Brews
Oktoberfest Marzen Lager Returns For The Season
September 9, 2026
Few beer releases are as closely associated with a season as Oktoberfest.
Each year, the return of our Oktoberfest Märzen Lager marks the beginning of a tradition rooted in brewing history, craftsmanship and bringing people together. Inspired by generations of German brewing tradition, our Märzen-style lager offers an opportunity to celebrate both the history behind the style and the role those traditions continue to play in modern craft beer.
For Karl Strauss Brewing Company, that connection to German brewing heritage is particularly meaningful.
Long before Karl Strauss Brewing Company helped establish San Diego's craft beer movement, Karl Martin Strauss was developing his craft in Germany.
Born in Minden, Germany, in 1912, Karl grew up with brewing as part of his family history. At 19, he attended the Technical University of Munich-Weihenstephan, where he earned his degree and Master Brewer certification.
After immigrating to the United States in 1939, Karl built a career in the brewing industry that spanned decades. His knowledge and experience would eventually help Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner pursue an ambitious idea: bringing locally brewed beer back to San Diego.
On February 2, 1989, Karl Strauss Brewing Company opened in Downtown San Diego as the city's first post-Prohibition brewery, helping lay the foundation for what would become one of the country's most recognized craft beer communities.
Today, Karl's influence remains an important part of who we are and how we approach brewing.
Learn more about Karl Strauss Brewing Company's history and our roots in San Diego craft beer.
The history of Oktoberfest dates back more than two centuries.
The original celebration was held in Munich in 1810 in honor of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. What began as a public celebration and horse race evolved over generations into one of the world's most recognizable cultural festivals.
Beer eventually became an integral part of that tradition, with Märzen and other German lagers becoming closely associated with Oktoberfest celebrations.
While beer styles and brewing techniques have continued to evolve, the enduring appeal of Oktoberfest remains remarkably consistent: quality beer, food and a shared experience centered around bringing people together.
Our interpretation of that tradition is Karl Strauss Oktoberfest, a 5% ABV Märzen/Oktoberfest Lager brewed specifically for the season.
Deep golden in appearance, Oktoberfest showcases a smooth, malt-forward character with layers of toasted malt complemented by Hallertau Perle hops, which contribute subtle floral flavors and aromas.
The result is a balanced and approachable lager that respects the traditional characteristics of the style while remaining distinctly suited for the way we enjoy beer today.
For us, brewing Oktoberfest is an opportunity to recognize the traditions that helped shape the industry while continuing to introduce those styles to new generations of beer drinkers.
Today's beer drinker has access to an extraordinary range of styles throughout the year. That variety and continued experimentation are among the qualities that have made modern craft beer so dynamic.
At the same time, seasonality continues to hold an important place within beer culture.
A seasonal release creates anticipation precisely because it isn't intended to be available all the time. Its return becomes associated with a particular time of year and the experiences that accompany it.
Oktoberfest is a strong example.
Its arrival represents more than another beer entering the market. It signals the beginning of a season associated with communal celebrations, traditional food, steins raised among friends and an appreciation for the history behind the beer.
As an independent brewery that has been part of San Diego since 1989, we believe there is value in preserving those traditions while continuing to move craft beer forward.
Innovation and tradition don't have to exist independently of one another. Understanding where brewing has been can often provide the foundation for determining where it goes next.
Although Munich and San Diego are separated by thousands of miles, the spirit behind Oktoberfest translates naturally to Southern California.
At its core, the celebration is about gathering around a table, sharing food and beer, and spending time with the people around you.
That same philosophy has been central to Karl Strauss since we opened our first brewpub in 1989.
Today, our Karl Strauss brewpubs throughout Southern California continue to provide places where guests can experience our beers alongside food, friends and the communities we serve.
Oktoberfest provides another opportunity to bring those elements together.
With the return of our Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, we're once again raising a stein to the history, craftsmanship, and community that have defined the tradition for generations. Head to any of our 9 brewpub locations and grab yourself a pour of our iconic Oktoberfest Märzen Lager paired with the delicious Beer Brat Double Smash. Plus, you can get your hands on this year's collectible 0.5L Stein with a fill for $15, or a 1L Stein with a fill for $25 while supplies last!
Whether you're a longtime fan of Märzen lagers or discovering the style for the first time, Oktoberfest offers an opportunity to experience a beer rooted in brewing history while celebrating the beginning of a new season.
More than 35 years after Karl Strauss Brewing Company first opened its doors in San Diego, the beer industry continues to evolve. Styles change, new techniques emerge and consumers continue to discover new ways to experience craft beer.
But the value of bringing people together over a thoughtfully brewed beer remains as relevant as ever.
Prost.
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