Prost! Colorado Celebrates Oktoberfest…in September!

It’s almost 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 19, through Sunday, September 21 and Friday, September 26, through Sunday, September 28

Larimer and 21st streets
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.

Creektoberfest

Fillmore Plaza, 105 Fillmore Street
Cherry Creek North is hosting its first-ever Creektoberfest in partnership with the German American Chamber of Commerce. At this free fest, there will be authentic German food and beer, traditional vendors, live music and festive activities like stein-hoisting, costume parades and the ceremonial keg tapping.

Oktoberfest Above Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Caverns, Glenwood Springs
As leaves begin to turn, Glenwood Caverns kicks off its annual Octoberfest celebrations, with fall festival foods, German polka music, and more.

Castle Rock Oktoberfest

301 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock
Enjoy live German music while indulging in German fare from food trucks. Kids can keep busy with free bounce houses, a rock wall, and inflatable games, while adults can sip on beer, wine, and cocktails. Cap off the night with a DJ dance party from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free.

A-Basin Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21

Bust out your lederhosen and join us for Oktoberfest at Arapahoe Basin! There will be live Austrian folk music, good beer A-Basin is throwing a free bash with chairlift rides, performances by the Polkanauts (Sunday), Those Austrian Guys (Saturday), and Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers (Saturday and Sunday), and plenty of games. Admission is free; buy food and beer.

Snowmass Village
Raise a glass: Snowmass is now getting in the Oktoberfest act. This inaugural event will be complete with traditional beer hall tables, wooden vendor chalets, custom steins, a visit from the Oktoberfest Queen and her band, and more. You’ll also be able to catch the changing leaves. Admission is free; food and beer will be sold a la carte

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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