Katie Manley, Avila Beach Golf Resort event manager 

NEW TIMES: What is the Oaktoberfest celebration all about?

MANLEY: The Oaktoberfest festival is an event that Firestone Walker Brewing Company has been putting on for five years now, this festival being its sixth. It’s based on the German-celebrated event Oktoberfest, which is a 16- to 18-day event. Firestone puts on this event not only to enjoy the celebration, but to help raise money for Hospice of San Luis Obispo. The event has raised more than $50,000 for Hospice of San Luis Obispo in past years.

NEW TIMES: What will you be able to experience when attending Oaktoberfest?

MANLEY: General admission will include free shuttle service, a commemorative half-liter beer stein, your first beer, and admission into the event. The free shuttle service is provided by Pacific Beverage Company, and tickets will range from $15 if you pay in advance or $20 on the day of the event. We’ll also be hosting the Beer Olympics, featuring the keg toss, as well as polka bands like Trio Internationale, and have German-inspired food cooked from McPhee’s available.

NEW TIMES: Is there anything new about this year’s Oaktoberfest that’s different from previous years?

MANLEY: This year, we’ll be hosting Oaktoberfest at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. We are very proud and excited to be a part of one of the Central Coast’s biggest events, and to help support a local business such as Firestone and help them raise money for Hospice of San Luis Obispo. We’re looking forward to a big turnout and people having a great time in the beautiful weather.