Fun for the Entire Family at Oktoberfest in Vail
Costume contests, German music and delicious food are all on the menu
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
Set against the backdrop of stunning Vail Mountain, the charming town hosts their annual Oktoberfest celebration, taking place in Lionshead Village September 8th-10th and Vail Village September 15th-17th. Children will be entertained by crafts and live entertainment while adults enjoy stein lifting and keg throwing competitions.
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
“If you can’t make the long journey across the pond to Germany, no doubt the Vail Oktoberfest is the best stateside celebration. For more than 25 years, the Bavarian-inspired town of Vail has created an Oktoberfest destination,” says Vail Oktoberfest Event Director Ryan Slater. “Against the backdrop of the picturesque mountain setting, streets are lined with German beer steins, revelers in lederhosen and dirndls, Bavarian food, traditional Oktoberfest performers and dancers, and bands playing traditional Oktoberfest tunes.”
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
Visitors are encouraged to dress up in festive attire and take part in the lively costume contest. Authentic German cuisine will be available for purchase, including bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, pierogies, and more. Live music accompanied by traditional Bavarian dancers adds to the merriment of the beer festival. This year’s headliners include Vail’s very own Helmut Fricker & The Rhinelanders, Denver Kickers Schuhplatters, The Polkanauts and The Average German Band.
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
A stein hoisting competition is one of the highlights of the festival. Competitors will hold a full liter of Spaten beer stein out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing wins a festive Oktoberfest prize package. 2023 commemorative steins are available to celebrate the occasion. The three stein selections include: full 32-oz. liter Large Prost stein ($35), 16-oz. Ceramic Prost stein ($30) and 16-oz. Medium Prost stein ($25). Each stein includes one free beer pour. The bratwurst eating contest is sure to draw a crowd as the strong-stomached battle to see who can devour the most Polidori Sausage Brats in two minutes. The winner takes home bragging rights and a generous prize package.
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
Photo courtesy of Vail Oktoberfest
For more information on the free annual beer and music celebration, visit oktoberfestvail.com. A full detailed schedule of weekend activities is available at the site.
