Oktoberfest in Niwot

Fall in Colorado is awash with celebrations and harvest festivals, from mountain towns to the Front Range. What better way to ring in the season than by attending Oktoberfest in Niwot. While many Colorado towns are host to Oktoberfest celebrations this time of year (check out this website for a comprehensive list of all of them), Niwot’s small-town charm makes it the perfect location for the festival. Get out of your apartment while the weather is still nice to enjoy this German-style celebration on Saturday, October 4^th.

For six years now, the Rotary Club of Niwot has hosted Oktoberfest in early October. As in years past, proceeds of the event go to local and international national charitable causes. Admission to the event, however, is free, so come down to Niwot’s centrally located Cottonwood Square for a full day of fun.

Inspired by the centuries-old German tradition of Oktoberfest, the quaint town of Niwot, located near your Boulder apartment, will feel like a village from the German countryside for the day. Expect to see many attendees dressed up in fun and festive Bavarian dress, complete with lederhosen and dirndl dresses.

Oktoberfest began in Germany in the early 1800’s as a wedding celebration of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and the annual celebration now lasts for sixteen days every year in Munich, Germany. The close-knit town of Niwot plans to welcome a large amount of visitors for their daylong version of the celebration.

The event begins on Saturday the 4^th at 11 a.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. Get there early for kid-friendly, seasonal activities like pumpkin painting, balloon sculptures, face painting, and temporary tattoos. There will be live music and dancing, as well. This year will feature the music of Camille DiSalle and the Prime Time Band. Every year the Rotary Club also holds a scooter raffle—enter your name in hopes to take it home this year. Niwot’s Oktoberfest is also home to a variety of vendors, selling everything from high-end hats to massages.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without plenty of beer. With all of Colorado’s local craft brewers, Niwot didn’t have to search far to find great beer for their Oktoberfest. Many local breweries, including Left Hand Brewing and Oskar Blues Brewery, both based out of Longmont, will be providing thirst-quenching brews for the event. As in years past, limited edition glass steins will be available for thirsty patrons to enjoy their brews in the more traditional German style. Not a beer fan? Don’t despair; wines will also be served. For the first time this year, food will be available all day throughout the event. Vendors will be providing bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and other authentic German foods.

There are so many things to do in the Boulder area alone this fall, but don’t miss the chance to get out of the apartment complex and attend Niwot’s spirited Oktoberfest. Whether you’re looking for fun activities, great beer and food, or music and dancing, this event is sure to make for a memorable fall weekend in Colorado.