Oktoberfest in San Francisco allows outdoor drinking

Oktoberfest on Front in downtown San Francisco is California's first entertainment-focused event where revelers can drink beer and other alcoholic beverages on the go while enjoying live music and more.

Following Dreamforce, Salesforce's annual conference, which runs Sept. 17-19, a celebration of Bavarian drinks, food and culture is planned for Sept. 20 on Front Street between California and Sacramento streets. Three businesses in the approved area — Shroeder's, Harrington's Bar & Grill and Royal Exchange — will sell alcoholic beverages for attendees to carry around while they participate in festive games such as axe throwing and pretzel tossing, costume contests and other attractions. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional lederhosen and dirndls.

“We are excited about expanding this beloved San Francisco tradition and to be the first city in the state to benefit from the new entertainment zoning legislation, paving the way for a nightlife renaissance in downtown San Francisco and neighborhoods across the city,” Mayor London Breed said in a statement.

Breed first announced in May that the city would host the state's first entertainment zone. The concept is authorized by Senate Bill 76, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, which allows bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries to sell alcohol to-go for consumption within designated zones during special events to spur social and economic development. The law went into effect earlier this year.

“San Francisco is at its best when community events bring our streets to life,” Wiener said in a statement. “I'm working to expand this program across the state and am proud that San Francisco is once again leading the way.”

And the concept seems to be catching on. On Tuesday, August 27, the state Senate passed Wiener's Senate Bill 969, which allows local governments across California to designate their own entertainment zones where restaurants and bars can sell alcoholic beverages to-go.