A Guide to Oktoberfest Events in Denver, Colorado

Oktoberfest is an important part of German culture and is celebrated every year in Munich, Germany as well as other parts of the world. One of the cities that celebrate Oktoberfest each year is Denver, Colorado. This year is no different; check out this guide to Oktoberfest events in Denver, Colorado in 2009.

The first Oktoberfest took place after Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig, married Princess Therese. To celebrate their marriage, Prince Ludwig organized a big horse race. Since then, Oktoberfest has become an important part of German culture.

There are several events going on in Denver, Colorado this year to celebrate Oktoberfest. These events take place on September 18-20 and September 25-27, 2009. Oktoberfest festivities will take place on Friday September 18 and 25 from 5pm to 1am, Saturday September 19 and 26 from 11am to 1am, and Sunday September 20 and 27 from 10am to 5pm on Larimer Street between 20^th and 22^nd streets.

Opening ceremonies and the tapping of the first beer keg will begin at 5pm on September 18, followed by entertainment from The Continentals, Savage Henry, and Steve Rock und Seine Tanzkapella. Savage Henry has released two albums, All In and Step Lively. The group is known for their alternative rock and pop music.

On Saturday September 19, the groups Austrian Connection, Rick Borger & The Average German Band, Polka Dotz, and Steve Rock und Seine Tanzkapella will be providing musical entertainment. Additionally, dance performances will be given by Maroon Bells and TEV Edelweiss Volkstanzgruppe. At 1:30pm the Mr. Oktoberfest Contest will be taking place. If you are interested in participating in the contest, you must pre-register at the Oktoberfest website. Finally, at 3pm, you may participate in a, "Baywatch," inspired relay race with the Denver firefighters, which will test your knowledge about life-saving skills.

On Sunday, the second annual Long Dog Derby will take place at 10am. Only dogs that are full or half-breed dachshunds may participate in this race. Dogs will be raced in six categories and prizes will be given to winners of each: Little Links (dogs under one year of age), Frankfurters (dogs one to five years of age), Bier Brats (dogs five to 10 years of age), Senior Schnitzels (dogs 10 years of age and older), Hot Dog Carts (dogs who have a handicap or disability), and Wannabe Wieners (dogs who are dachshund mixes). You must fill out the registration form and bring it as well as your dog's current vaccination record with you to the race. Additionally, you must pay a $20 entry fee to enter the race. You may find the registration form and the address to send your $20 checks here.

The Sea of Accordions Concert also takes place on Sunday at noon. More than one hundred individuals play accordions in this concert, ranging from 5 to 75 years old. It is one of the largest accordion concerts in the world.

The Industry Keg Rolling Tournament will also be held on Sunday and begins at 2pm. All teams must pre-register for this event at the Oktoberfest website.

Jim Ehrlitch & The Polka Mates and Rick Borger & The Average German Band will be providing music entertainment throughout the day and the Boulder Scandinavian Dancers will give a dance performance as well.

The Karneval is another part of the Oktoberfest and will be open both weekends throughout the evenings. The Karneval features games, rides, and amusement for both kids and adults.

On Friday September 25 musical performances will be given by Jim Ehrlich & The Polka Mates, Vanilla Pop, and Rick Borger & The Average German Band.

The Summit Concert Band, Jim Ehrlich & The Polka Mates, Austrian Connection, and Steve Rock und Seine Tanzkapella will be giving musical performances on Saturday September 26. Additionally, dance performances will be given by One World Polka Dancers and the Maroon Bells.

Finally, on Sunday September 27, Das Hustlehoff will begin at 9am. You must register for the 5K or 10K race in advance of the event. You may get the registration form here. Additionally, there is a $35 race fee, which includes a free bier for individuals 21 years and older and a long-sleeve T-shirt.

Jim Ehrlich & The Polka Mates and The Continentals will be giving music performances on Sunday. Dance performances will be given by TEV Edelweiss Schuhplatters as well.

German food, beer, and Pepsi products will be available throughout the entire Oktoberfest for consumption. Cash and credit cards will be accepted as forms of payment at restaurant stands. In addition, ATMs will be available on site to withdraw cash.

Oktoberfest has become an important part of German culture, which is celebrated here in Denver as well. I hope you enjoy all of the events that are available at this year's Oktoberfest on Larimer Street between 20^th and 22^nd Streets.

Sources:

Oktoberfest on Larimer Street: Entertainment:

http://www.oktoberfestdenver.com/schedule.html

Oktoberfest on Larimer Street: Das Hustlehoff:

http://www.oktoberfestdenver.com/oktoberfestdenver10K/index.html

Oktoberfest on Larimer Street: Food and Bier:

http://www.oktoberfestdenver.com/food_beer.html

Oktoberfest on Larimer Street: 2^nd Annual Long Dog Derby:

http://www.oktoberfestdenver.com/long-dog-derby/index.html

Wikipedia: Oktoberfest:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktober_Fest

Savage Henry: Home:

http://www.savagehenry.com/