Nothing says fall quite like sipping a pumpkin beer or an Oktoberfest lager, surrounded by people eating pretzels, wearing lederhosen and dancing the polka.
Though many events are smaller or are requiring some special considerations because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado’s Oktoberfests are back nonetheless. Below are a few of our favorites — add them to your calendar now so you can make the most of the Centennial State’s most colorful season.
Upslope
Sept. 16
More info: https://www.upslopebrewing.com/events/oktoberfest-at-upslope/
Upslope’s Oktoberfest will turn your boring Thursday evening into a night you won’t forget. They’re serving up Bavarian-inspired beers and brats from Mighty Burgers, plus hosting a stein-hoisting challenge, too. They’re offering custom Upslope half-liter steins for $12 with a free first refill of Oktoberfest or German pilsner.
MainStage Brewing Company
Sept. 17-18
More info: https://www.mainstagebrewing.com/
If you haven’t made it up to Lyons in a while, now is the time to go and check out the new MainStage Brewing Company. The brewery is hosting an epic Oktoberfest bash Sept. 17 and 18 featuring dozens of Oktoberfests, Marzens, Festbiers and other beer styles from breweries across the Front Range. The event is free to attend and there will be polka, pretzels and games.
LUKI Brewery
Sept. 18-Oct. 2
More info: https://www.lukibrew.com/
LUKI is a new circus-themed brewery that opened in Arvada in the summer of 2020. This year, they’re going all out with a two-week Oktoberfest celebration that features a coloring contest, Bavarian pretzels with German mustard and cold brews. They’re also doing other fun events like stein painting, beer and cupcake pairings and live polka music.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Sept. 8-Oct. 21
More info: https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/product/oktoberfest/
Head south to Canon City for a fall-inspired ride aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. They’re offering a special Oktoberfest ride featuring special entrees, Oktoberfest beers and gorgeous views. The train departs at 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Brecktoberfest
Sept. 24-26
More info: https://www.gobreck.com/event/breckenridge-oktoberfest
Breckenridge is known for hosting epic Oktoberfest celebrations every year, and though 2021 will look a little different because of COVID-19, the spirit is still there. This downsized, ticketed event includes live music from the Polkanauts, fall beers and foods, beautiful mountain scenery and changing leaves.
Loveland Oktoberfest
Sept. 17-18
More info: https://www.facebook.com/oktoberfestloveland/
You don’t want to miss the live music, beers from Loveland breweries, authentic German food and competitions for stein-hoisting and best-dressed attendees at this year’s Loveland Oktoberfest. It’s being held at the Loveland Fairgrounds Park and features beers from breweries like Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Verboten Brewing, Big Beaver Brewing Co., Rock Coast Brewery, Berthoud Brewing Loveland, Loveland Aleworks, Big Thompson Brewery, Crow Hop Brewing Co and Drätz Brewing Company.
Longmont Oktoberfest
Sept. 22-25
More info: https://www.visitlongmont.org/event/longmont-oktoberfest/23598/
Though Longmont’s huge Oktoberfest bash is typically held one day in the fall in Roosevelt Park, this year because of the pandemic, the organizers are hosting a series of smaller celebrations at Left Hand’s new The Garden outdoor beer garden. There will be live music, local food vendors, Oktoberfest-themed activities and a silent auction that benefits A Woman’s Work, a nonprofit that supports women in the St. Vrain Valley.
Seedstock Brewery
Sept. 18
More info: https://seedstockbrewery.com/
Head down to Denver to visit old-world brewery Seedstock Brewery, which is hosting its annual Oktoberfest blowout featuring new beers, traditional German fare from The G Wagon food truck, the hammerschlagen game and discounts for those wearing lederhosen or dirndl.
Dry Dock
Sept. 18
More info: https://drydockbrewing.com/
Celebrate “Docktoberfest” at Dry Dock Brewing Company’s South Dock location from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s event features a ceremonial keg tapping by Aurora mayor Mike Coffman, plus a stein-holding contest, live polka music and a food truck.
