There are soon to be countless lederhosen-heavy Oktoberfest parties around Los Angeles, as the city begins a sweeping three week beer and sausage celebration in honor of the German holiday. But that doesn't mean you need to hoist the same steins and sing the same drinking songs as everyone else -- there are plenty of great alternative Oktoberfest celebrations out there.
The largest, of course, is Santa Monica's upcoming Vegan Oktoberfest on October 4, taking place right on the beach. But it's also possible to cheer on daschund races at Santa Anita Park, party with the cops in downtown L.A. and engage in an accordian-backed dance-off in Orange County. Most still feature beer, sausage, pretzels and a bit of German flair, but all are decidedly more unique than the usual stein-hoisting going on everywhere else.
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