Prost! Colorado Celebrates Oktoberfest…in September!

It’s finally autumn, when pumpkin-spiced everything rears its orange-hued (and occasionally tasty) head and millions of people turn to Google with the query “Why is Oktoberfest held in September?” Westword has done the webwork for you: Inaugurally held in Munich in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding in, yes, October, the popular party was eventually moved to September for the simple reason that – at least in Germany – the weather is usually more conducive to outdoor revelry.

While the honor of holding the first (official) Oktoberfest in the States goes to La Crosse, Wisconsin, Colorado is no slouch in the steins-and-sausages-in-September department. Celebrations abound across the state (in fact, they started in August), so now’s the time to dust off your dirndls, lace up your lederhosen and party like a Sachsen-Hildburghausen at these fun-filled sudsfests.

Breweries all over the state will be hosting their own shindigs, and you can find them on the Colorado Brewers Guild list. Here are the other Oktoberfests on the schedule, in chronological order;

Oktoberfests in September

Denver Oktoberfest
Friday, September 26, through Sunday, September 28
2000-2200 blocks of Larimer Street
Now one of the biggest and best-attended Oktoberfests in the nation, downtown’s celebration of German heritage has been drawing oompahphiles for 55 years. In addition to the usual festivities (music, vendors, beer), there will be talent shows each Friday evening and a sausage-eating showdown on Saturday, September 27. This being Denver, dogs are not only welcomed, but dachshunds can race in the “Long Dog Derby” (12:30 p.m., both Sundays). No wiener dog, no problem: Pups of any size are welcome to strut their stuff at the dog costume contests, held right after the races. Admission is free, but group cabanas and VIP experiences are available.


Oktoberfest Above Glenwood Springs
Saturdays, September 27, October 4 and October 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Glenwood Caverns, Glenwood Springs
As leaves begin to turn, Glenwood Caverns kicks off its annual Oktoberfest celebrations, with fall festival foods, German polka music, and more.

Snowmass Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 27, noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, September 28, noon to 6 p.m.
Snowmass Village
Head to the hills for the inaugural Snowmass Oktoberfest, offered in partnership with the German American Chamber of Commerce. Snowmass Village will be transformed with traditional beer hall tables, wooden vendor chalets, custom steins, a visit from the Oktoberfest Queen and her band, and more!

Oktoberfests in Oktual Oktober

Northglenn throws down at Prost Biergarten October 3-5.  The tiny town of La Veta hosts its festivities on October 4, as do Pike’s Peak Brewing in Monument, Fritz Family Brewers in Niwot and Whistle Pig Brewing in the Springs.

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