The first U.S. Oktoberfest was held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1961, and ever since then, 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 bratwurst-eating contests to dogs in dirndls.

Breckenridge Oktoberfest

  • Best for: A cool, commemorative stein
  • Date: September 12–14
  • Time: Friday 2–6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

It’s not hard to understand why the limited-edition steins offered annually at this party are a hot commodity. This year’s edition ($40) boasts a hops-emblazoned design 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 to ensure there’s enough inventory. Then, come drinking day, fill up your cup with Incline Cider Company’s Little Hazy Honeycrisp cider or Breckenridge Brewery’s malty Oktoberfest brew and stroll down Main Street, where traditional performers, food vendors, and musicians will bring das party.

Vail Oktoberfest

People dressed in German clothes dance in Vail Village
A traditional Oktoberfest dance performance in Vail. Photo courtesy of Discovery Vail
  • Best for: Those with a competitive streak
  • Date: September 12–14
  • Time: Friday–Saturday noon–8:45 p.m., Sunday noon–5:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

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 new-this-year accordionist Alex Meixner (he’s worked with Jack Black) and the Average German Band; traditional dance performances; and a bevy of Bavarian bites.

Highlands Oktoberfest

A weiner dog running
The dachshund dash at Highland’s Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography
  • Best for: Not leaving the neighborhood
  • Date: September 13
  • Time: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

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. Now in its second year, the Highlands Oktoberfest will include live bands like Austrian Connection; stein-holding and keg-bowling competitions; hearty doner kebabs from CO Berliner Haus; and activities such as face painting and inflatables for the littles in lederhosen.

Denver Oktoberfest

  • Best for: All-around revelry
  • Date: September 19–21, 26–28
  • Time: Friday 2–11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free general admission, VIP tickets start at $100; some events ticketed

If you’ve ever attended Denver’s 56-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 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 grub.

Executive producer Devon Gleason (who you may spot in his blue and white Bavarian-flag suit) took over operations during the pandemic and returned the fest to its former glory. “Denver Oktoberfest brings in people from all over the Rocky Mountain region,” he says. “It’s every bit as fun as Oktoberfests in cities like Cincinnati with much larger German populations.”

Castle Rock Oktoberfest

  • Best for: A robust local beer lineup
  • Date: September 20
  • Time: 1–9 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Germans may have been brewing beer for a few centuries longer than Coloradans, but we like to think we’ve just about caught up when it comes to quality. The dozen-plus Centennial State breweries at this party further prove our point: Hopheads can opt for pints from purveyors like Denver Beer Co., Dueces Wild Brewery, and Los Dos Potrillos. While you toss back your tripel, tune into performances from the Denver Dolls and Castle Rock Dance Academy, and don’t leave without a twisty treat from German Pretzelkings.

Cherry Creektoberfest

  • Best for: Authentic German vibes
  • Date: September 20–21
  • Time: Saturday noon–9 p.m.; Sunday noon–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Held in Cherry Creek’s Fillmore Plaza, this inaugural Oktoberfest event will have you feeling like you stepped into a Bavarian wonderland. The festival is cohosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce, so expect authentic flair like traditional wooden chalet vendors and steins and furniture imported from Germany—plus all the expected rowdy festivities such as pretzel and sausage eating contests and stein-hoisting competitions.

Oktoberfest at A-Basin

  • Best for: An après feel before après season
  • Date: September 20–21
  • Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

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 a pretzel “bigger than your face” 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.

Colorado Springs Oktoberfest

  • Best for: Non-beer drinkers
  • Date: September 26–28
  • Time: Friday 5–10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–9:45 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free admission, some events ticketed

For the gluten-free and beer-averse merrymakers, Oktoberfest can be a minefield. Luckily, Colorado Springs’ gathering has plenty of options for sans-gluten sippers. In addition to German-style wine and cocktail 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.

Snowmass Oktoberfest

  • Best for: A raucous party vibe
  • Date: September 27–28
  • Time: Saturday noon–8 p.m.; Sunday noon–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

You might not have known you needed a parody of Village People’s “YMCA” titled “B.E.E.R.” in your life—but you do, and you can find it at this inaugural event. The self-proclaimed “Oktoberfest Queen,” Manuela, and her Brew Crew will perform the aforementioned hit and emcee the bash from opening ceremonies to closing time. In between, grab mugs of pilsner or the house-made gluhwein, party with DJ Farns, sign up for the pretzel- and sausage-eating contest, and even exercise your vocal chords in a yodeling contest.

Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest Celebration

  • Best for: The cutest sideshow entertainment
  • Date: September 27
  • Time: 1–9 p.m., 5K starts at 9 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

While there’s plenty to draw you to this German jubilee—generous pours of German-style beer, live music, kid-focused fun, a themed 5K, 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.