Is it just us, or does beer taste better in the fall?
Maybe it’s the crisp, cool weather and changing leaves. Or maybe it’s all the amazing local Oktoberfest festivities that give us the chance to raise our steins with friends.
Or maybe we’re just really big fans of local beers!
Either way, fall is a great time for beer lovers to be in Colorado. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend to see the fall colors in the Rockies or you’re a seasoned local, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible Oktoberfest events across the Front Range.
So grab your beer steins and get ready to check out one (or all) of these 7 best Oktoberfest events in Colorado.
Denver Oktoberfest
Keep it local this Oktoberfest and take a weekend (or 2) to explore the 51st annual Denver Oktoberfest down on Larimer Street.
Packed with Colorado breweries sporting their best seasonal brews, you can meander through streets vendors, beer games, food trucks, and more.
A pre-sale General Admission ticket will get you a 32oz Oktoberfest Stein, a few drinks on the house, and access to live music, keg bowling, and stein hoisting all weekend. For a VIP tickets, you’ll get a specialty culinary experience, a private bar, and all-you-can eat and drink.
No matter what, don’t miss the Long Dog Derby on Sunday the 26th to see Denver’s fastest dachshunds race and costume contest.
Humans: remember to pace yourself at this Oktoberfest event — it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
Get your tickets to Denver Oktoberfest now >
Royal Gorge Route Oktoberfest
Enjoying a German beer from a train car rolling through the Rocky Mountains is probably one of the most unique beer festivals in Colorado.
From September 8-October 21, you and your friends can climb aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and do just that. Experience all things Oktoberfest with hand-crafted bratwurst served with your pick of Oktoberfest beers.
You’ll get dinner and a show as you soar through epic 360º views of Colorado’s Grand Canyon, enjoying all the historic and geological sites along the way.
Sip from the comfortable booth seating, or stroll over to the observation car with a glass-dome for the best Instagram pics (trust us on this one).
Departure times are 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 6:30pm with your choice of food and drink services. Don’t forget to add the special Oktoberfest entrée at check out for the real German experience.
Book your Oktoberfest train now through the end of October >
Vail Oktoberfest
We love Vail for its stunning mountain town views — and their take on Oktoberfest doesn’t disappoint.
Start the party with some live traditional Bavarian music courtesy of Vail’s talented local musicians. On Saturdays in September, you’ll find the Oktoberfest Costume Contest in full swing, so be sure to wear your dirndls and braids for a chance to win awesome prizes.
If it strikes your fancy, compete in the Bratwurst Eating Contest or test your arm strength in the Stein Lifting Competition with your friends. Winners get bragging rights all year!
Join the party at Vail’s one and only Oktoberfest >
Steamboat OktoberWest
If you’re headed to the Northwest of Colorado this fall, look no further than OktoberWest’s 12th annual celebration of craft beer in Steamboat Springs.
Unlike other Oktoberfest events, this one is one-day only — so you better not miss it!
On September 18, Steamboat will host over 30 local brewers with live music, traditional cuisine, and exciting Oktoberfest festivities.
Don’t forget to stop by the award-winning Steamboat Whiskey tent while you’re there to give yourself a little palate cleanser in between steins.
Want to stay the weekend? You can get tickets to the festival and lodging packages at several vacation condos and luxury rentals in town.
Come for the beer, stay for the weekend >
Loveland Oktoberfest
Add the town of Loveland in Northern Colorado to your Oktoberfest itinerary this year.
This one’s got all the classic Oktoberfest features plus family-friendly activities like Hammerschlagan a.k.a. “Stump,” a crowd-favorite German game that kid’s and adults love.
This is also a great Oktoberfest event if you’re on a budget — it’s free to attend, so you can save your cash for a tasty stein of your beer of choice. While you’re there, look for our favorite Oktoberfest beers from local partner Boulder Wine Merchant!
Bring friends and family to this free Oktoberfest event >
The bRUNch Run (In Person + Virtual)
While this isn’t technically an Oktoberfest event, running to a finish line that has avocado toast and rosé sounds like our kind of party.
Grab your running shoes and head to Denver’s Central Park for the 5K or 10K on October 10. Run with the crowd or on your trail of choice, and have event goodies sent right to your door to enjoy afterward!
After your run, you’ll enjoy the famous “brunchway” and fill a box with custom drink ware, running swag, and of course all the brunch treats your heart desires.
While they can’t enjoy the adult beverages, kids are welcome to run in this event, too, and can enjoy plenty of the treats and live entertainment.
Get your tickets for this fun run with boozy treats >
Your Beer Friend Virtual Oktoberfest
If you’re looking for a more low-key way to celebrate Oktoberfest from home, try a virtual experience from Your Beer Friend.
Guided by a certified Cicerone (that’s like a sommelier but for beer), this hour-long virtual tasting gives you all of Oktoberfest’s highlights without having to leave your couch.
The Oktoberfest package includes 4 beers, Oktoberfest coasters, a taster glass, and custom tasting cards to learn more about each beer. Add on food pairings like German pretzels (already baked or you can bake yourself) and authentic German steins.
You can book a virtual tasting between now and the end of October for yourself at home or at the office with your favorite coworkers.
Request your Oktoberfest virtual tasting now >
Celebrate Fall in Style
Oktoberfest is an excellent way to kick off the fall. With steins flowing, live music, and great food pairings, you can’t go wrong with any of these Oktoberfest events in Colorado.
September through October gives you the opportunity explore the best seasonal beverages in town, especially when the leaves give you a perfect backdrop to sip with.
Not a big fan of beer? There’s nothing like pairing a delicious glass of wine you’re your favorite fall events, and America has no shortage of excellent wineries to explore this season.
Reds, whites, and unique blends — hit the road and find your new favorite wine this season. Explore our list of top wineries to enjoy this fall >
By women for women, the Sherpani Travel Blog talks about all things travel (& all things Sherpani!). Explore topics like solo travel, destination guides, women's travel safety, personal essays, and much more! This is a space to amplify female voices and celebrate our belief that travel restores the human spirit.
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