I feel weird writing about Oktoberfest but the truth is, we are only a couple of days away from September and that means Oktoberfest will be here faster than you think! With Labor Day weekend approaching, I am looking ahead to the fall and getting excited for such things as apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, the leaves changing and of course, celebrating Oktoberfest.
First, let me give you a little history lesson on this wonderful event. The origin can be traced back to October 12th, 1810, which was the wedding day of Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Unlike tradition of only nobles and clergymen attending the wedding, the couple invited all of Munich’s common people to participate in the day’s festivities. The event was a big success spanning over five days and bringing around 40,000 people to help the newlyweds celebrate and every year on that day, a celebration is held to remember that special day.
Fast forward to today, and put a marker on Colorado, and you will find there are so many great ways to celebrate the event starting of course in Denver:
Denver Oktoberfest – Sep. 22-23 & Sep. 29-30 – 11:00-Midnight
Taking place in the heart of downtown, this is the 48th year that this event has gone on in Denver. In 1969, Fred and Hertha Thomas owned two shops in Larimer Square and had a tradition of tapping a keg and serving pretzels and white radishes. Until 2007 the event was held there until it was moved to the block of Larimer Street, on 14th and now 20th Street. It attracts around 350,000 people during the six days. For more information and to get tickets, check out their website: http://thedenveroktoberfest.com/
Keystone Oktoberfest – Sep. 2nd
Admission is only $35 for this event in Keystone with event goers getting a free stein, three free drink tickets and all the craft beers from New Belgium your heart desires. Or if you would rather work for your stein, there is a 5k you can participate in with a stein waiting for you at the finish line.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest – Sep. 8th-Sep. 10th
The town closes down Main Street for this event with live music, German food, keg tapping and lots of activities for the whole family.
Loveland Oktoberfest – Sep. 15th – Sep. 16th
If you have a good outfit for the event, might want to head up to Loveland to celebrate since they are holding a contest for best-dressed dirndl and lederhosen. There will also be games for the young and old ones in your life with mini golf, hammerschlagen, corn hole, ladder ball, washer toss and much more. The event is free to attend.
Colorado Springs Oktoberfest – Sep. 22nd – Sep. 24th
There’s a keg tapping ceremony to get things started on Friday night at 6:30 followed by a weekend full of fun with a 5k, dachshund dash, brat eating contest, German costume and stein hoisting contest.
Because there are so many places celebrating Oktoberfest this year (and I can’t possibly write about all of them) check out this awesome website for more info and make sure to hit up one (or a few) of the celebrations next month!