Camp Richardson Resort’s annual Oktoberfest will return Oct. 4-5, offering visitors a taste of Bavaria in the Sierra Nevada (California) with expanded food and drink options.
The two-day festival, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, continues its tradition as a family-friendly event that draws both locals and tourists.
General admission and parking will remain free, but new this year is a VIP section designed to enhance the festival experience. Only 100 VIP tickets will be available, offering access to exclusive food, beverages, and amenities.
Festival organizers plan to feature 11 beers on tap, showcasing Bavarian breweries Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Erdinger.
Traditional menu favorites such as bratwurst and pretzels will be offered alongside food truck selections including smoked turkey legs, roasted corn, pizza, and tacos.
The VIP section will include specialty beer options from South Lake Tahoe’s Coldwater Brewery and a German-inspired unlimited buffet. Ticket holders will also receive a commemorative 44-ounce Beverage Boot, four beverage vouchers, a festival shirt, and a tote.
VIP tickets are priced at $155 through Sept. 21 and will increase to $175 afterward. Children’s pricing is $30 for ages 3-12 and $40 for ages 13-20. Tickets cover entry to the VIP area and buffet for both festival days.
To ease congestion, the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition will provide a free bike valet on the festival side of state Route 89. Free parking will also be available at paved sites in the resort’s Eagles Nest campground.
The festival schedule includes contests such as beer stein holding, yodeling, and costume competitions for both people and dogs. Winners will receive gift certificates redeemable for food, activities, and lodging at the resort.
Live entertainment will be provided by the Gruber Family Band, performing polka music both days. They will be joined by dancers from Lake Tahoe Shining Stars. Vendor row will feature handcrafted items and locally made products.
Souvenirs including steins and shirts will be sold at the Camp Richardson booth, offering attendees ways to commemorate their visit.
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, Camp Richardson will go plastic-free at its Oktoberfest booths this year. Refillable water stations will be installed, and guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, as disposable cups will not be provided.
The effort is part of the Tahoe Blue Beach program, a collaboration between Keep Tahoe Blue, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California State Parks, and local concessionaires. The program aims to “raise the bar for beach management in Tahoe” by reducing the environmental impact of recreation.
Featured image by Camp Richardson Resort