Change. The proceeds from Oktoberfest 2019 will go a long way in providing support to two of the city’s most influential nonprofits. Get your tickets today and get ready for the 37th Annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest!

The post Cheers! to the 37th Annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Craft brewing has a long history in San Diego county. With over 200 breweries, it is no secret that Southern Californians like craft beer. San Diego beer lovers fuel the craft beer culture that spans from Chula Vista to Little Italy, the northern beach cities and beyond. The popularity of craft beer has skyrocketed throughout the past decade but has roots as far back as the 19th century. During Prohibition, almost all of the breweries in San Diego were forced to close. From the 30s to the 80s, mass production owned the beer scene. However, after California legalized homebrewing in 1978, brewers jumped at the opportunity to revive the craft and Karl Strauss opened in 1989. This lead to a boom of centerpiece breweries like Stone and Pizza Port opening. This time of year, beer lovers everywhere are gearing up for Oktoberfest celebrations and pints of German beer. If you are a beer lover in Carlsbad, you can beat the Oktoberfest rush and try all of San Diego’s newest brews at the 6th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest on September 7th.

A Growing Celebration of Craft Beer in Carlsbad

During the past five years, the Brewfest has grown from a typical San Diego beer festival to one of the county’s largest events celebrating some of the finest craft beers in the state. The event is presented by the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club and is hosted at one of Carlsbad’s historic outdoor parks. Holiday Park is just blocks from City Hall and the historic Barrio neighborhood. The Park is considered one of the oldest parks in the city and is well manicured, with gazebos, restrooms, horseshoe pits, and more. Ample tree cover and sun exposure make it the perfect spot for the Brewfest. All proceeds from the Carlsbad Brewfest are given to local and regional charities. In 2018, the festival raised $50,000. This year, the proceeds will be benefiting Bikes for the Barrio.

Brewfest 2019 Information

From noon to 4:30, Holiday Park will be home to 40+ breweries and cider houses. The 80+ craft beers, ciders, kombucha, and wine varieties will be accompanied by live music, entertainment, games, and food vendors. Seven of the 43 brewers featured at the event have joined together to create the 2019 Carlsbad Brewfest Collaborative Brew. This brew will only be available at the event for VIP and General Admission ticket holders. Ticketed guests will have the rare chance to enjoy the exclusive collaboration, brewed by the talents of Arcana, Burgeon, Culver, Karl Strauss, Papa Merces, Pizza Port, and Rouleur brewers.

There are three types of tickets available for the Brewfest. VIP tickets are being offered for $75 and grant guests early access to the park. An hour before General Admission doors open, VIP guests will be allowed to start tasting samples and get the first chance at trying the Collaboration Brew, which will only be available in limited quantities. VIP tickets also include a $10 food voucher, and a raffle ticket for a shot at winning one of three amazing raffle prizes. The raffle prizes include: (4) La Costa Spa Day passes, (1) Foursome round of golf at the La Costa Country Club, and a Custom Brewfest Electra Cruiser Bicycle. Guests can also opt for a VIP 2-Pack for $135, which includes two VIP tickets and all of their benefits plus special pours from Ale Smith, Bell, Melvin, Karl Strauss, Belching Beaver, Burgeon, Green Flash and Firestone.

General Admission tickets are just $55 and include ticketed entry from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. General Admission tickets offer unlimited tasting samples (including samples of the Collaboration Brew), music, entertainment, games, and food vendors.

Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Local parking will be limited, so public transportation, bikes, and ride shares are recommended. The festival is 21+ and space is limited to ~2,000 people. Get your ticket today, before it sells out!

The post See What’s Brewing at the 6th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Burgeon Beer Co.

Emerging on the scene in 2016, Burgeon Beer Co. is the result of a combined vision for excellence cultivated by three aspiring nature enthusiasts. The owners have long dreamed of opening a brewery that could have lasting impact and rapid growth. With careful planning and support, the dream became a reality. Fueled with creativity and passion, the owners of Burgeon are focused on being agile and relentless in the pursuit of great beer. The tasting room in Carlsbad is dog friendly and offers guests a variety of tasting options. From tasters to flights, tulip glasses, and growlers, Burgeon makes it easy to navigate through the multiple flavors on tap. Currently, they have over six IPAs to choose from. A brown ale, porter, oatmeal stout, German pilsner, and imperial stout with Ethiopian coffee and vanilla bean round out the malty side of the menu. For those with more adventurous tastes, Burgeon also has a peach and apricot gose and crisp grisette available.

Location: 6350 Yarrow Drive Suite C, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Phone: 760-814-2548

Rouleur Brewing Company

Inspired by the monastic breweries of the Old World, Rouleur Brewing Company is a rare treat in the craft beer world. They seek to reach beyond tradition in order to provide beer that breaks rules and works outside of the bounds that other breweries stay within. The founder, Rawley Macias, has spent years perfecting his craft and applies a very tactical and mechanical approach to creating beers that delight drinkers on all fronts. To do this, Rouleur marries innovation with elegance in the pursuit to create brews that break the mold. The result of this ingenuity includes an Athena BlackBerry Blonde, Dopeur Juicy/Hazy IPA, Sprinteur Red Ale, and Grimpeur Dark Ale, to name a few. The intimate tasting room is an inviting place to bring friends and to feel like family. Open seven days a week, Rouleur is definitely a unique outlier in the sea of San Diego breweries.

Location: 5840 El Camino Real, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (442) 244-5111

Culver Beer

A brewery without personality lacks the things that make our local breweries what they are. Culver Beer is full of personality and character that can’t be outdone by mass produced product elsewhere. If you’re looking for a spot with a little bit of comic relief and a ton of tasty beers to try, Culver is the spot to go. The cartoon logo and funny product names are just an added bonus to beers such as the Mad Neighbor Blonde that is described as ‘crushable, refreshing, and crisp’. The tasting room is both dog and kid friendly, and motivates guests to kick back, relax and enjoy the delicious beers on tap.

Location: 2719 West Loker Avenue, Carlsbad, CA

From its inception with the San Diego Brewing Company in the 1800s before prohibition, San Diego has always held good beer close to its heart. In Carlsbad, new breweries are popping up left and right. Grab your friends and family and support the industry that has put our city on the map by visiting one of these tasting rooms before last days of summer run out.

The post Three New Taps to Try in Carlsbad this Fall appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

During the 18th century, King Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (the ‘Crown Princess’). To celebrate their nuptials, the couple hosted a number of festivities leading up to a horse race. The celebration took place in a picturesque setting eventually named Theresa’s Meadow in honor of the princess. In the years following the wedding, the festivities were repeated annually to celebrate the anniversary of King Ludwig tying the knot. Over the years, Oktoberfest grew. Shows were added and entertainment compounded with the addition of bowling alleys, carnival booths, and playful live music. As it grew, city officials decided to officially make the celebration a yearly event. People embraced the joyous attractions and began showing up in Bavarian costumes native to the surrounding regions and townships. Eventually, traditions began to form and things like bratwurst and beer served in large glass mugs grabbed hold.

Today, Oktoberfest is still celebrated in Munich as well as in various cities throughout the world. Traditions may vary, but the core of the festivities are still intact wherever it is celebrated. The festival is a fun and raucous opportunity to enjoy Bavarian food, beer, and music with family and friends. This year, Carlsbad families can take part in the historic celebration at the 36th annual Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival hosted by Carlsbad Rotary. The event is San Diego North County’s longest running Oktoberfest celebration, and the traditions of fun and amusement are well incorporated into Carlsbad’s version of the century old festivities.

Oktoberfest is taking place at Holiday Park, located between Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive on October 6th, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Local parking is limited but there will be a free shuttle offered from The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Rotary is merging Bavarian tradition with other fall festivities to offer a day jam packed with great food, music, and entertainment. Advance tickets are available now, here.

For music, Rob the DJ will kick off the event and will be followed by live music provided by Bluebirds and the Last Call. Guests can rely on fan favorites like the chicken dance and a yodeling contest. There will be meal options including the traditional German fare of bratwurst, potato salad and sauerkraut and a lighter option of chicken and sides. Food booths will be available for snacks. Patrons of all ages can chow down on pies, kettle corn, cotton candy, and hot dogs. After the food has settled, adults can enjoy ice cold beer and little ones can take part in one of the many activities being offered throughout the day. Costume contests for both children and adults will take place at different times between other family-oriented activities like the pumpkin patch, face painting, inflatable jumpers.

Purchase your tickets now and get free entry with the purchase of a meal. Carlsbad Rotary has put North County on the map as one of the best places in the state to experience the tradition of Oktoberfest with friends and family. Don’t miss out!

Find out more information: https://www.rotaryoktoberfest.org/

Purchase Tickets to the Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/36th-annual-carlsbad-oktoberfest-presented-by-carlsbad-rotary-clubs-tickets-48134970994

The post Carlsbad Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

ArtWalk Carlsbad

For the first time this year, ArtWalk Carlsbad is hosting a two-day event that will showcase over 200 artists and their work. The event is scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd and is a sister event to two other ArtWalk events located in Little Italy and Liberty Station. This year will mark the first year that Carlsbad has hosted the ArtWalk, and the fine arts community is excited to help bridge creative comradeship throughout San Diego county. The experience will feature an immersive opportunity to engage and interact with the artwork while being surrounded by the ambience of the Flower Fields and the ocean. There will be live music, food trucks, and a wine and beer garden so that guests can stay refreshed while perusing the wide variety of fine art pieces. The event will gather 50 chalk artists to create showpieces in real time. The asphalt art will be a unique centerpiece for the Carlsbad event each year. Grab your chance to own a piece of original art and get your tickets today.

Coastal Cleanup Day

The coastline is one of Carlsbad’s most prized landmarks and keeping it clean is the responsibility of both residents and visitors alike. This month, the city of Carlsbad is joining I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) for their Coastal Cleanup Day. Thousands of volunteers will gather to cleanup multiple coastal and inland locations throughout the county. The event is touted as the county’s largest volunteer cleanup event of the year and Carlsbad will benefit from volunteer efforts on both the coastline and in the village. If you’re looking to do good while being outdoors, go online and sign up to help beautify the city. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate, and supplies will be provided. Sign up here.

Early Bird Tickets to The Taste of Carlsbad

The ‘Taste of’ events are some of San Diego’s best opportunities to explore a new neighborhood while trying out all of the different restaurants within. Starting this month, guests can reserve their place in next month’s event by purchasing tickets online. For $30, guests will have access to over 30 restaurants and 10 different breweries and wineries. Each vendor features a ‘taste’ from their menu. The event allows ticket holders to visit each of the featured restaurants and bars at their own pace with a map of vendors to guide participants throughout the city. Be sure to reserve your tickets now and follow Carlsbad Village online to receive updates about the event from now through October.

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with these events this September. Keep an eye on the blog for more to come in October; Oktoberfest and Halloween are just around the corner!

The post Slide into September with Fun Events in Carlsbad appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Just 12,000 feet from the Carlsbad Outlets, the Windmill Food Hall is slated to open by the end of the summer. The iconic windmill building off of Interstate 5 and Palomar Airport Road has been repainted and renovated in order to serve as a home to food vendors and guests alike. The market has designated space for food and entertainment including lawn and table games, video games, a 50+ seat bar, and more. For those eager to see what the menu will consist of, nine of the eleven food vendors have been announced to the public.

So far, the food line up consists of a variety of treats from around the globe. Cross Street Chicken & Beer will feature mouthwatering Korean-style fried chicken and spots like Taco Lady and Thai-Style Kitchen, Bing Haus, and Rolled Up will allow diners to enjoy everything from Mexican street food to Thai-style rolled ice cream and build-your-own sushi burritos. If you crave American cuisine, Bread & Cheese, Lobster West, Crackheads, and Doughballs Pizza will not disappoint. Vendors from around San Diego are planting roots at the market and making a home in North County. Owners of the popular Encinitas-born Maine lobster restaurant will be serving up their award-winning lobster roll sandwiches and Hillcrest Farmers Market grilled cheese aficionados will be bringing their well-known sandwiches to the Windmill Food Hall.

The hall will introduce a modern food experience while incorporating clean vintage decor and innovative technology into the mix. Guests will be given a key fob or bracelet to pay for their purchases. The mobile payment option will allow for food vendors to walk throughout the hall and offer full service throughout the entire campus. The buildings that make up the market are part of the Carlsbad By the Sea hotel and are being renovated to include a multitude of seating options and an indoor/outdoor vibe with garage door-style walls.

Southern California is known for its culinary excellence and food halls are one of the fastest-growing culinary trends in the country. With the Windmill Food Hall, Carlsbad will continue to make its mark on the food scene while preserving the historic windmill building that many have come to love. Be sure to visit the hall when it opens in late summer/ early fall.

Windmill Food Hall
850 Palomar Airport Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92011

The post Modern Cravings at The Carlsbad Windmill Food Hall appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

Back to Cali and the Flip Flop Shops are two new stores that truly embrace the never-ending summer weather in San Diego. The former originated locally and is home to lifestyle apparel that will make visitors feel like they are on vacation in their hometown. Beach cover ups and sun hats are fully stocked in addition to souvenirs that give nod to the nearby ocean. The Flip Flop Shops is a globally owned haven for flip flops that are a must-have during the summer months. They have a variety of trusted brands like Sanuk, Reef, Rainbow and Havaianas. Stylish flats from the Bethany collection are also available for a trendy take on summer comfort.

For added Hawaiian feels, SoHa Living will be opening in August. This brand is based on the Big Island and mixes casual beach vibes with luxury relaxation. The Shoppes store will be the first mainland location for the brand. This will be a go-to spot for bringing the beach lifestyle indoors during the winter months. Ceramic pineapples, driftwood decor, and palm trees exude the modern chic tone of the tropical themed brand. Upscale nautical elements and coastal blues are accented with unique seashell centerpieces and gold tinted pillows, serving trays, and vases.

With the addition of so many new shops to discover, The Shoppes at Carlsbad are also adding a variety of new dining options to satisfy guests who build up an appetite while shopping. Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market opened in May and offers guests high-quality fish via healthy meal choices that are full of flavor. Poke bowls, fresh fish entrees, and ceviche are all on the menu with Japanese sake and craft beer on tap to wash it all down.

The Shoppes also plan to complete a restaurant streetscape that will include well-known restaurants like Breakfast Republic and Wakcano. Dessert lovers will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth with the opening of a Haagen-Daz that will offer free ice cream scoops from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays or at the new Sweet Cloud Creamery that is bringing nitrogen cooled Italian ice cream straight to Carlsbad. For health-conscious visitors with an affinity for the sweetness of fruit, the Gofruit Juice Bar opened in June and now provides organic fresh juices for shoppers near the children’s play area. In addition to these new dining options are The Shoppes’ classics such as Yard House, Cheesecake Factory, Panera Bread, Luna Grill, Islands, and the entertainment center of Dave & Busters.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad have been undergoing a multi-tier facelift that concluded in 2017. The addition of these new shops and restaurants make the two-story mall one of the premier shopping spots available in North County this summer and for years to come.

The post Shop. Sun. Dine. Repeat. appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.

But did you know that Carlsbad is also a great place for beer? And not just ordinary beer, but really great, award-winning craft beer? Carlsbad is home to some fun breweries and beer bars that you have to try the next time you visit.

First the breweries. If you and your friends have the time and want to go on a local brewery tour, then consider these four breweries. They all serve great craft beer with varying styles, flavors and colors; and they are all within 2 miles of each other. Arcana and Culver usually have food trucks at their locations when they’re open, and of course Pizza Port serves delicious pizzas and salads.

Arcana Brewing Company

Culver Beer Company

On The Tracks Brewery

Pizza Port Brewery

Beer Bars. Not in a brewery tour mood? Then consider these two beer bars, both within walking distance to each other and located in Carlsbad Village. Barrel Republic is a self-serve craft beer mecca where you get to choose and pour the amount of beer you want to drink. They have 52 taps dispensing beer, mead, wine, and soft drinks. 83 Degrees is a full service bar and restaurant featuring 48 different craft beers on tap or in the bottle and can.

Barrel Republic

83 Degrees Gastropub & Restaurant

The post Breweries and Beer Bars appeared first on Visit Carlsbad.