BRECKENRIDGE OKTOBERFEST
Please join us for the 22nd Annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest on September 9th, 10th and 11th, 2016.
Breckenridge doesn’t take the responsibility of hosting the largest Oktoberfest street party in the Rocky Mountains lightly. The September street party is where Munich meets the mountains, featuring more than three-dozen genuine German cuisine and brew vendors, excessive Bavarian lederhosen dancing and a weekend packed full of sunshine and fun for all ages. Prepare yourself for the famed historic Main Street to be flowing with Paulaner Bier, Oompah dancers, schnitzel and sausage while traditional polka music fills the air fresh mountain air.
The weekend is full of, you guessed it, beer, but we didn’t forget about those under the drinking age. Breckenridge Oktoberfest is full of entertainment for everyone; make sure to visit face-painting stations, get some pre-festival exercise at the 5k run and test your skills at a wide variety of German themed games, including the poplar Hammerschlagen. Do your homework and read the Okoberfest insider guide on the Breck Connection to prepare for the memorable weekend ahead.
Timed accordingly during the most scenic time to visit Breckenridge, vivid yellow Aspen trees make up the breathtaking fall foliage and surrounds the Wiesn celebration. Make it a weekend-long mountain getaway and explore the popular Aspen tunnels on the surrounding trails throughout Breck. The Breck Connection has already planned the perfect fall itinerary just for you. You’re welcome. Keep your eyes pealed for special Oktoberfest lodging packages. Take our word on this one; you won’t want to miss this party.
Due to the extensive food and beverage offerings, we ask that you please leave your four legged friends at home as well as any outside alcoholic beverages. Oktoberfest patrons must be 21 to consume the wide variety of beverages offered, don’t forget your ID if you plan on partaking.
PROST! That means “cheers” in German.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest is one of the largest in the Rocky Mountains, at least in terms of beer served. How much, you ask? Something around 8,000 gallons, which is enough to serve the entire Mile High Stadium at the next Bronco game. When it’s time to fill your stein, a little local’s knowledge goes a long way.
Order early to secure collectible steins at Breckenridge Oktoberfest.
Breckenridge collectible steins
Pre-order a collectible stein and get one free beer token – steins sold on-site do not include beer tokens. Pre-ordered steins will be available for pickup beginning Friday (see below for schedule) at the south end of the festival near Main Street and Park Avenue. Steins not pre-ordered can be purchased at either venue entrance (Main and Park or Main and Lincoln), but don’t include beer tokens. And of course, you don’t need to purchase a stein to drink beer!
Oktoberfest beers and wine
Breckenridge Oktoberfest features traditional German beer from Paulaner (wiesn, marzen and hefeweizen) as well as local flavor from the Breckenridge Brewery. Wine (both red and white), gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic beer will also be served.
Acquiring libations is simple: be 21 or over; purchase drink tokens with cash or credit card; get beer and wine with drink tokens. One token fills a half-liter stein, or can be used to purchase a wine, gluten-free beer or non-alcoholic beer. It takes two tokens (two beers) to fill a liter stein.
Pre-purchase drink tokens for $5 each – that’s a $1 discount per beer when you buy in advance (so, $6 on-site). Pre-sales end at noon MDT on Thursday, Sept. 8.
Once you purchase drink tokens, they are valid any day of the festival. However, there are NO refunds on drink tokens, so pay attention to time.
Giant pretzels are an essential part of Oktoberfesting. Photo by Bill Linfield
Breckenridge Oktoberfest schedule
Oktoberfest 2016 takes place Sept. 9-11. Those Austrian Guys and traditional dancers rotate performances throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Friday
2:00 p.m. – Festival opens / Drink token and stein sales, as well as beer and wine pouring, begins
5:15 p.m. – Drink token sales end
5:30 p.m. – Beer and wine serving ends
6:00 p.m. – Food vendors and venue close
6:30 p.m. – Paulaner Brewmaster’s Dinner (advance tickets required, this event always sells out)
Saturday
10:00 a.m. – Festival opens / drink token and stein sales begin
11:00 a.m. – Beer and wine pouring begins
Traditional dancers perform throughout the weekend at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. Photo by Carl Scofield
12:00 noon – Ceremonial keg tapping in the Blue River Plaza
5:15 p.m. – Drink token sales end
5:30 p.m. – Beer and wine serving ends
6:00 p.m. – Food vendors and venue close
Sunday
10:00 a.m. – Festival opens / drink token and stein sales begin
11:00 a.m. – Beer and wine pouring begins
4:15 p.m. – Drink token sales end
4:30 p.m. – Beer and wine serving ends
5:00 p.m. – Food vendors and venue close
Costumes add to the fun at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. Photo by Robin Johnson
Families at Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Breck’s Oktoberfest typically sees the biggest crowds on Saturday; to avoid the most hectic times, local families tend to come out on Sundays, or even Friday afternoon. A family play area with inflatables (for a charge) will be located near the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Avenue. The Riverwalk Center lawn (just across the river from the Welcome Center) will also be a good place for families to kick back. And of course, a busy Saturday downtown means lots of freedom for families at the Fun Park or on the trails.
Buying food and getting cash
Most food vendors accept CASH only. The closest ATMs are located at Downstairs at Eric’s (111 S. Main St.); the Breckenridge Welcome Center (203 S. Main); and at the Alpine Bank outhouse ATM (East Adams Avenue between Main and Ridge streets).
Oktoberfest transportation & parking
Plan on drinking? Don’t drive. Grab bus schedules from the Welcome Center (203 S. Main St.) or Breck Station (150 Watson Ave.). Didn’t plan on drinking but did? Don’t drive. Provided you’re parked legally, it’s OK to remain parked on town streets Friday and Saturday nights. Also, there is no charge for entry to Breckenridge’s Oktoberfest; designated drivers should be ready to partake in food, music and dancing.
No pets at Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Leave Fido and all other pet friends at home.
Bathrooms
Restrooms are located throughout the event (look for portable toilets off Main Street on all sides streets). Bathrooms are also available at the Riverwalk Center (150 W. Adams Ave.) and the Breckenridge Welcome Center (203 S. Main St.).
If You Go
Breckenridge Oktoberfest 2016: Sept. 9-11
Have more insider tips from your experiences at Breckenridge Oktoberfest? Share them in the comments below. Prost!
