Top Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Denver
(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF)Oktoberfest dates to 1810 and is the world's largest beer festival, celebrated in Munich for 16 days. This year, the celebration runs from Sept. 19 though Oct. 4, but here in the United States, you can find smaller Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the month of September. The event celebrates more than beer, as it also honors German culture, cuisine and more. It's a fun way to learn a little about another culture, enjoy some tasty food, ice cold beer and lots of lederhosen. If you're not sure where to go to start your Oktoberfest, here are five of the best spots to celebrate this year near Denver.
2100 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80205
www.thedenveroktoberfest.com
Sept. 18 - 27
Price: Free to attend
Over 46 years, Denver's Oktoberfest has grown into one of the biggest and best celebrations this side of the Atlantic Ocean. It began in 1969 when the Bavarian tradition first came to Larimer Square. Now, more than 350,000 people flock to the six-day festival, which has been called "the best Oktoberfest in the United States" by USA Today. This year, you can expect all the Oktoberfest traditions, including live music, stein hoisting, keg bowling, a bratwurst eating contest and the 10th annual Long Dog Derby race to determine Denver's fastest dachshund. To really live it up in style, get VIP tickets, which include an all you can eat pass in the special VIP section, your own Oktoberfest beer stein, an authentic German hat, Oktoberfest t-shirt and more.
10795 S. Victorian Drive
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 261-8059
www.parkeroktoberfest.com
Sept. 18 – 20, 2015
Price: Free to attend
While the Parker Oktoberfest isn't as large as Denver's, it's still packed with plenty of beer, music, food and fun. Now in its 10th year, this annual festival brings in more than 35,000 people and 100 vendors to celebrate authentic German heritage. In addition to all the food and beer, you'll also want to bring the kids for lots of family-friendly activities like old midway games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, chicken dancing, egg tosses, races and more. Check out the giant inflatable obstacle course, get a look at the German fashion show, dance to the live music and enjoy the whole day out with your family at this great annual festival. Plus, since the Denver festival is going on for so much longer, you can find time to enjoy both.
Related: Top Spots For German Food In Denver
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
623 N. Denver Ave
Loveland, CO 80537
www.lovelandoktoberfest.org
Sept. 18 and 19
Price: Free to attend
Head up to Loveland for another great Oktoberfest celebration at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse. It's yet another chance to celebrate the holiday with lots of local craft beers, food vendors serving up your favorite bratwurst, sausage and pretzels plus plenty of live music and German dancing all night on Friday and all day Saturday. Plus, any chance to check out the awesome craft beers at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is worth your time with beers like Once Upon A Time, Briar Rose, The Huntsman and the Gold Medal winning Little Red Cap. Break out your lederhosen and bring along your beer steins, as this family-friendly event is the perfect small-town celebration of Oktoberfest.
7577 E. Academy Blvd
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 366-0114
www.lowrybeergarden.com
Every Friday and Saturday night in September you can enjoy live music at the Lowry Beer Garden in honor of Oktoberfest. It's a casual and comfortable way to enjoy the holiday while you dine on some truly amazing bratwursts and hot dogs. The meats here include everything from boar to veal, elk, bison and beef with toppings that range from mango pico, cotija cheese, beer garden mustard, sauerkraut, roasted poblano peppers and much more. Of course, there are also plenty of different local craft beers to quench your thirst, with brews from Avery Brewing, The Bull and Bush, Denver Beer Company, Dry Dock Brewing, Epic Brewing, Left Hand and others. Check the weather first, as this one is mostly outdoor seating, but then head out for some casual food, fun and music for Oktoberfest.
Related: Top Craft Breweries In Longmont
2036 Broadway
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 502-9226
www.wurstkuche.com
There is no better way to celebrate Oktoberfest than with a delectable bratwurst (or three). If you haven't checked out Wurstkuche yet, then this is your official call to action. This local eatery serves up exotic sausages of all kinds. Enjoy classics like bratwurst, bockwurst and even vegetarian options, or go bold and try combinations that include duck, buffalo, pork, rabbit, rattlesnake, pheasant or lamb. Get a side of double dipped fries, a dipping sauce or two, and don't forget plenty of sauerkraut, onions and peppers. You can even purchase some uncooked sausages to take home for your own backyard Oktoberfest shindig. For anyone who loves a good sausage, Wurstkuche is definitely one of the best spots in town to check out.
