Prost! Lederhosen, oom-pah bands, and steins of German beer take over River Run Village for Keystone’s free Bavarian bash.
Keystone Oktoberfest returns Saturday, September 5, 2026 — with a free Friday-afternoon kickoff concert on September 4 — transforming River Run Village into a slice of Bavaria. Admission is free: come for the German beer and brats, stay for the oom-pah music, stein-hoisting contests, dance performances, and a full afternoon of family fun at Kinderfest, all at 9,300 feet.
Grab a commemorative stein, fill it with a seasonal craft beer, and settle in for an afternoon of Alpine music and friendly competition in one of Summit County’s most festive village settings.
Festival Highlights
- Free admission — come enjoy the music, dancing, and village atmosphere on the house
- German beer & a commemorative stein — beer packages include a keepsake stein plus three seasonal craft beers
- Oom-pah bands — Those Austrian Guys, the Summit Concert Band, Da Polka Guy, and The CB3
- Stein Hoisting Contests — Kids, Women’s, and Men’s divisions on the Main Stage
- German dance performances — the Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers, plus kids’ polka lessons
- Kinderfest — a free afternoon of face painting, a 3D maze, crafts, and dance for the kids
- Bavarian fare — brats, pretzels, and more from River Run food vendors
Schedule of Events
Here’s the full lineup. Times follow the official 2026 schedule and are subject to change — confirm details and grab a beer package at keystonefestivals.com.
Friday, September 4 KICKOFF
| 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Frisco Funk Collective — free music in River Run Village |
Saturday, September 5 OKTOBERFEST
| 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Festival check-in (Warren Station) — ticket pickup & day-of package sales |
| 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Food vendors & beer tents open (River Run Village) |
| 12:00–5:00 p.m. | Kinderfest — face painting, 3D maze, crafts, dance (Buffalo Courtyard, FREE) |
| 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Summit Concert Band |
| 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Those Austrian Guys — OOMPAH! |
| 1:00–1:30 p.m. | Kids Polka Instruction (Buffalo Courtyard) |
| 1:30–4:30 p.m. | Da Polka Guy (Ina’s Bridge) & The CB3 (Info Center) |
| 2:00–2:30 p.m. | German Dance Performance — Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers |
| 2:30–3:00 p.m. | Stein Hoisting Contests — Kids, Women’s & Men’s (Main Stage) |
| 3:00–4:00 p.m. | Those Austrian Guys — OOMPAH! |
| 3:00–3:30 p.m. | Kids Polka Instruction (Buffalo Courtyard) |
| 4:00–4:30 p.m. | German Dance Performance |
| 4:30–5:00 p.m. | Those Austrian Guys — OOMPAH! |
Stein Hoisting & Bavarian Fun
The Stein Hoisting Contests are the afternoon’s main event — hold a full stein straight out, arm parallel to the ground, and outlast the competition. There are Kids (ages 6–14), Women’s, and Men’s divisions, with sign-ups at Festival Check-In. Between rounds, watch the Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers’ traditional German dancing, learn a few polka steps, and let the kids loose at Kinderfest.
Know Before You Go
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 (Friday, September 4 kickoff concert)
- Where: River Run Village, Keystone — check-in at Warren Station
- Admission: Free; beer packages and food sold separately
- Beer: 21+ with valid ID; package includes a commemorative stein + three craft beers
- Food: Brats, pretzels, and more from vendors ($8+, card/debit)
- Family-friendly: Free Kinderfest activities noon–5 p.m.
- Altitude: You’re at 9,300 feet — pace your steins and drink plenty of water
A Taste of the Day
Planning a Keystone fall trip?
Our local team has been showing guests the best of Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper, Dillon & Frisco since 1996. Questions about Oktoberfest weekend? We’re happy to help.