San Francisco Oktoberfest brings beer and lederhosen downtown

🥨 The vibe: Expect polka, yodeling, stein-holding and plenty of beer, plus live music, food specials, costume contests and themed games.

• Ladyhosen, a Bavarian-style polka and yodeling band, and the cover band Pop Rocks will perform. Participants are encouraged to break out their lederhosen and dirndls.
• Food and drinks will be available from Schroeder's, Harrington's Bar & Grill and Royal Exchange.

By the numbers: More than 6,000 people attended last year's Oktoberfest on Front, per organizers.

• The broader Front Street Entertainment Zone has drawn more than 70,000 visitors across 17 events since launching in September 2024.

🍺 Catch up quick: Oktoberfest began in 1810 in Munich, Germany, as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Eventually, it evolved into an annual festival known for beer, Bavarian food, traditional dress, music and dancing.

• The tradition was later brought stateside by German immigrants, who helped inspire celebrations across the U.S.

Flashback: The city's celebration grew out of a longstanding Oktoberfest tradition at Schroeder's, the city's oldest Bavarian beer hall.

If you go: The party runs 2–10pm today in downtown. Admission is free.