Top Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Denver

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 5, 2014 4:00 pm EST

(credit: Parker Oktoberfest)

Since the 1800s, German people have celebrated their culture with Oktoberfest, and it has become quite popular here in the United States for many different people. A celebration of Bavarian tradition, the festival is packed with food, beer, games and more. Denver is known for its microbrews, so Oktoberfest is a natural fit with the city's cultural identity, and it offers a great way to try new beers while having some fun. Here are some of the metro area's best Oktoberfest gatherings.

Denver Oktoberfest
20th & Larimer
Denver, CO 80205
www.thedenveroktoberfest.com

Dates: Sept. 19-21 and 26-28, 2014

One of the nation's most well known and highly rated Oktoberfest celebrations takes place annually in Denver's own Ballpark neighborhood. This year's festival will be held September 19-21 and September 26-28. With a variety of events, food and music, the six-day festival is fun and easily accessible. VIP ticket holders are treated to all you can eat and drink in special, closed-off areas, and they also receive a t-shirt and a beer stein. Tickets range in price depending on which day you choose to attend, and VIP tickets start at $65. General admission is free and patrons can purchase food and drink tickets.

Parker Oktoberfest
10795 S. Victorian Drive
Parker, CO 80138
www.parkeroktoberfest.com

Dates: Sept. 20-21, 2014

If a smaller event is more your scene, check out Parker's Oktoberfest celebration. The 2014 event will be held on September 20th and 21st at O'Brien Park and features music, food and, of course, beer. Parker's festival is more family friendly with activities for kids, contests and more. This celebration will feature traditional German entertainment with different bands playing throughout the weekend. Several area vendors will also be on hand to sample and sell their goods, so you may even find a new favorite restaurant or artisanal shop while you're there.

Downtown Castle Rock Oktoberfest
Festival Park and Perry Street
Castle Rock, CO
www.downtowncastlerock.com

Date: Oct. 4, 2014

Castle Rock's Oktoberfest celebration is a great way to get acquainted with the downtown area and sample fare from local vendors. It also features performances, beer and food, along with many activities for kids including a petting zoo. Castle Rock's Oktoberfest celebration features demonstrations throughout the day and cultural performances such as Nordic and Celtic dancers. This event is fun for the whole family and offers the chance to come out and learn about other cultures while having fun sampling food and beers.

Evergreen Oktoberfest
Buchanan Park
32003 Ellingwood Trail
Evergreen, CO 80439
www.evergreenparkfoundation.org

Date: Sept. 21, 2014

Evergreen's Oktoberfest celebration marks the festival's fifth year in town. Held at the picturesque Buchanan Park, the festival includes music by Something Underground, PJ Zahn, The Slyders and Walter's Swiss Band. Evergreen's Oktoberfest celebration also features activities, crafts, food and beverages and its location makes it accessible to people who live in the mountains around Denver as well as those in the city who want to escape for a weekend. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children and designated drivers. Patrons can also enter a raffle to win a 1970 Convertible VW Beetle.

Lowry Beer Garden
7577 E. Academy Blvd.
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 366-0114
www.lowrybeergarden.com

Dates: Sept. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2014

This weekend marks the last weekend of Lowry Beer Garden's Oktoberfest celebration. This craft brewery and restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest. This year's festival will feature three local brewers along with music and excellent food. Live music will be performed by Austrian Connection, The Rhinelanders and Peter Kron Band playing in classic oompah style, so if you want to polka, head on down. The Lowry Beer Garden features community picnic tables, so this event is also a good place to mingle with your fellow festival attendees.

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.