Bavarians Get Boho With Vegan Oktoberfest

Dirndl-clad vegetarians will descend on Santa Monica this fall.

ByABC News
August 18, 2014, 5:10 PM
Waitresses serve beer during the opening of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany on Sept. 21, 2013.
Waitresses serve beer during the opening of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany on Sept. 21, 2013.
Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

— -- Can an Oktoberfest remain true to its roots without serving beer brats, schnitzels or chicken and dumplings? An alternative version coming to California this fall says don't knock their faux wurst 'till you've tried it.

Vegan Oktoberfest, which will take place in Santa Monica on Saturday, Oct. 4, is the first event of its kind, offering enthusiasts of Bavarian culture a way to celebrate sans meat and dairy.

"Our one-of-a-kind event will feature traditional food, live Oompah bands, Bavarian maidens, and of course, refreshing and delicious beer poured to perfection by a bevy of great breweries," boasts the event's website, noting that sausages, pretzels, potato pancakes, chicken, sauerkraut and ice cream will all be on offer -- but without any animal byproducts.

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California-based vendors range from Sage Organic Vegan Bistro to Southern Fried Vegan to Kind Kreme and will be serving up their fare alongside a selection of more than 16 types of vegan lagers, such as Lagunitas, Golden Road and Modern Times, organizers said.

In addition, '80s cover band Knyght Ryder will be performing an array of favorites for festivalgoers to shake a dirndl to.

Event organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment by ABC News. But locals expressed excitement online for the upcoming fete.

"Vegan German food! Beer! Oh yeah...we have VIP passes and are getting a babysitter," wrote one fan on Facebook.

"Cannot wait to get some wicked food and great beer!" echoed another.