School has started and the first hint of yellow is starting to appear in high rocky aspen groves. For The Burgess Group | Compass Boulder realtor team, that only means one thing:
It’s time to dig in the closet for a long-forgotten pair of lederhosen.
Oktoberfest is a great excuse to be festive. In autumn, we want nothing more than to be surrounded by good friends and enjoy the crisp weather. Oktoberfest events will be happening all over town. But if you just can’t wait to enjoy the spirit of Oktober, many Boulder Breweries have already released their Oktoberfest brews. So of course, our Boulder real estate agents had no option but to try them all and report our findings.
Andy and his daughter Al at our “Wurst Party Ever” in 2017
Add these breweries to your Oktoberfest bucket list:
Breweries with Oktoberfest Beers
Avery Brewing Company
For this year’s Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest, Avery took all the traditional elements of a classic Munich lager and intensified each feature. This brew has a lovely deep copper color with a malty backbone and dry finish. Your pallet will pick up notes of toast, nuts, and bread. Its intensified flavor is paired with an intensified booziness. Tread lightly, because this brew is a whopping 8%.
Upslope
Upslope takes fall brews seriously. They have three different fall beers on this year’s seasonal rotation. Upslope’s take on the Oktoberfest is slightly sweet and herbaceous, while still featuring classic Munich malts and Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops. It’s the perfect companion to a soft pretzel or a warm bowl of bread pudding. If lighter beers are more of your thing, you can try Upslope’s German Style Pilsner, a crisp and refreshing choice with snappy carbonation. The yearly Pumpkin Ale is expertly blended with hops and pie spices. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or an apple crisp.
Wild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing Company
4 Noses has two different Oktoberfest brews to choose from. Their classic Oktoberfest lager has mastered the Oktoberfest taste. It’s crisp but extra malty. Their Foeder Oktoberfest is aged in an oak barrel and given extra toasty flavor profiles. Grab it to-go from the brewery and enjoy it with your feet propped up in front of the fire.
Left Hand Brewing Company
Left Hand’s seasonal Marzen Lager is bright, balanced, and very drinkable. There are notes of biscuit and pretzel, with a dry spicy finish. Drafts will be poured throughout the day at Left Hand’s sponsored Oktoberfest party in Longmont.
Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest?
The first Oktoberfest took place on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The wedding took place one year after a Bavarian rebellion. The idea was that a giant wedding party would establish a sense of unity throughout the state. The royal family invited 40,000 citizens to join in the celebration. The party was such a success that it became an annual tradition featuring carnivals, beer, competitions, and horse races. It’s celebrated year-round now, including in beautiful Colorado where we enjoy our Oktoberfest brews made with crisp Rocky Mountain spring water.
Mark Your Calendars for Boulder’s Oktoberfest Events!
Downtown Boulder Fall Fest— September 16-18th, 2022
The annual fall festival takes over Pearl Street for a full weekend of music, beer, and fun. Avery Brewing’s pop-up beer garden will be flowing with Oktoberfest brews all weekend. Eldora resorts have sponsored a free inflatables area. They’ll have a slide, bounce house, and obstacle course. Great local music will be lighting up the stage all weekend, and a Firefly Handmade Market will feature 80 different vendors with artisanal products.
Wibby Oktoberfest 5K— September 17, 2022
Drink all the beers you want guilt-free by crushing a 5K beforehand. Wibby Brewing’s 5K race in Longmont will award you with a free craft beer and seasonal swag. Enjoy food trucks, live music, and giveaways.
Longmont Oktoberfest— September 23-24, 2022
Lefthand Brewery puts on this spectacular event. Live music will be blasting all weekend, including some fun skirt-swishing polka bands. Enjoy Left Hand’s signature Oktoberfest brew while trying your luck in the stein-holding contest and brat-eating contest. All proceeds will benefit local non-profits.
Vail Oktoberfest— September 9-11, 2002 & September 16-18, 2022
The Bavarian-inspired architecture at the iconic Vail Resort is the perfect place to go “all in” for an Oktoberfest experience that rivals the famous Munich event. Keg Bowling. Stein Lifting. Bratwurst Eating Contests. Vail resort is pulling out all the stops! They even have professional Schuhplatter Dancers that energize the event. The event is family-friendly and includes a “kid zone” with face painting, balloon animals, kids performers, and arts & crafts. This event is definitely worth the drive.
Mapleton Hill Porchfest— September 18, 2022
Quick disclaimer: this isn’t an Oktoberfest event. But it’s such a beloved fall tradition that our Boulder realtor team had to add it to the list. Local musicians perform on porches throughout the Mapleton Hill neighborhood in a fun afternoon of neighborhood meandering. Food trucks and drink tents offer refreshments. Musicians vary from Jazz to Americana to Bluegrass.
