The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Coloring Contest at Luki Brewery | Through October 4
This circus-themed brewery has a few surprises hidden under the big top this year—in lieu of an Oktoberfest extravaganza, it’s hosting a coloring contest. For $1, guests can help decorate the taproom by coloring a page, with either crayons brought from home or the brewery’s mechanical crayons, which are sanitized between uses. The best entry wins a growler of beer, and all proceeds benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation Rocky Mountain. Menu prices vary; Monday–Thursday, 3–9 p.m., Friday–Sunday, 12–9 p.m.; 14715 W. 64th Ave., Arvada
Bierwurst at Dog Haus | Through October 31
Get ready to chow down on Dog Haus’ seasonal Oktoberwurst, a cajun-spiced, Emmental cheese-stuffed bierwurst topped with caramelized onions, sauerkraut, mustard aïoli, and scallions, and served on a grilled King’s Hawaiian roll. The restaurant also debuted its Pod Party Kit, which provides diners with all the ingredients to grill their own sausages at home. A portion of the proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry, the restaurant’s national charity partner. Menu prices vary; Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; 8316 E. Northfield Blvd.
Pumpkin Pottery Painting at River North Brewery | September 24
Get crafty at River North’s Blake Street taproom by painting your own ceramic pumpkin. Attendees can sip on a Belgium-style Quandary or a cinnamon run barrel-aged Mr. Sandman as they craft their masterpiece, which will be collected at the end of the event to be glazed, fired, and ready for pick-up one week later. $25 per person, 6–9 p.m., 3400 Blake St.
Throw Your Own Oktoberfest at Rhein Haus | September 24–26
While the blockbuster Denver Oktoberfest is canceled this year, you can throw your own at Rhein Haus. Just make a reservation for a 90-minute block of time, and the doting staff will take care of the rest. The cost includes a decorated table; a liter of beer, pretzel, and German cookies for each attendee, and access to a special themed menu. $25 per person; times vary; 1415 Market St.
Whiskey Tasting at Stranahan’s | September 25
Stranahan’s weekly hour-long tasting sessions feature a variety of single malts—including a four-year-old, single-barrel, and seven-year-old—culminating with the 10-year-old Mountain Angel. This decade-aged single-malt whiskey is a product of Rocky Mountain Barley and Colorado spring water, with a complex flavor profile attendees will be guided through during their tasting. $55 per person; every Friday, 6–7 p.m. while supplies last; 200 S. Kalamath St.
Rayback Oktoberfest | September 25–26
Sample fare from a variety of food trucks, including globally inspired Passport, to the sound of polka music at this two-day bash at Rayback Collective. Get into the spirit by purchasing an Oktoberfest beer supplied by Boulder’s Avery Brewing, Arvada’s New Image Brewing, Longmont’s Wibby Brewing, and Ratio Beerworks, and earn a raffle ticket for the beer stein giveaway. Free entry; 12–11 p.m.; 2775 Valmont Rd., Boulder
Autumn Bazaar at Belleview Station | September 26
Home to over 50 vendors and makers, this open-air marketplace offers Denverites the chance to shop locally for things like fair-trade artisan goods, plants, vintage clothing, accessories, and handmade treasures. Each ticket provides you with one free drink at the Big Wonderful beer garden, which will supply fall-inspired cocktails such as a peach and maple old-fashioned. $5 entry; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; 4910 South Newport St.
Oktoberfest at Green Mountain Beer Company | September 26
GMBC’s third-annual autumn event will feature multiple special tappings, including a 2020 Marzen Oktoberfest lager. It will also give out prizes for those who arrive decked out in their best lederhosen and dirndl, the best attire for dining on the likes of bratwurst and wienerschnitzel supplied by the Austrian-style catering company, Schnitzelwirt. 12–10 p.m., Free entry, 2585 S. Lewis Way, Lakewood
Oktoberfest at Prost Brewing Company | September 26 and October 3
Prost’s slogan is “Drink like a German,” and in honor of Oktoberfest this year, you just might be able to do that—right down to the glass. Along with traditional German food and music, the brewery is making Oktoberfest German glassware available for purchase—including a ceramic mug, a liter glass, and a stein, out of which you can enjoy a glass of Prost’s Marzen brew. Free entry; 12–10 p.m.; 2540 19th St.
Oktoberfest at Seedstock Brewery | September 26
You might not make it to Munich this year, but Seedstock Brewery is offering a taste of the action. Old World Eastern European brews are the spot’s speciality, and it’s releasing a Munich Helles Lager-style beer just in time for the celebration. And dust off your lederhosen or dirndl—those who come dressed in festive garb get their first beer at half price. Free entry; 3610 W. Colfax Ave; 12–11 p.m.
Yuan Wonton at Block Distilling | September 29
Pair Block Distilling’s grain-to-glass spirits with Yuan Wonton’s delicious dumplings, wontons, and noodles at this sweet collab. Follow the food truck on Instagram to pre-order from a link that will be posted on its stories on Monday, and enjoy a cocktail from the brewery that complements the flavors and spices of the dishes on the menu. Menu prices vary; 5–7 p.m.; 2990 Larimer St.
Cookie and Beer Pairing with the Flour Shop and Factotum Brewhouse | September 30
This event caters to those who like to alternate their sips with sweet treats, providing attendees with a choice of five different craft beer and specialty cookie combinations. With pairings like the red velvet cheesecake cookie and Michigan tart cherry pale ale, you’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. $25 per ticket, 4:30–8:30 p.m., 3845 Lipan St.
Deviation Distilling Candle and Cocktails | October 1
Unwind in a comfy setting with Deviation’s Candles and Cocktails event. Attendees will enjoy a craft cocktail and lite bites as they follow guided instructions to make scented soy candles. On October 15, Deviation will also host their monthly cocktail class, where participants will learn to properly shake, pour and garnish Halloween-inspired drinks. $40 per person; 6:30–8:30 p.m.; 900 W. 1st Ave.
Golden Hayride Oktoberfest | October 3
Golden Hayride will offer an array of festivities and competitions—including stein-hoisting, a socially-distant chicken dance battle, and a German-themed costume contest. Each ticket includes two beers or sodas; an edible pretzel necklace; an Oktoberfest bandana that doubles as a face mask; and tons of entertainment, games, and prizes throughout the day. 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; $18 per ticket; 1122 Washington Ave., Golden
Festbier Beer Tapping at 10 Barrel Brewing | October 9
In addition to a plethora of German brews on tap including Helles, Dunkel, Hefeweizen, Weizenbock, and more—10 Barrel is lagering a traditional Marzen-style Festbier to be tapped on October 9. For those who have purchased a Great American Beer Festival passport, the brew pub will have seven different participating beers on tap, available at a discounted price. Menu prices vary; Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; 2620 Walnut St.