Yank on those lederhosen and grab your stein -- it's time for Oktoberfest in Colorado! Prost!
If you're like me, the very thought of fall invokes a level of happiness that's hard to describe. And there's no better way to usher in the delicious autumn season than with Oktoberfest -- the traditional German celebration filled with beer, bratwursts, polka music, and all things "gut." There are tons of great Oktoberfest events all over the state, but we've narrowed it down to the top four places for Oktoberfest in Colorado!
Vail Oktoberfest
When: Sep. 8–10 Where: Lionshead When: Sep. 15–17 Where: Vail Village [gallery size="large" ids="22408,22405,22407,22406,22409"] Vail provides the idyllic setting for one of the best Oktoberfests in the U.S. (as named by USA Today in 2010). In addition to the traditional Bavarian beer, fare, music, and activities, the Vail Oktoberfest includes yodeling, a costume contest, crafts for kids, alpenhorn blowing, and much more.Denver Oktoberfest
When: Sep. 22-23, Sep. 29-30 | 11 a.m.–midnight Where: Downtown Denver | Larimer Street between 20th and 22nd Streets [gallery size="large" ids="22401,22402,22400"] In its 48th year, the Denver Oktoberfest has, in previous years, been called "The Best Oktoberfest" in the U.S. -- by both Maxim Magazine and USA Today. Featuring entertaining contests such as stein hoisting, the long dog derby, keg bowling, and a bratwurst eating contest, the event will also include a full lineup of lively music and incredible beer and food. "It’s also one of the largest beer festivals in the United States based on consumption because Denver drinks beer really well," the festival's website says.Parker Oktoberfest
When: Sep. 15-17 Where: O'Brien Memorial Park | Parker [gallery size="large" ids="22414,22415,22416,22417"] Cue the Chicken Dance for Parker's 12th annual family-friendly celebration of German culture! Each year, Parker Oktoberfest welcomes more than 35,000 visitors to enjoy authentic food, beer, and festivities. Stop by “Das Maerchenland” (the German Fairytale Land) to learn about German fairytales, then also enjoy the dachshund race, costume competition, mustache competition, dancing, and many other lively activities!Breckenridge Oktoberfest
When: Sep. 8–10 Where: Main Street | Breckenridge [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="22418,22419"] One of the largest Oktoberfest street parties in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge Oktoberfest claims that they typically serve 8,000 gallons of beer over the course of the three-day festival ... Heiliger Strohsack! The event features traditional Bavarian games (like hammerschlagen), polka and oompah dancing, great German cuisine, gorgeous scenery, and apparently enough beer to serve everyone at Mile High Stadium during a Broncos game! For even more info, click here.
What do you think? Is there another amazing Oktoberfest in Colorado that we should have included on the list? Tell us about it in the comments!
