Ever since the first U.S. Oktoberfest was held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1961, Americans have taken to celebrating this German holiday with as much fervor as the Fourth of July. In Colorado alone, there are dozens of Bavarian bashes—so many that it might be a bit dizzying to discern which one to attend.

Here, we break down the fetes based on their best attributes, from competitive games to dogs in dirndls.

Loveland Oktoberfest

Best for: A small-town feel

This town’s fall fete is a small-but-mighty ode to German tradition. Food vendors will serve up authentic Deutschland delicacies (think: giant pretzels, bratwurst, and sausage) and a well-rounded lineup of bands will provide the soundtrack (Polka Folka, Mr. Smyth Band, and more). While kids expend their energy on the inflatables, adults can compete in a variety of revelrous contests including stein hoisting and a beer relay. Sept. 13–14; Friday 4–10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; free attendance

Vail Oktoberfest

A celebrant raises a stein at Vail Oktoberfest. Photo by Full Pour Media

Best for: Those with a competitive streak

Don’t we all feel a little more limitless after a pint—or four? The organizers of this high-altitude fest know that imbibement and competition go hand-in-hand. So, down a kolsch or two before signing up for the stein-lifting, keg-bowling, and bratwurst-eating contests (actually, maybe stick to water before the brat battle). Less-competitive revelers can enjoy an all-day lineup of music from the German-inspired Neue Polka Band and the Average German Band; traditional dance performances; and a bevy of Bavarian bites. Sept. 13–15; noon–7 p.m.; free attendance

Breckenridge Oktoberfest

Best for: A cool, commemorative stein

It’s not hard to understand why the limited-edition steins offered annually at this party are a hot commodity. This year’s edition boasts a floral logo flanked by hummingbirds and makes sipping a fall-themed brew feel even more festive. These sustainable half-liter keepsakes sell out on-site so preorder your vessel online for the best deal. Then, come drinking day, fill up your cup with Breckenridge Brewery’s Oktoberfest lager and stroll down Main Street, where traditional performers, food vendors, and musicians will bring das party. Sept. 13–15; times vary; free attendance, steins $40

Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest Celebration

Best for: the cutest sideshow entertainment

While there’s plenty to draw you to this German jubilee—generous pours of Munich-made Paulaner beer, live music, kid-focused fun, and a feast of Bavarian eats—the real stars of the show are the four-legged athletes participating in the most cutthroat competition of the day: the dachshund races. Get a front-row seat as these furry festivalgoers race to cross the finish line first and vie for the coveted best-dressed prize. Sept. 14; 1–9 p.m.; free attendance

Highlands Oktoberfest

Best for: Not Leaving the Neighborhood

Some partiers fly all the way to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest, but we’ll be the first to tell you that beer tastes just as good in your proverbial backyard. In its inaugural year, the Highlands Oktoberfest will include live bands like Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band; stein-holding and keg-bowling competitions; food from vendors like Bohemian Wurst; and activities such as face-painting and inflatables for the littles in lederhosen. Sept. 14; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; free attendance

Denver Oktoberfest

Best for: All-around revelry

If you’ve ever attended Denver’s 55-year-old signature two-weekend event, we probably don’t need to sell it to you. But for newbies, let us mention the downright adorable dachshund races, Jägermeister-sponsored beer hall, and bountiful food vendors (turkey legs, bratwurst, and pretzels abound). In between sips from your stein, make sure to catch the live polka performances, singalongs, and new-this-year talent show. If all that beer has you feeling brawny, sign up for the stein-hoisting competition or keg bowling. Spring for a VIP ticket to get two free Jäger shots; unlimited beer and wine; a private bar and restroom, which you’ll need after all that free-flowing lager; and German-style bites. Sept. 20–22 & Sept. 27–29; free general admission, VIP starts at $105

Castle Rock Oktoberfest

Best for: A robust local beer lineup

Germans may have been brewing beer for a few centuries longer than Coloradans, but we like to think we’ve just about caught up. The dozen-plus Centennial State breweries at this party further prove our point: Hopheads can opt for pints from purveyors like Ratio Beerworks, Great Divide Brewing, and Wild Blue Yonder Brewing. While you toss back your tripel, tune into performances from Austrian Connection and DJ Markus and nosh on eats from German Pretzelkings. Sept. 21; 1–9 p.m.; free attendance

A-Basin Oktoberfest in the Mountains

Best for: An après feel before après season

It’s not quite schussing season yet, but this bash on the grounds of Arapahoe Basin is a nice amuse-bouche for wintertime. Kick back with a brew and massive pretzel on Mountain Goat Plaza while bands like the Polkanauts and Those Austrian Guys perform. Or, take advantage of the free chairlift rides—those will cost a pretty penny in about two months. Sept. 21–22; 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; free attendance

Colorado Springs Oktoberfest

The dachshund race at Colorado Springs Oktoberfest. Photo by Juli Garcia

Best for: Non-beer drinkers

For the gluten-free and beer-averse, Oktoberfest can be a minefield. Luckily, Colorado Springs’ gathering has plenty of options for sans-gluten sippers. In addition to German-style wine, cocktail, and seltzer offerings, the fest offers curated tasting experiences for German wines and liquors (Schnapps, anyone?). Don’t miss the sideshows including a bake-off, stein-holding and costume competitions, relay races, performances, and food vendors. Sept. 27–29; times vary; free attendance, parking $15

Honorable Mentions

Evergreen Oktoberfest, Sept. 21; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; $15–$35
Greeley Oktobrewfest, Sept. 27–28; Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; free general admission, VIP $40
Montrose Oktoberfest, Sept. 28; 1–5 p.m.; $40–$125