The Highlands Oktoberfest returns Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the north Denver neighborhood. Contests take center stage this year with a new wiener dog race, in addition to keg bowling, stein hoisting and a costume contest. There will be Bavarian-themed festivities and fare, more than 75 vendors, numerous free kids activities and live music along four blocks on 32nd Avenue from Irving to Perry. Entry is FREE.
Highlands Oktoberfest festivities include:
Costume Contest (12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Guests who show up in Oktoberfest-related costumes are invited to participate in the Oktoberfest costume contest. There will be divisions for men, women and children with the winners determined by crowd response.
Keg Bowling (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) — Competitors hurl a keg on wheels at a pyramid of empty kegs. The champion of the day is crowned by the total number of kegs knocked over in two throws.
Wiener Dog Race (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) — How fast can their little legs go?
Stein Hoisting Competition (4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.) — Competitors will hold a full half-liter of Paulaner beer out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing will take home a festive Oktoberfest prize package.
Stein hoisting contest / Ryan Cox photography
Commemorative steins are on sale now for $25, which includes your first beer free. The highly sought-after 16-ounce steins will also be available to purchase for $30 at the festival.
Live music and entertainment
From traditional oom-pah and German Alpine Folk music to a brass ensemble, hear from the likes of Polka Player Jim Ehrlich, Tanzkapelle with accordionist Steve Rock, Austrian Connection, and the famed Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band. The full music line up can be viewed here.
Full of family fun, Kidtoberfest features crafts and activities like face painting, pretzel necklace-making, inflatables, balloon animals, games and more.
Eat, drink, and shop
Enjoy authentic and delicious Bavarian fare including bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, pierogies, and non-Bavarian food from 10 local food trucks and pop-ups including Bohemian Wurst, Kogler’s Bakery, CO Berliner Haus.
Quench your thirst with traditional Munich beers from Paulaner Beer on draft. Cocktails and seltzer selections will be available at each bar as well.
Highlands Oktoberfest / Ryan Cox Photography
Shop from 80+ local makers at Highland Oktoberfest’s farmers’ market-style experience that includes Bavarian flare, handcrafted jewelry, spices, art, candles, skincare and much more.
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