Ocean Beach Oktoberfest to celebrate 20 years of beers and brats

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest event founder Scott Slaga, and Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, teamed up to put the beach community’s own cultural stamp on the international German festival.Slaga, a beach entrepreneur with Winstons Beach Club in OB and 710 Beach Club in Pacific Beach, and OBMA, the community’s business improvement district, share responsibility for transforming the event, now in its 20th year, into what it has become: San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest.Slaga recalled being introduced to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany in 2000, which left an indelible impression.“I’d never seen such a celebration before, 600,000 people in 20 huge beer tents, all of it bigger than a football field with 7,500 people per tent,” he said. “It was all ages and no language barriers, with people drinking and dancing and singing, packed in like sardines. The event is all about eating and drinking good German food and beer and listening to oompah bands.”Fresh in his mind while returning to San Diego, while flying directly over the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Slaga thought, “San Diego needs an Oktoberfest.”The inaugural OB Oktoberfest was held at Dusty Rhodes Park in 2002, then over to Del Mar before finally finding a home at the beach in OB.Kristen Keltner, OBMA’s event and program manager, said Slaga came to OBMA and said, “Here is this idea, we need a local partner to make it happen. And OBMA said, ‘We would love to partner with you.’ Anytime someone has a great idea for a special event, we want to have a say so, to make sure it is clean and safe and also in the best interests of our merchants. OBMA also thought it could be a great weekend community event, one that could involve artists and food and vendors promoting shopping and dining and staying in OB.”Slaga said OB Oktoberfest quickly outgrew its original location at Dusty Rhodes Park. “We have done it in OB ever since, where it expanded from a one- to a two-day event,” said Slaga about the Oct. 7-8 event this year, which takes place where Newport Avenue meets the beach.Being outdoors, in an oceanfront setting, is what makes the event something rare and special, said Slaga. “Our Oktoberfest is different from all the others,” he noted. “We don’t follow tradition. We have some good German food and beer, but we have our own music, not oom pah. We’re right on the ocean and that always adds to the revelry. We have gimmicky contests, besides the obvious bratwurst eating and stein holding. We’re doing a balloon blow, live wrestling, and a liquid brunch with a drag show this year. It makes it different – and fun.”“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from our merchants in the last few years,” said Keltner about OB Oktoberfest. “It brings a lot of people and it is really a win-win for the community. On top of that, it raises funds for OBMA, which puts it back into the community through our Clean and Safe Program. Funding also goes into holiday decorations, which we’ll have new this year, and wayfinding signage.”The goal of the Ocean Beach Clean and Safe Program is to prioritize public safety as well as act quickly to eliminate blighted areas and beautify the neighborhood. The program involves security teams biking up and down all the alleys, streets, and sidewalks three or four days a week. They patrol on Voltaire Street, near Dog Beach, and especially along Newport Avenue.If you are searching for a local Oktoberfest, OB more than qualifies said Slaga.“It is laid-back beach attire, a lot of music, and a beach orientation,” he said. “If you are looking for a Southern California Oktoberfest – this is your choice.”VIP TICKETSVIP tickets are $49, which includes an expedited line and entrance, a custom, one-liter OB Oktoberfest stein filled with two beers, and access to an exclusive VIP area with a bar, lounge, and upgraded restrooms. Available at oboktoberfest.com.OKTOBERFEST PROCEEDSProceeds benefit the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, specifically the Friends of OB Program, an organization dedicated to building a thriving business district, and The Peninsula Alliance, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities and implementing change in Peninsula communities. To date, the event has given back over $750,000 and supports the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association, The Peninsula Alliance, and Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.OKTOBERFEST’S ORIGINBavarian Crown Prince Louis, later King Louis I of Bavaria, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The Bavarian royalty invited the citizens of Munich to attend the festivities, held on the fields in front of the city gates. Horse races in the presence of the royal family concluded the popular event, celebrated in varying forms all across Bavaria. The decision to repeat the festivities and the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the annual Oktoberfest, which now begins in late September and lasts until the first Sunday in October featuring German beer and food.OKTOBERFEST SCHEDULEFriday, Oct. 7, 4-11 p.m. in the Beer Garden ($10 entry);4:20 p.m. – 420 Happy Hour, live pro wrestling presented by OB Rassie House, 2-for-1 drinks;6 p.m. – Half Hour Late Band;7:30 p.m. – Women’s Stein Contest;8 p.m. – Stranger Band;9:30 p.m. – Men’s Stein Contest;10 p.m. – Paging the 90s Band.Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.10 a.m. – Cornhole Tournament;11 a.m. – OB Liquid Brunch; Drag Show hosted by Marian T.; (the first 500 people get a donut and a shot of Jager Cold Brew);1 p.m. – Brat Eating;1:30 p.m. – Lords of the Satellite Band;2:30 p.m. – Balloon Blow;3 p.m. – Electric Waste Band;4 p.m. – Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest;4:45 p.m. – The Aggrolites;6 p.m. – Beer Belly Competition;6:30 p.m. – CAPYAC;8 p.m. – Women’s Stein Contest;8:30 p.m. – Vokab Company Band;9 p.m. – Men’s Stein Contest;10 p.m. – Band of Gringos.The post Ocean Beach Oktoberfest to celebrate 20 years of beers and brats appeared first on SDNews.com.

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Sycuan’s inaugural fashion show highlights Native American designers

Sycuan Casino and Resort held its first fashion show at the Retreat Pool & Cabanas. The resort presented seasoned and upcoming designers from all over North America. The goal was to give a platform to Native Americans to showcase their creativity with an emphasis on jewelry, beadwork, and clothing design.The event began with the Emcee, Ruben Littlehead, welcoming the crowd. Stan Rodriguez gave the opening prayer and was followed by the Bird Singers. Next, Littlehead introduced a dance troupe named the Indigenous Enterprise. This exuberant dance group was dressed in colorful regalia. They have performed at the Sydney Opera House, the Met Gala, Lincoln Center, and now Sycuan Casino and Resort. They dazzled the crowd with their traditional dance number.Ashley GarciaThe fashion show began with Benjamin Leedom showing off his 3 Feathers Star Quilts. He is a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and believes that star quilts represent the sky. Next, the beautiful designs from Aresta Tsosie-Paddock from the Navajo Nation came down the runway. Following this, Terence Brown showed off his collection from Trap Native featuring his streetwear brand.Disa Tootoosis from the Cree nation in Saskatchewan presented designs combining traditional and modern. Josh Muse, who is the current vice chairman of the Tribal Council, presented his men’s suits from J&D Custom clothier. The models came down the runway showing off the flawless fit of these tailored suits that were made with the finest fabrics.Mother and daughter team Cheyleen Julian and Rosine Tree rocked the runway with vibrant ribbon skirts and Native American beading. Ashley Garcia from the Oglala Lakota Nation in Rockyford, S.D., showed native contemporary designs on the catwalk.Design by DellaPhotos by DIANA CAVAGNAROClosing the show was the artist Designs by Della. She is a member of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Tribe of Montana. Della Bighair-Stump also combines traditional and modern work to create her wearable fashions. Each one is one of a kind. She takes photos of her beadwork and has it printed on fabric and then creates bathing suits, dresses, and pants for the runway with this special fabric.During the evening, DJ Danny kept the audience entertained with his upbeat tunes.Closing remarks were by Angelica Labrake, program director. She thanked everyone for coming out and all those who helped put this inaugural show together. Labrake invited everyone to join her in the Wachena Room to view or purchase everything from the show. This was an excellent opportunity for the audience to come backstage and meet the designers and see the designs up close.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, Sept. 24 – “3rd San Diego Design Week” by Mingei International Museum. International Fashion Show: Diversity Through Design by International Rescue Committee Small Business Development Center at 11:30 a.m. features work from designers from immigrants and refugees. For the entire list of events from Sept. 21 to Sept 25, contact Gladys Hernandez at 619-732-0789 x452.Saturday, Oct. 8 – FWSD22 Runway Shows at the Andaz from 6-10 p.m. will feature a 10-piece collection from designers followed by a trunk show on Day 2 on the rooftop. For tickets: fashionweeksd.com.Saturday, Oct. 22 – Kenneth Barlis presents a 10th-anniversary event at the Port Pavillion on Broadway Pier beginning at 4 p.m. For tickets, visit kennethbarlisofficial.com.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.The post Sycuan’s inaugural fashion show highlights Native American designers appeared first on SDNews.com.

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San Diego Spirits Festival set for MCASD in La Jolla

The San Diego Spirits Festival, a cocktail and cultural event, is shaking things up for its 13th year with a move to the newly-renovated Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla. San Diego’s annual spirits extravaganza will take place 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, featuring unlimited cocktails from over 65 brands, live music and entertainment, access to MCASD’s galleries, and more. Tickets are now available.“This event has grown exponentially through a community of craft cocktail and premium spirits lovers, and this year, we look forward to taking the San Diego Spirits Festival upmarket to La Jolla in this world-class museum,” said Liz Edwards, owner, and founder of the San Diego Spirits Festival. “We’re creating an experience-driven event completely unique to the community, where guests can be inspired by exceptional cocktails and spirits, exquisite art, and spectacular views.”This incredible new setting will take SoCal’s favorite spirits festival to where art, bespoke spirits brands, and cocktails will come together for a two-day experience. San Diego Spirits Festival’s move from downtown San Diego to La Jolla will build on the event’s loyal following while attracting a new audience within La Jolla and adding new layers to the event.The festival offers an upscale event for novice cocktail lovers and fashionistas to experienced mixology professionals and restaurateurs. Spirits and art enthusiasts will explore the world of whiskey, bourbon, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, and other fine spirits, plus ready-to-drink beverages including seltzers, canned cocktails, and more from local craft distillers to national brands.Recently reopened after a two-year, $200 million renovation, MOCA is comprised of both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views of the La Jolla coast throughout. The festival will take place on multiple levels of the museum, with the full exhibition from its galleries on display.Featured entertainment will include Samba dancers, roving belly dancers, a pole dancer Flamenco soloist, and two bands – Gone Blond on Saturday, and Fleetwood Max on Sunday.Whiskeys: Endless West Whiskeys; Buskers Irish Whiskey; Heavens Door Whiskeys; Clyde May’s Whiskeys; McConnell’s Irish Whisky’s; Cutwater Whiskey & Bourbon; Story House Whiskey & Bourbons; First Light Coffee Whiskey; Knucklenoggin Whiskey; Uncle Nearest Whiskeys.Tequilas: Don Ramon Tequilas; Adictivo Tequila Group; Tinta Negra Group; Mexcor Tequila Group; Padre Azul Tequila; Little Toad Creek Tequilas; Tanteo Tequilas; Cutwater Tequilas; Ambrosio Tequilas; Chactunin Tequila; Rancho La Gloria Infused Tequila.Vodkas and gins: Truly Vodka; Blue Shark Vodka; Wild Roots Vodka; Story House Spirits Vodkas & Gins; Cutwater Vodka & Gins; Tahoe Blue Vodka; Engine Gin; Two Shores Gin.Other spirits: Toco Cachacha; Chinola Liqueur; 9North Spiced Rum; Koloa Rum; American Soju; Batch 22 Classic Gold Aquavit; Nardini Liqueurs; Curious Juniper craft syrups.Ready to drink (RTD): Happy Hour Tequila RTD; El Hempe RTD; Florida Caribbean Distillers RTD; Easy Tomorrow Hangover, and Liquid Death Mountain Water.Small bites from Ranch Events, Starfish Eatery, Mermaids and Cowboys, Beeside Balcony, Lobster West, and The Alcove.Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased through Eventbrite here. More information about the festival can be found at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.Photo: Chris Brake PhotographyThe post San Diego Spirits Festival set for MCASD in La Jolla appeared first on SDNews.com.

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