Prost To Denver Oktoberfest and Colorado's Autumn Celebrations

Denver's German heritage and appreciation for good beer make it one of the best places to celebrate Oktoberfest. On top of one of the country's longest running Oktoberfest celebrations, the city offers endless beer gardens and comfortable patios where you can post up with a Kölsch or a German Pilsener and take in the change of the season. Starting with the infamous Denver Oktoberfest and ranging from brewery celebrations to city-wide events, here are some of the best autumn-themed happenings coming up in Colorado.

DENVER OKTOBERFEST
When: Fridays September 27 & October 4 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturdays September 28 & October 5 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sundays September 29 & October 6 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Larimer Street, between 20th and 22nd
What: Long live Denver Oktoberfest, back again for its 44th year. For six days the fest will offer a packed schedule of live music and events like a bratwurst eating contest and a stein raising contest.
More info and tickets: Denver Oktoberfest

FORToberfest
When: Friday September 20, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday September 21 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Walnut St. and Old Town Square, Fort Collins
What: This Oktoberfest is hardly German-themed; instead its a celebration of Fort Collins culture that features beer from six local breweries, a professional bike stunt show, and a lineup of local bands. On top of that you can kick off the weekend with the town's self-guided food lovers tour that also begins Friday at 5 p.m. This week's walk will showcase apple smoked cheddar cheese and apple cinnamon goat cheese at Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop.
More info and tickets: Free admission. More information here.

OKTOBERFEST AT LOWRY BEER GARDEN
When: September 21 and 22, 27 and 28
Where: Lowry Beer Garden
What: Oktoberfest has already begun at Lowry Beer Garden, where a different Colorado brewery is featured each week. Fort Collins' Odell Brewing Co. is on tap September 21 and 22, and Longmont's Left Hand Brewing is on tap September 27 and 28. Each weekend's festivities also include food, live music and dancing.
More info and tickets: Lowry Beer Garden website

LONGMONT OKTOBERFEST
When: Friday September 20, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday September 21, 12 to 10 p.m.
Where: Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Avenue Longmont, CO 80501
What: This festival kicks off with a special tapping by Longmont's Mayor Dennis Coombs and continues for a festive weekend of live music, local food, and of course, craft beer. Pouring beer are Left Hand, Oskar Blues, Pumphouse Brewery , 300 Suns and Grossen Bart. Serving eats are Styria Bakery and Abo's Pizza. Proceeds from this year's festival will support Colorado flood relief through Longmont Meals on Wheels, Longmont HOPE, and the Left Hand Brewing Foundation.
More info and tickets: Left Hand Brewing Blog

MINERS BLAST
When: Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Erie Community Park, 450 Powers Street Erie, CO 80516
What: Formerly called Erie Harvest Fest, this family gathering hosted by the Erie Chamber of Commerce is back for its 11th year. Kids get their pick of a free pumpkin from the onsite pumpkin patch. There will be local food vendors onsite and free hay rides all day.
More info and tickets: Miner's Blast

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