What exactly is OKTOBERFEST?

Oktoberfest is the yearly festival of beer, music and fall. It is a time to dust off the lederhosen, throw on the dirndl, and toast your steins to the most popular party in the world.

The Town of Vail is hosting two full weekends of oom pah parties, lively demonstrations and traditional German fare in Lionshead and Vail Village. Festivities include Klement's brat-eating and Beck's Keg Bowling contests, yodeling and alpine horn blowing, and Bavarian dancing. Oktoberfest is two full weekends the whole family will enjoy. 

What is the BECK'S KEG BOWLING CONTEST?

Beck's is the sponsor of this uniquely entertaining contest. Each contestant receives two attempts to push an empty beer keg (affixed to a rolling dolly) into a pyramid of six empty kegs. The announcer adds up the fallen kegs and then tallies up all participants total numbers. The highest total from each round advances to the finals. The winner of the finals receives a handsome prize!

How do I sign up for the BECK'S KEG BOWLING CONTEST?

You can sign up each Saturday and Sunday of Vail Oktoberfest. Entry is free of charge and is available on-site. Actual bowling times will vary based upon weather and crowd interest.

What is the KLEMENT'S BRAT-EATING CONTEST?

Approximately eight to ten eager and hopefully hungry participants will join each other at the brat table for a heaping serving of brats and beer. All participants will have three minutes to down as many brats as possible in the time allotted. The winner will have out-eaten the rest of the field and will receive a handsome prize.

How do I sign up for the KLEMENT'S BRAT-EATING CONTEST?

You can sign up each Saturday and Sunday of Vail Oktoberfest. Entry is free of charge and is available on-site. Actual bowling times will vary based upon weather and crowd interest.

What is the OKTOBERFEST FUN RUN?

After the beer, brats, bands and Bavarian activities, Oktoberfest offers a full proof remedy for the inevitable hangover… a morning run. It all happens Sunday, September 20th at 9:00AM at Checkpoint Charlie. Categories include 10K, 5K run/walk/rollerblade, and Kids. Strollers are also welcome to participate. The Fun Run benefits the Children's Garden of Learning.

How do I sign up for the OKTOBERFEST FUN RUN?

Registration for the Oktoberfest Fun Run is available online on this site or in-person the day of the race.

Is there a cost to participate in the OKTOBERFEST FUN RUN

Pre-register online and pay just $20 at vailoktoberfest.com. Or show up Sunday, September 20th and pay $25 for Day of Registration. Participants under 18 are only $10 regardless.

Your entry fee in full must accompany Oktoberfest Fun Run entry form. Each entry includes a limited edition T-shirt (to the first 150 registered participants), post-race awards party, awards to all children participants, and the top three male and female overall finishers.

Where will the OKTOBERFEST FUN RUN take place?

The race takes place 9:00AM on Sunday, September 20 at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.

What music will be playing at Oktoberfest?

Get ready to OOM PAH! You're favorite Bavarian tunes will be ever present throughout your Oktoberfest experience. 

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 dogs, coolers, chairs or glass containers allowed.

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?

You are highly encouraged to park free in both the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures on the South Frontage Road. Parking is also available at Ford Park, about 1/4 mile East of Vail Village. The Ford Park lots are very small and will fill quickly. The Town of Vail also has an extensive public bus system. Please use it wisely 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! Street parking is not permitted until all public parking facilities are completely full.

Can I volunteer?

Highline Sports & Entertainment would love your help with Oktoberfest If you are a trustworthy and hard worker, please call Greg Schwartz at (970) 471-9253 for current volunteer opportunities.

I'm interested in sponsoring OKTOBERFEST, who do I contact?

Please contact James Deighan at Highline Sports & Entertainment (970) 476-6797 xt. 102 -or- email jamesd@gohighline.com if you would like to be a sponsor of Vail Oktoberfest.

I'm interested in donating prizes for OKTOBERFEST events, who do I contact?

Please contact Missy Johnson at Highline Sports & Entertainment (970) 476-6797 x112 -or- Missy Johnson if you would like to donate prizes to Oktoberfest events including the Oktoberfest Fun Run and Klement's Brat-Eatiing and/or Beck's Keg Bowling Contests.