The free Two-Weekend Event will Feature Stein Lifting and Keg Throwing Competitions, Bratwurst Eating, Costume Contests, German Music and Fare, and More.
The award-winning Vail Oktoberfest has announced details of its two-weekend Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, contests, flowing German beer, German delicacies, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment, and more. This free, family-friendly event, named among the ten best Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today, will be in Vail’s Lionshead Village Sept. 8-10 and Vail Village Sept. 15-17.
Commemorative Oktoberfest Steins on Sale Now
The 2023 commemorative steins are on sale now. The highly sought after steins will sell out. 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.
“If you can’t make the long journey across the pond to Germany, the Vail Oktoberfest is the best stateside celebration. For over 25 years, the Bavarian-inspired town of Vail has created an Oktoberfest destination,” said 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.”
Festive and Free German-Inspired Events
Vail Oktoberfest hosts many festive and free competitions, each with its own prize pack and bragging rights:
- World Keg Bowling Championship: Competitors hurl a keg on wheels at a pyramid of empty kegs. The crown goes to the winner.
- Bratwurst Eating Contest: The strong-stomached battle it out to see who can devour the most Polidori Sausage Brats in two minutes.
- Stein Hoisting Competition: Competitors will hoist a full liter of Spaten beer from their body at shoulder level. And the Stein Hoisting Competition winner wins the prize.
- Costume Contest: Each day, guests in full Bavarian attire can participate in the Oktoberfest Costume Contest. There will be divisions for men, women, and children, with the winners determined by crowd response.
Other Events
- The live music at Vail Oktoberfest sets the scene for this iconic, high-altitude event. Guests will hear an abundance of traditional oom-pah music, courtesy of Oktoberfest mainstays, daily from noon – 9:30 p.m. The music accompanies traditional Bavarian dancers encouraging everyone to enjoy the fun. This year’s headliners include Vail’s very own Helmut Fricker & The Rhinelanders, Denver Kickers Schuhplatters, The Polkanauts and The Average German Band.
- Authentic and delicious Bavarian fare: Enjoy bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, pierogies, and more.
- The kinder zone is full of family fun.
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