From polka to grunge: Live music at this year’s La Mesa Oktoberfest

La Mesa Oktoberfest is back with three jam-packed days of live music.

There’s plenty of traditional tunes to eat bratwurst and pretzels and drink festbier to, including oompah music all weekend at the Biergarten and a tireless twelve sets from the band Polka Party on the main stage.

But the schedule is also stacked with a lineup of DJs at the craft beer and seltzer garten, and cover bands that play across Southern California, playing favorite rock, funk, pop, and country tunes.

Friday

Friday evening kicks off with Detroit Underground, a horn-filled funk outfit with the chops to deliver a setlist full of Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind & Fire.

Then the flannel comes out for ‘90s Rock Show, an Orange County band that straddles the decade, from Nirvana and Pearl Jam to blink-182 and Sublime.

Liquid Blue, a San Diego Music Award winner for best cover band and National Music Award winner for best party band, closes out the night.

Saturday

Saturday kicks off at 10 a.m. with live music on tap until 10 p.m.

The lineup features funky party bands (Dirty Band, Full Strength Funk), country and southern rock cover artists (Barbwire, Young Guns) and Foo Fighters tribute act, Faux Fighters.

The closing act Saturday is Cassie B, the Padres house band that plays before games on Saturdays at Petco Park, who plays originals, Taylor Swift covers and more.

Sunday

Parrotheads rejoice: the region’s preeminent Jimmy Buffet tribute band is playing Sunday afternoon. Jimmy’s Buffet is a regular at Belly Up, and they’re fittingly playing under the sun at 2:30 p.m.

Trey Hill Country Band, a local artist by way of Nashville playing original tunes is up next. Then the nostalgia acts close the evening, with Paging the ‘90s following Fast Times, who throw out as many ‘80s hits as you can handle.

It’s not all radio rock, soul and country, though – club kids can get their fill of house music with a lineup of ten DJs booked to play throughout the weekend.