Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden

Dogtoberfest takes the Bavarian beer-hall tradition and hands it to the dogs, or at least to the people who walk them. Every Saturday and Sunday from October 10 through November 1, South Coast Botanic Garden turns its grounds into a pup-friendly Oktoberfest, now in its third year. It is an easy pick if you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that include the whole household, four-legged members included.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 10 to November 1, 2026 Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula Price: $18 adults, $7 per dog Hours: The garden is open 8 AM to 5 PM; check the official page for each activity time

What to expect

The weekend programming is the draw. Expect live oompah music, dog races, stein-holding contests and a Pup Crawl that sends you and your dog on a loop around the garden. The garden's published schedule lists activities at set times through the day, so it pays to look at it before you go and plan around the races you most want to see.

Food leans Bavarian. Dottie's at the Koi Pond serves a menu built for the event, with bratwurst, warm pretzels and other German-style favorites, plus beer for the grown-ups. Between bites, the garden's plantings give the whole thing a calmer backdrop than a typical festival lot.

VIP options

Both people and dogs can upgrade. A VIP human ticket adds beer tastings (which begin at 9 AM), a free beer, an express lane at the Koi Pond, a free pretzel necklace and priority sign-up for the competitions. A VIP dog ticket adds access to a Top Dog Zone with splash pads and doggie pools, which is a real plus on a warm October afternoon.

Planning your visit

Tickets are sold through the garden's own Dogtoberfest ticketing calendar, and the listed price is $18 for adults and $7 per dog. Children's and member pricing differ, so check the calendar before buying. Owners are responsible for their dog's behavior, so bring a leash, water and patience for the crowds.

The garden sits up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a longer drive than most in-town outings, so allow extra time on a weekend and arrive early if you want a calmer first hour. If you are building a plan around LA events this weekend, this one runs across four weekends, so it is easy to fit in even if you miss the opening one.

Browse more festivals. Dates and prices can change, so confirm on the official page before you head out.