Visiting La Mesa, CA | CBS 8 Zip Trip
CBS 8 is hitting the road to feature the vibrant areas of San Diego County. On this Zip Trip, we visit La Mesa to celebrate all that makes this community great.
CBS 8 Mornings Live from La Mesa!
CBS 8 was live from La Mesa, CA on Friday, October 4, 2024 sharing all the things that make this city a special community in San Diego County.
La Mesa's Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
It's fall, it's October and that means it's time for La Mesa's 51st annual Oktoberfest.
The all-ages, family friendly event is Oct. 4 through Oct. 6 on La Mesa Boulevard. Attendees will not only get to enjoy German beer in three biergartens, but they'll also experience live music, interactive games, a pumpkin patch and more. There are several ticket options for Oktoberfest, depending on whether you are over 21 and how much access you're looking for. See details on ticket packages here.
You can also head over to the "Dackeldorf Dachshund Village" for dog races, dog fashion shows, trick contests and more. This year guests can also partake in a plank challenge, holding a plank as long as they can while a dachshund rests on their back.
Oktoberfest has lots of kid-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon art and a ferris wheel. If you're looking for a challenge, make sure to check out the lineup of strength and endurance competitions. Also look out for dance performances, live bands and dance parties.
Here are the hours for the festival each day:
- 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
- 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
8 great things to do in La Mesa
Special things about La Mesa
There's so much to do and see in La Mesa. We are highlighting eight great things that you may want to consider visiting the next time you are in La Mesa.
La Mesa Village
This historic downtown area features shops and restaurants and don't miss the La Mesa Village Farmers Market every Friday.
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Since 1973, this event has attracted over 100,000 people annually for three days of entertainment, food and beer.
Mount Helix Park
Known as the crown jewel of East County, it offers a historic amphitheater, a nature preserve and stunning 360-degree views of San Diego.
Lake Murray
This area is ideal for outdoor activities like fishing, biking, and barbecues. Enjoy a stroll along the shoreline or take a peaceful boat ride.
Secret Stairs
Take this scenic exercise route located throughout the Mount Nebo and Windsor Hills area. The first sections were built over 100 years ago.
La Mesa Depot Museum
The oldest building in the city is still in its original form and is the last surviving San Diego and Cuyamaca railway station, which was built in 1894.
Anthony's Fish Grotto
Established in 1946, this iconic restaurant is known for its famous chowder and hand-battered fish and is the only remaining location of Anthony's.
Holiday in the Village
This is a free festive event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors and food.
La Mesa through the years
News 8 Throwback
Oktoberfest in La Mesa has been a tradition for decades and in the 1970s and 1980s News 8 was there.
La Mesa Then and Now
La Mesa's history
News 8 looks into the history of La Mesa and what it's like today. Shawn Styles heads to his hometown to revisit the Village, Oktoberfest and more featured in 1987.
WATCH RELATED: Cheers to 50 years of La Mesa's Oktoberfest celebrations