I love to travel to the mountains to catch a glimpse of the turning leaves. But to drag the kids along – that is a whole different story. I believe they would rather have their eyes poked out. It doesn’t help that the first time I tried to do this shortly after I was divorced – I blew a tire on I-70 and refused to call the kids dad. So, we waited on the side of the road until some nice couple came by and helped us.  I have since then discovered the amazing idea that there are several mountain towns (and Denver) celebrating Oktoberfest – which means they get to have fun (and me too) and I get to see the awesome leaves.

Breckenridge

The biggest and the best of the Oktoberfest parties is in Breckenridge. They will celebrate September 14-16, 2012 (which adds an extra day this year). The party boasts traditional costumes, German food, Oompah and polka music, Bavarian dancers, children’s activities, a keg-tapping ceremony, 5k run and plenty of Paulaner beer served in commemorative steins manufactured in and shipped from Munich, Germany. You get two free beers with the stein and beer package. Plus, they really thought of the kids with a new Free Family Zone, a fenced area with toys where families are invited to relax in the shade. Bathrooms will be available, beer will be allowed on the lawn and the music stage will be visible from the lawn. As in past years, additional kids’ activities will take place on the Riverwalk Center lawn. There are great lodging deals as well at GoBreck.com.

Carbondale

Carbondale was not happy just celebrating German heritage with Oktoberfest and Celtic celebration. But they also added Celtic celebration to their fun festivities plan. The party is October 5-6, 2012. Bagpipes, Keg Tapping, beer tent, Austrian food, traditional games and great entertainment!

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

One of the most picturesque get-aways in Colorado, just outside of Winter Park in Tabernash sits Devil’s Thumb Ranch. The ranch has a wide array of things to do from a brand new zip line, fishing, hiking, trail rides and more! You can get everything you need for a fantastic trip right at Zach’s Mercantile right on the property! They host a FANTASTIC Beer pairing dinner four times a year. This one is just in time for Oktoberfest – on October 5th. Reservations recommended.

Estes Park

Estes Park celebrates the Aspen Gold Festival, September 22-23, 2012 at Bond Park.Have some beers and brats while listening to local bands. Right at the beginning of Rocky Mountain National Park this is a great location to see lots of fall colors.

Georgetown -

Georgetown is always full of great holiday events (try their Christmas Market). It is a short and easy ride over Guanella Pass to see some great eye-popping leaves. The official party for Oktoberfest with Georgetown Loop is October 20-21 & 27-28, 2012.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat has OktoberWEST celebration September 21-13, 2012. Rocky Mountain beer, food and festivities – all Western Style (not German). Friday kicks off the fun with a Peddling Posse Parade and Saturday the highlight is the I Love Beef Cook-off. Kids activities include the Gondola Adventure Zone and Ranch Round-Up Games.

Vail

Vail actually has two different Oktoberfest celebrations. Lionshead will have their celebration September 7-9, 2012 and September 14-16 in Vail Village. Emulating the more than 200-year-old celebration known by millions around the world, Vail’s Oktoberfest will delight guests with Bavarian music and dancing, traditional fare, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, beverages from Beck’s and much more. Plus, see Vail’s own Helmut Fricker playing traditional (and not so traditional) tunes on the accordian and alpenhorn in full traditional German attire! A crowd favorite for years and not to be missed.

There are also several Oktoberfest and fall celebrations in the Denver Metro area (just in case you don’t want to or can’t add travel): Broomfield – Sept. 15 – Broomfield Days 9am – 5pm – Midway Park; Castle Rock – October 6, 2012 – Festival Park; Denver – Sept. 21-23 & 28-30, 2012 – Lower Downtown at 20th & Larimer; Golden – GoldenFest – Sept. 8, 2012 – noon to 5pm – Golden City Brewery; Highlands Ranch – September 22, 2012 – Town Center South; Louisville – Sept. 14-15, 2012 – Steinbaugh Pavillion; Parker – September. 15-16, 2012 – O’Brien Park – 11am – 6:30pm;

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