Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Takes Over Bavarian-Inspired Vail This September
Free Two-Weekend Event will Feature Stein Lifting, Bratwurst Eating, Keg Throwing Competitions; German Music and Fare; and More
GOLDEN, Colo. (June 30, 2022) - The beloved Vail Oktoberfest returns this September for a two-weekend Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, costume contests, German delicacies, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment and more. This free, family-friendly event, named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today, will be in Lionshead Village Sept. 9-11 and Vail Village Sept. 16-18.
“The Bavarian-inspired town of Vail, combined with the picturesque mountain setting, has created a regional Oktoberfest destination for more than 25 years,” said Vail Oktoberfest Event Director Ryan Slater. “Streets are lined with German beer steins, staff and guests in traditional lederhosen and dirndls, bavarian food and performers who have been with the event for 25+ years as revelers compete for bragging rights in competitions and bands play traditional Oktoberfest tunes.”
Vail Oktoberfest hosts a number of festive and free competitions, each with their own prize pack and bragging rights:
World Keg Bowling Championship: Competitors hurl a keg on wheels at a pyramid of empty kegs. The champion of the day is crowned by total number of kegs knocked over.
Bratwurst Eating Contest: The strong-stomached battle it out to see who can devour the most brats in two minutes.
Stein Lifting Competition: Competitors will hold FULL beer steins – out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing will take home an Oktoberfest prize package.
Costume Contest: On one day of each weekend, guests who show up in full Bavarian attire or in another Oktoberfest related costume are invited to participate in the Oktoberfest Costume Contest. There will be divisions for men, women and children. The winner is determined by crowd response.
Other entertainment and iconic features includes:
Imbibe in the free-flowing German beer: Stein packages will be available for pre-sale in July. The steins will also be available for purchase at the beer tents, each weekend, while supplies last, and includes one free beer.
Authentic and delicious Bavarian fare will be featured throughout the festival! Enjoy bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, spaetzle, and more. There will also be traditional fair food, such as giant turkey legs and funnel cake.
The live music at Vail Oktoberfest truly sets the scene for this iconic event. Guests will hear an abundance of traditional oom-pah music, courtesy of Oktoberfest mainstays. The music is accompanied by traditional Bavarian dancers who encourage everyone to get in on the fun. On Friday and Saturday evenings of Vail Oktoberfest, the party will switch gears and guests will enjoy live rock entertainment.
The kinder zone is full of family fun. The event features crafts like pretzel necklace making during the day as well as live children’s entertainment.
A full schedule of events for the Oktoberfest in Lionshead will be released in July.
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About Vail Oktoberfest
Vail Oktoberfest returns this September in a two-weekend Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, costume contests, German eats, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment and more. The free, family-friendly event, named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today, will be in Lionshead Village Sept. 9-11 and Vail Village Sept. 16-18. Vail Oktoberfest is produced by Team Player Productions, the architects of Breckenridge Wine Classic, Vail Craft Beer Classic and Denver Burger Battle, among others. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit oktoberfestvail.com, or follow @vailoktoberfest on Instagram and Facebook.
About Team Player Productions
Founded more than 25 years ago in Denver, Team Player Productions (TPP) has produced and managed more than 400 events around the country, raising more than $2 million for its various nonprofit partners. TPP has created and continues to produce beloved annual events including Vail Wine Classic, Breckenridge Wine Classic and Vail Craft Beer Classic, and adopted others, such as Denver Burger Battle and the Boulder Creek Festival. The company was also the originator of events including Taste of Fort Collins, Steamboat Wine Festival and Park City Food & Wine Classic. TPP consults and produces events for a portfolio of clients as well, such as Goose Island Beer Co., Blue Point Brewing Co., Great Divide Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, Red Bull, City of Centennial, Anheuser-Busch, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and City of Littleton. For more information, visit TPPEvents.com, or follow @TPPEvents on Facebook and @TeamPlayerProductions on Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Chea Franz, chea@indiecreativeco.com
Emily Tracy, emily@etpryall.com
