Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden
Humans and their canine companions can celebrate Bavarian tradition with live German music and community seating in the Upper Meadow biergarten. Visitors can browse the Pup Crawl, enjoy festive games like stein-holding and yodeling contests, and grab bratwurst and warm pretzels. Pups can join in costume competitions, dog races, and photo ops with Terri the Squirrel.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
General admission: members free; adults $18; seniors 62 and over $14; students with ID $14; children ages 3–12 $8; children 2 and under free. Dog tickets: member dogs $6 per dog; non-member dogs $7 per dog. VIP human tickets: members $20; non-member adults $38; non-member seniors 62 and over $34; non-member students with ID $34; non-member children ages 3–12 $28; children 2 and under free. VIP dog tickets: member dogs $19 per dog; non-member dogs $25 per dog. VIP human tickets include four free beer tastings (root beer option for non-alcohol drinkers), one free beer, access to a VIP Bar, boarding for The Bierhound Express and its VIP express lane at Dottie’s, a make-and-take pretzel necklace, and priority selection for competitions. VIP dog tickets include one free dog beer tasting, one free dog treat, access to the VIP Top Dog Zone, and a picture of the dog. Beer is also available for purchase; food and drink are available for purchase from Dottie’s. Members are offered discounted VIP tickets and discounts on food and beverages.
Hours
VIP beer tastings begin at 9 a.m.; live music: Saturdays and Sundays, 30-minute sets at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; games: Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.; dog races: Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 3:30 p.m. No overall event opening time is stated.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Food & Drink
Dottie's at the Koi Pond serves Bavarian-inspired food and drinks like bratwurst, warm pretzels, and beer, with root beer and dog beer tasting options also available.
Parking
The dog leash policy also applies in the parking lot. No parking location, cost, or other parking instructions are stated.
Pets
Dogs are part of Dogtoberfest. Dogs must be attended and leashed at all times, socialized, and have updated vaccinations and registrations. Owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior and must clean up after them. Dogs are not allowed in the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden or at the Koi Pond.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Dogs must remain attended and on a leash at all times, including in the parking lot.
- Make sure your dog is fully socialized and up to date on all vaccinations and registrations before arriving.
- Pick up after your pet using the clean-up bags provided throughout the garden grounds.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a larger band with dancers, more Oktoberfest-inspired competitions, expanded VIP Beer Tastings along the Pup Crawl, and a VIP Dog ticket.
- This season also adds more festive décor and increased community seating.
- Members receive free general admission, discounted VIP tickets, and discounts on food and beverages throughout the event.
Links & Contact
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for entering a dog in the dog races?
Dog races are open to pups weighing 30 pounds or less. A separate registration is required in addition to event admission tickets, though fun runs on the track are open to all pups between races.
Are dogs permitted in every area of the garden?
No, dogs are not allowed in the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden or near the Koi Pond.
What traditional Oktoberfest games can guests participate in?
Guests and their dogs can take part in stein-holding competitions, pretzel tosses, best-dressed contests, and yodel contests.
What perks come with a VIP Dog ticket?
VIP Dog tickets include a dog beer tasting, a dog treat, an event photo, and entry into the VIP Top Dog Zone featuring doggie pools and splash pads.
Can non-drinkers participate in the beer tastings?
Yes, a root beer tasting option is provided along the Pup Crawl for non-alcohol drinkers.
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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.