Our biggest events are those that happen annually and draw people from across southern California and beyond. Below is a list of those occasions, beginning in late summer and carrying through the following spring. Every year, themes change, and new vendors and attractions are introduced, so we encourage you to visit more than once!
Membership has its perks! Get in free to most events or receive a discounted rate when you are a member. Sign up today.
Volunteering also earns you free access. In addition to entry, most volunteer shifts also come with a meal and a drink! Inquire about volunteer opportunities by visiting our Volunteer page or contacting the Club Manager directly.
ANNUAL EVENTS
OKTOBERFEST
Join us for two full weekends of authentic German celebrations with Oktoberfest in El Cajon – the closest thing to Munich’s Oktoberfest you’ll find in Southern California! Enjoy German delicacies like bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, and a huge variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors – or water, soft drinks and coffee – quench your thirst while you enjoy traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests, a Kid Zone, and a variety of shopping booths line the patio for additional all-ages fun. You don’t have to be German to enjoy this community party. Learn more by clicking the buttons below.
KARNEVAL
Fifth season or Karneval is an extended holiday that spans Nov. 11 through Ash Wednesday. This month’s-long affair is all about fun, fantasy, a willingness to let loose, and a love for life! Events are planned to honor hilarious, centuries-old traditions – and we have new royalty, themes, costumes, programs and performances every year which we celebrate via four public occasions: Karneval Opening, GAMGA Gala (destination Las Vegas!), Karneval Home Event and KinderKarneval. Becoming a member of the Karneval crew is the best way to experience these oft-raucous festivities, as that grants access to additional parties like the crowning of royalty, a holiday gift exchange and Nubbelverbrennung (the closing ceremony/service & burning of the effigy of Karneval). Learn more by clicking the buttons below.
WEIHNACHTSMARKT
Weihnachtsmarkt – also known as our Traditional German Christmas Market – features dozens of diverse vendor booths, live music, choir and dance performances, holiday crafts, hands-on activities for kids, pictures with Santa, a Schützen air rifle range, Glühwein (holiday mulled wine), holiday beer, and authentic German dishes and desserts. Held in early-to-mid December, this 2-day event is always a hit and is sure to fill your car with holiday gifts and goodies! We post updates for this event on Facebook and Instagram – so follow us there if you’re on social media.
EASTER BRUNCH & EGG HUNT
Celebrate springtime with the family from 9 a.m. until noon during this casual, cooked breakfast ever featuring traditional German food and drinks followed by an egg hunt on the property. There is no cost to attend, however, proceeds from food and drink sales support our St. Hubertus Schützenverein, as they prepare for their busy, June Schützenfest weekend along with additional tournaments for adults and youth.
GERMAN THEATER SHOWCASES
The German-speaking theater group is back with new shows and fresh talent – ready to take te stage to share some exciting new performances with you! Productions typically take place twice a year beginning with a two-day Spring show. Coome to laugh, learn and be generally entertained by this talented crew of experienced and novice actors! Learn more by clicking the buttons below.
MAIFEST
Celebrate spring with us! In early May, we host Maifest, a 1-day festival full of bright colors, floral decor, delicious German food and drinks, lively music, choir and dance performances, vendor booths and the ribboning of a traditional May Pole. Some say this relatively relaxed, family-centric afternoon affair is Oktoberfest’s little sister… the decorations are different, but the people who attend still come dressed in their dirndls and lederhosen, ready for a good time. We post updates for this event on Facebook and Instagram – so follow us there if you’re on social media.
ANNIVERSARY GALAS
We enjoy a soiree – especially one that pays tribute to or founders, decades of family membership, countless happy memories, and many volunteers’ steadfast dedication to sharing German history, language, music and dance, food and drinks, activities and games, and other facets of the culture with those who wish to connect with the German American Societies of San Diego. This semi-formal event occurs annually toward the end of May – look for details on our Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as in our calendar.
OCCASIONAL EVENTS
Some events happen less frequently, but they are just as fun to attend. Here are some examples:
BAND EVENTS
Music, a meal and an afternoon with friends new and old is what’s on the agenda every time we host a Beer, Brats and a Band and event! These typically take place twice a year and they are planned to benefit various undergroups of the Club. The featured artist could be the house band – Germania Blaskapelle – or a small local band, even a one-man-show! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in-the-know on social happenings for the Club.
WORLD CUP GAMES
Did somebody say soccer? When the World Cup rolls around, and usually depending on how German scores, we pull down the big screen, dim the lights, turn up the AC, open the bar, and service up some tasty hot dogs and sausages for Game Day at the Club! Sports fans dress in their favorite team’s attire and sit back in cushioned chairs while chatting with other soccer afficionados. The best way to see if we’re hosting a Game Day Party is to mark your calendar for soccer season and tune into Facebook or Instagram… or listen for the cheers down South Mollison Avenue!
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETIES OF SAN DIEGO 