Oktoberfest season is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for the best festival to attend in Colorado, head to Breckenridge Oktoberfest where we throw the largest street party in the Rocky Mountains! This three-day celebration is filled with beer, lederhosen, schnitzel, live music and of course, plenty of fun. Gather up your polka crew and get ready to celebrate with our 5 secrets to planning the best Oktoberfest ever!
1. Wear A Costume
While it’s not required to dress up, we can guarantee it’ll be way more fun if you do! Authentic Bavarian outfits for Oktoberfest are called Tracht (Tra-oct). Women typically wear traditional dirndl (DEERN-dul) dresses, while men wear leather lederhosen (LAY-der-hozen) shorts with suspenders. Top it off with a felt hat or braids and you’re good to go!
If costumes just aren’t your thing, we recommend dressing for comfort (you’ll be outside doing the polka most of the day). Here’s what to bring:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A light sweater or jacket for the evening
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small purse or bag for beer tokens and cash (most food vendors are cash only, but there are ATMs throughout Main St.)
Remember, this is a no-pet event. Leave your furry friends at home- they won’t like the crowds any way!
2. Pre-Purchase to skip the lines
When you pre-purchase your stein, you’ll get a cheaper price than at the event, plus you’ll receive two beer tokens which means you can go straight to the bier line. Just order ahead and pick up your stein at the prior to Oktoberfest or at the event. Each Paulaner stein is made in and imported straight from Germany, so you’re getting the real thing, and it’s a great souvenir.
- Local’s Tip: Steins normally sell out by Saturday afternoon every year- don’t wait until the last minute to get yours! If you didn’t get your stein in time, don’t worry! We’ll still have plenty of beer for you to indulge in.
3. Choose The Right Day
Breckenridge really knows how to party, so we’ve extended Oktoberfest into three full days of fun. Each day is filled with music, beer, and tasty treats, but knowing when to go based on your group or preferences is key! Saturday is by far the most popular day, so if you’re looking for lots of fun and people, that’s your day! If you’re looking for a mellower celebration or have the whole family and kids with you, we recommend checking out our Friday and Sunday events.
4. Pace Yourself
Any tried and true Oktoberfest veteran knows that pacing yourself is the secret to a great Oktoberfest. Keep in mind, Oktoberfest beer is a bit heavier than your average beer (and tastes a lot better too!). You’ll also be drinking at 9,600 ft., which can be a doozy for anyone! Throughout the day, sample some of the fine German delicacies to soak up all that beer. Try a Bavarian baked pretzel, a giant turkey leg or Schweinebraten (roasted pork tenderloin) to name a few. Squeeze in a few polka dances between beer rounds, stop in a few local shops along Main Street and be sure to hydrate with water- the Colorado sunshine may be glorious, but you’ll want to keep the hangover at bay so you can head to the festival again tomorrow!
5. Turn the Best Oktoberfest Ever Into The Best Trip Ever
Very few of us have the stamina to celebrate Oktoberfest for three full days straight, so plan to work in some other activities while you’re here (and sweat out all those beers from yesterday). Oktoberfest just happens to be around the peak of the fall colors in Breckenridge, and because of our high elevation, we’re also one of the first places in the country you’ll see the leaves turn! Take a hike, bike ride or scenic drive with the whole family through golden aspens, or spend the day with some relaxation by the pool. Check out our top Fall Activities to try during your trip!
- Local’s Tip: Because most visitors will be at the festival on Saturday, choose that day for a fall hike or activity and hit Oktoberfest Friday or Sunday!