Fall season is upon us (even if the desert temps suggest otherwise), and that means Oktoberfest is here. Despite what its name suggests, Oktoberfest typically gets started in September, meaning now is the time to get out and celebrate.
It’s a tradition that dates back to 1810 in Munich, Germany, when a celebration was held for the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Of course, the party has spread well beyond Bavaria, and you can head to your local festival for with beer steins, bratwurst, polka music and lederhosen and more.
Ready to say prost? Here’s where to celebrate in Oktoberfest in the Southwest.
CALIFORNIA
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest | Weekends Through Nov. 14
Southern California goes Bavarian in the mountains with this 56-year tradition at Big Bear Lake, with plenty of German food, beer, live entertainment and Gemütlichkeit, the German spirit of good times shared with good company.
Learn more at bigbearevents.com/Oktoberfest.
Old World Huntington Beach Oktoberfest | Sept. 12-Nov. 8
You don’t need a plane ticket to find a little slice of Germany. Old World Village has hosted Orange County’s Oktoberfest since 1977, complete with imported German beer, bratwurst, bands, competitions and its famous wiener dog races.
Learn more at oldworldhb.com/oktoberfest-orange-county.
ARIZONA
Visit Tucson
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest | Weekends Sept. 19-Oct. 11
Drive up from Tucson and watch the landscape change from saguaros to pines as temperatures drop and the desert suddenly feels a world away. At Ski Valley on Mount Lemmon, you’ll actually find fall-colored leaves, and plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations: German beer and food, traditional music, dancing, children’s games and usually a ride aboard the scenic sky ride.
Learn more at visittucson.org/event/mt-lemmon-ski-valley-oktoberfest/10807.
Flagstaff Oktoberfest | Oct. 3
Among the pines in Northern Arizona, Wheeler Park celebrates with beer and brats alongside live entertainment, lawn games, a kids area and delightfully unserious contests. As a bonus, the festival gives back to local charities and school music programs.
Learn more at flagstaffoktoberfest.com.
Four Peaks Oktoberfest | Oct. 9-11
Tempe Beach Park is getting its oom-pah-pah on with a local tradition that brings German and local beers, food, live music, a carnival, dachshund races and stein-holding contests together for one very festive weekend. The Arizona-based Four Peaks Brewing Company serves as title sponsor, bringing its own local brews alongside imported German beers. Add in bratwurst, live music, carnival rides, dachshund races and stein-holding contests, and you’ve got three days of Bavaria by way of the Sonoran Desert.
Learn more at fourpeaksoktoberfest.com.
COLORADO
Denver Oktoberfest | Sept. 18-20 & 25-27
Downtown Denver has a tradition of keeping the celebration going to two weekends with two live music, stein hoisting, keg bowling and German-inspired revelry along Larimer Street.
Learn more at thedenveroktoberfest.com.
Go Brek
Breckenridge Oktoberfest | Sept. 25-27
Historic Main Street gets a Bavarian makeover for the 30th annual celebration, pairing traditional food, live music and collectible steins with one thing Munich can’t quite replicate: views of Colorado’s Ten Mile Range.
Learn more at gobreck.com/event/breckenridge-oktoberfest.
NEW MEXICO
Ruidoso Oktoberfest | Sept. 25-27
Head for the mountains for Downshift Brewing Company’s Midtown Oktoberfest, bringing brews and Bavarian-inspired fun to the heart of Ruidoso. You’ll also get to join in plenty of quirky contests, including a Chicken Dance, Stein Hoisting Championship and more.
Learn more at discoverruidoso.com.
Angel Fire Oktoberfest | Oct. 3-4
Fall colors are the backdrop in Moreno Valley where you can enjoy seasonal brews, live music, food vendors, an artisan market and classics including stein-holding and barrel-rolling competitions.
Learn more at angelfireresort.com/event/octoberfest.
Red River Oktoberfest | Oct. 9-11
This mountain town trades ski season for stein season with a three-day celebration pairing craft beer with food, music and plenty of alpine atmosphere. For the men, be ready for a best Beard and Mustache contest. This is also where the International Balloon Fiesta takes place, so you can join in many activities for the weekend.
Learn more at redriverchamber.org/Oktoberfest.
Nevada
Big Dog’s Oktoberfest | Oct. 11
Finish the season Las Vegas-style at Big Dog’s Brewing Company, where the brewery puts its own craft-beer spin on the German tradition.
So, whether you’re looking for fall foliage in the mountains or simply an excuse to raise an oversized stein beneath a desert palm tree, consider this your invitation.
Learn more at bigdogsbrews.com/festivals/dogtoberfest-2.