Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and brings a drop of Germany to Los Angeles at the Fairplex, home of the L.A. County Fair. It began Oct. 9 and runs through Oct. 24, opening only Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm-11 pm.

Bringing Bavarian music, beer, German food, chicken dance, games, and prizes, Oktoberfest provides all the excitement and German tradition that Los Angeles can offer.

Tickets are only five dollars, parking is fifteen and the event is for the twenty-one and over crowd with an identification required.

Guests are transported to Bavaria as they walk through the gates and into the festival where there is live music, people taking photos with Viking horns and of course, beer everywhere.

Once inside, there are no outside cups or containers allowed so be sure to bring some extra spending money for the great beer and food.

They are more than fif- teen beers to choose from, for instance, Spaten Oktoberfest that is one of people’s favorite choices. Beer prices range from $20 for a 32 oz and $12 for a 24 oz.

There is a traditional German group that performs every night of the event named The Rheinlander’s also known as, “Oom-pah” band.

These bands have been heard in the villages of Germany. The popular dance and folk music can get any audience clapping, singing, and dancing.

Inside the festival are a few food trucks and famous German food like, sweet corn, potato pancakes, pickles and pretzels. The Currywurst truck serves a national dish that consists of a Bratwurst type sausage, with curry-flavored ketchup.

Another spotlighted food truck is the Berlin food truck, well known to sell sausages and grilled cheese for anyone who is looking for authentic German food.

For first timers, I advise to go early; there is a lot of traffic entering the parking structure and a big line to purchase tickets.

Other than that it was a lot of fun and a great experience. The best part is that you get to try different beers, enjoy the live music and great company with friends.