Itinerary / Winging It

Oktoberfest originated as a horse race in Munich, Germany, in 1810 commemorating the marriage of Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen to the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I. So legendary were the oom-pah-pah, polka, beer-drinking and wurst-eating filled celebrations that grew out the race in the years following, that they are still a tradition in modern times--even in Southern California. Here are a few local spots to don your lederhosen.

Friday Evening

The Red Lion’s dirdl-clad waitresses, brick walls, dimly lighted booths and oversized beer steins are so reminiscent of Old World Germany, dining at this restaurant is practically a mini-vacation. Don’t even think of ordering the shrimp cocktail or barbeque dip sandwiches that are somewhat mysteriously on this otherwise authentic menu. Try the Nuremberger Bratwurst ($9.45) and Schnitzel a la Holstein ($13.95) at this place where German imports mingle with the pierced Silver Lake set. 2366 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake, (213) 662-5337.

Saturday

With so many Oktoberfests to choose from, you’re virtually guaranteed to find one within a few miles of your house.

Torrance’s Alpine Village Park Oktoberfest includes an oom-pah-pah brass band in the Alpine Inn, contests like yodeling, pretzel eating, cow milking, stein holding and wood sawing, and all the apple strudel you can eat. Fridays, 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. (21 and over); Saturdays, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. (21 and over), and Sundays, noon-8 p.m. (all ages). Friday and Saturday, $5; Sunday, $4. Children under 12 are free. Harbor Freeway, Torrance Blvd., (310) 327-4384. Ends Oct. 26.

Big Bear Lake’s 27th Annual Oktoberfest continues this weekend at the convention center with log-sawing, beer-stein holding, and children’s polka contests, German food and music. Saturday, noon-midnight, and Sunday, noon-6 p.m., the MainfloesserBand from Knetzgau on the Main River, Germany, the Big Bear Polka Tots, the Oktoberfest Queen preliminaries (6 p.m.), contests and sing-alongs. Big Bear Lake Convention Center, Division Drive and Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, (800) 4-BIG-BEAR. Adults: Saturday, $6; Sunday, $3. Children ages 3-12: Saturday, $2; Sunday, free. Children under age 3 free. Ends Oct. 26.

Huntington Beach has its own miniature Bavarian village, Old World, which celebrates Oktoberfest Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 6:30-1:30 a.m., and Sunday, 2-9 p.m., through Oct. 26. Six guys from Nuremberg who call their band “Rocky” lead dancing fun, which includes the famous “chicken dance” and the “donkey wave.” Sunday at 2 p.m. is the Grand Parade through the streets of Old World into the Festival Hall, where the first keg of Oktoberfest beer will be tapped. Admission: Wednesday and Thursday, free (all ages); Friday and Saturday, $10 (21 and over); Sunday, $3.50 (all ages). 7561 Center Drive, Huntington Beach, (714) 895-8020.

Sunday

Old Town Pasadena’s Oktoberfest continues Sunday with live music, a car show, beer, schnitzel and a reenactment of the famed wedding. There’s also a pumpkin patch for kids. Saturday and Sunday, 2 -8 p.m., Mercantile Alley, Fair Oaks and Colorado boulevards, Old Pasadena. Adults, $3, tickets for children under 18 and seniors, $2. Proceeds go to benefit Child Care Information Service. Call (626) 796-5049.

Tired of drinking other people’s beer? Why not make your own? Pasadena’s Brew n’ Case, provides the equipment, ingredients and recipes (if you want them). A complete batch takes about an hour-and-a-half. Leave the wort to ferment for two weeks and you’ll return to 13.5 gallons (six cases) of your own brew. $110-$150. 79 Raymond Ave., Pasadena, (818) 583-9087.