About
Vail Oktoberfest
Join us in one of the most iconic mountain destinations in North America, Vail, Colorado this September for the 2023 Vail Oktoberfest. We’re bringing Bavarian fun to Vail with two weekends full of Oktoberfest activities on September 8-10 & 15 – 17!
Festival guests will enjoy classic Bavarian fare including brats, spaetzle, pretzels, and more. In addition to eating like a true Bavarian, the festival features authentic music and dance.
Vail Oktoberfest has been named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States by USA Today.
FAQs - Vail Oktoberfest
What exactly is Vail Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is the annual festival of beer, music and celebration of autumn. It’s a time to dust off the lederhosen, throw on the dirndl, and raise your steins to the most popular party in the world.
The Town of Vail is hosting two full weekends of oom-pah parties with traditional German fare in Lionshead and Vail Village. Festivities include: brat eating, keg bowling and stein lifting contests, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, and Bavarian dancers.
Free ECO Bus Ride
Thanks to our partnership with Mountain Youth Safe Driving, free ECO bus transit is available to and from Vail Oktoberfest from 9.8 – 9.10 and 9.15 – 9.17. To get on the free bus, you must print out this coupon. One coupon will be required per bus ride.
How much is entry?
Entry is FREE for all ages to attend and enjoy.
How do I get an Oktoberfest Stein?
Vail Oktoberfest™ steins will be available for purchase at the beer tents, each weekend, while supplies last. With each purchase of a Vail Oktoberfest™ Stein, your first beer will be complimentary. Order steins here!
Do I have to purchase a stein to buy beer at Oktoberfest?
Beer will be available to purchase regardless of whether or not you have a Vail Oktoberfest Stein. Without the purchase of a stein, you can purchase beers, ciders, food and other canned cocktails.
Does Vail Oktoberfest sell water?
To support the Vail Oktoberfest green initiatives, no plastic water bottles will be sold within the venue. Instead, enjoy our Refresh & Refill water stations throughout the venue. Bring your reusable water bottle so you can partake in the stations!
What is the World Keg Bowling Championship?
Keg Bowling gives competitors the chance to hurl a keg on wheels down the lane at a pyramid of empty kegs. It’s not as easy as it seems to bring down the entire pile, and the champion of the day is crowned by total number of kegs knocked over. Competitors must be at least 21 years of age to compete. The winners will be rewarded with an Oktoberfest stein and token package. There is no cost to participate in Keg Bowling, but as one of the most well loved contest at Vail Oktoberfest, entries fill up quickly!
How do I sign up for the World Keg Bowling Championship?
Sign up for Keg Bowling with the fraulein located near the stage. Entry is free of charge. Due to popularity, space is limited.
What is the Brat Eating Contest?
Vail Oktoberfest will also see the return of the Bratwurst Eating Contest, where the strong-willed and the strong-stomached battle it out to see who can devour the most Brats in two minutes. The competitor who wolfs down the most brats in the allotted time wins, not only a great prize package, but also the bragging rights of being a Vail Oktoberfest Bratwurst Eating Champion! The winner will be rewarded with an Oktoberfest stein and token package. There is no cost to participate, the contest takes place both Saturday and Sunday each weekend. Space is extremely limited.
How do I sign up for the Brat Eating Contest?
Designated frauleins will be roaming the venue each day looking to sign up contest participants. Entry is free of charge. Due to popularity, space is limited.
What is the Stein Lifting Contest?
The Stein Lifting Competition will test the arm strength and stamina of even the fiercest competitors. Competitors will hold FULL beer steins – out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing will take home an Oktoberfest stein and token package! There is no cost to participate; the contest takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend. Space is extremely limited.
How do I sign up for the Stein Lifting Contest?
Designated frauleins will be roaming the venue each day looking to sign up contest participants. Entry is free of charge. Due to popularity, space is limited.
What music will be playing?
Get ready to OOM PAH! Your favorite Bavarian tunes will be ever-present throughout your Vail Oktoberfest experience. In addition, music will shift gears after 7pm on Friday and Saturday to Rock n Roll.
How do I get tickets to the concerts?
The concerts are completely FREE. No tickets will be available beforehand. Standing room will be available only. No coolers, chairs or glass containers allowed.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed at Vail Oktoberfest, but they are discouraged due to crowds. No dogs may be tied up and left unattended. If a dog becomes a problem, the owner, with the dog, will be asked to leave the event venue.
Is there an age requirement?
All ages are welcome although you must be 21 and older to enjoy the alcoholic beverages at Vail Oktoberfest.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available in both the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures on the South Frontage Road. The Town of Vail also has an extensive public bus system: https://www.vailgov.com/bus-schedules. All guests are strongly encouraged to utilize the TOV bus system and avoid drinking and driving at all costs. Vail PD, the Eagle County Sheriff, and the CO State Patrol have zero tolerance and will enforce DUI laws to the fullest!
What if there is inclement weather?
We will do our best to run the event as planned. The event will most likely be held, rain or shine, just like a sporting event or concert. The Colorado outdoors can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly.
What if my question is still not answered?
We would be happy to answer additional questions! Contact us or call 303-777-6887.
Can I volunteer?
Team Player Productions would love your help with Oktoberfest. If you are a trustworthy and hard worker, please email info@tppevents.com for current volunteer opportunities.
Who do I contact for sponsoring Vail Oktoberfest?
Please send emails to ryan@tppevents.com if you would like to be a sponsor of Vail Oktoberfest 2022.
I'm interested in donating prizes or being a vendor at Oktoberfest events, who do I contact?
Please email ryan@tppevents.com if you would like to donate prizes to Oktoberfest events including Brat-eating and/or Keg Bowling contests.