University City Oktoberfest at Standley Park, Oct 3

University City Oktoberfest is EdUCate!’s school fundraiser at Standley Park — craft fair on the grounds, paid beer garden behind an ID check. Not La Mesa. Not 2025 (that year was cancelled).

Overview

EdUCate! (University City Foundation for Public Schools) is back Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Standley Park on Governor Drive. The live page says Oktoberfest is Back after 2025 was called off — construction in front of the park, volunteer shortage, and higher fees. Don’t treat the 2025 cancellation block still sitting on the same URL as this year’s status.

Hours: festival 2–6 p.m.; craft fair opens 1 p.m. Beer garden is a ticketed enclosure (unlimited pours). The rest of the park afternoon — food booths, Strange Crew, kids games, Nature Nurture play space — is not the same as a $50 wristband.

Tickets and details: uceducate.org/events/oktoberfest. For more around the county, browse the Hello San Diego event calendar.

What You Need to Know

Event: EdUCate! Oktoberfest (benefits University City’s five public schools)

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 — 2:00–6:00 p.m. Craft fair 1:00 p.m. Dollar-a-Day VIP beer-garden entry 1:30 p.m.

Where: Standley Park / Standley Recreation Center, Governor Drive, University City. City of San Diego lists the rec center at 3585 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. EdUCate! mail: 3268 Governor Drive, PMB 154, 92122.

Cost:

• Beer & wine garden: $50 unlimited pours; $30 seniors 65+; designated driver $0 (non-alcoholic only). Valid ID, no exceptions. No pets in the garden.
• Kids games wristband: $25 (climbing wall, jumpers, inflatables, carnival games).
• Dollar-a-Day VIP: $185 for two guests — early garden 1:30, specialty beers, guest bartenders, burger or brat included (they list fair-market value $60). Pick up at check-in.
• Craft fair / park grounds: no gate ticket posted — come early for booths.

Ages: Family event on the park side. Beer garden is ID-controlled. Nature Nurture play space is free; corn pit for 5 and under.

What to Expect

Strange Crew, a San Diego Clapton tribute, is booked again. Principals from the five UC schools compete in the Principal’s Challenge. Food named on the page: UC Del Sol brats & burgers, Casanova fish tacos, CAKED cookies, Excelsa coffee, Butterbeer and Shannon’s spicy pretzels, Baked 4 You by Me pretzels and dessert cups.

Beer and wine in the garden are donated, so garden proceeds go to the schools. A 2023 Mash Heads homebrew competition block is still on the page — we are not selling that as a 2026 confirmed contest.

Good to Know

• Free minibus / trolley / ADA bus along Governor Drive (trolley listed 2–6 p.m.). Useful if parking at the rec center is a mess.
• Garden vs grounds: you can do the craft fair without a beer ticket. You cannot drink in the garden without ID and the right wristband.
• Contact: 858-677-0989 · information@uc-educate.org
• Don’t mix with La Mesa, Tierrasanta, OB, or East Village Oktoberfests.

One Saturday at Standley. $50 if you’re pouring; $0 DD if you’re driving; $25 if the kids are on the wall.