Back my pup-ular demand Dogtoberfest returns to South Coast Botanic Garden for the second year. Inspired by the beloved Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest, this festive celebration brings together dogs and their humans every Saturday and Sunday in October with live music, beer, competitions, and plenty of tail-wagging garden fun.

Whether you’re coming for the brats, the brews, or the barks, Dogtoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate fall!

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What to Expect at Dogtoberfest

Dogs (and their humans), are invited to enjoy a fall day outdoors with beer tastings, music, and unique activities spread throughout the Garden. This year’s event features exciting new additions and enhanced favorites:

Live Music: Die Sauerkrauts will perform lively German tunes every day of the event (sets at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm).

Food & Treats: Head to Dottie’s at the Koi Pond for a Bavarian-inspired menu featuring bratwurst, warm pretzels, and other German-style favorites– perfectly paired with your choice of beer.

Oktoberfest-Inspired Games: Test your skills in the stein-holding competition and pretzel toss (10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm).

Enhanced Bark Walk: A self-guided adventure featuring staff-favorite trees, a splash bad, an obstacle course, and more dog-friendly surprises.

Photo opportunities: Snap pictures at festive backdrops or with Terri the Squirrel- the Garden’s ;ederhosen-wearing furry mascot!

Morning Paw-some Craft (8-10 am): Let your pup create a paw-painted flower masterpiece before the music begins.

Expanded Dog Entertainment:

Disc Dogs in Southern California (Oct. 4-5 & 18-19) with frisbee-catching stunts.
Dog Races (Oct. 11-12 & 25-26) for pups under 30 lbs.

VIP Experience: Upgrade to VIP tickets for the full Dogtoberfest treatment. Perks include:

4 free beer tastings (root beer option available)
Express entry at every bar with the Bierhound Express Lane
Make-and-take pretzel necklace
Free Dogtoverfest koozie
Free Puppuccino for your pop
Morning VIPs (8:00, 8:30, or 9:00 am)

Event Details

Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in October 2025

Times:

Morning: 8:30-10:30 am (VIP entry: 8:00 am)
Midday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (VIP entry: 11:00 am)
Afternoon: 2:30-4:30 pm (VIP entry: 2:00 pm)

Location: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Dogtoberfest is a timed ticketed event with three time slots available for purchase. Each 2-hour time slot includes the same activities.

Dates: Dogtoberfest will take place every Saturday and Sunday in October

Times: Morning Time Slot: 8:30-10:30 a.m., VIP entry: 8 a.m.; Midday Time Slot:
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. VIP entry: 11 a.m.; Afternoon Time Slot: 2:30-4:30 p.m., VIP entry: 2 p.m.

Tickets: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/dogtoberfest

General Admission: