Denver Oktoberfest runs ten full days — September 18–27, 2026 — across two weekends with the workweek in between. It unfolds along Larimer Street in the heart of downtown, entry is completely free, and the Colorado backdrop makes it one of the more memorable ways to spend a fall weekend in the American West.
2026 Dates
The festival opens Friday, September 18, and closes Sunday, September 27:
- Weekend one: Friday September 18 – Sunday September 20
- Weekdays: Monday September 21 – Friday September 25
- Weekend two: Saturday September 26 – Sunday September 27
Ten consecutive days is a longer run than most US Oktoberfests manage — genuine scheduling flexibility rather than one make-or-break Saturday.
Admission
Entry to Denver Oktoberfest is free. Walk onto Larimer Street and you’re in — no wristband, no advance ticket. Beer tokens and food are purchased separately inside. Check the official Denver Oktoberfest site for any VIP packages or advance beer token deals.
What to Expect
Larimer Street is one of Denver’s oldest entertainment corridors, running through the LoDo neighborhood. During Oktoberfest the street closes to traffic and fills with tents, beer gardens, food vendors, and live music stages. The beer selection leans into Colorado’s craft brewing culture while keeping German imports well represented — Colorado IPAs and lagers sharing taps with Spaten and Paulaner.
Getting There
Larimer Street is walking distance from Union Station, which is served by RTD light rail from Denver International Airport and multiple suburban park-and-ride lots. About a ten-minute walk from Union Station to the festival. Rideshare drop-off is easy in LoDo. Driving is possible but not the move on a festival weekend.
Tips
- Respect the altitude. Denver is at 5,280 feet. Beer hits harder and faster than at sea level — pace yourself, drink water between rounds, eat before you start.
- Use the weekday window. Monday–Friday between the two weekends is dramatically quieter than Saturday and Sunday. Full festival running, fraction of the crowd.
- Two weekends means two shots. Bad weather or a scheduling conflict on weekend one doesn’t mean you’ve missed it.
- Dress for Colorado fall. September afternoons can be warm; evenings drop fast. A light jacket is not overthinking it.
For a full list of festivals across the country, see our guide to all major US Oktoberfest festivals.
Planning the Munich trip? See our Oktoberfest Beer Guide — the 6 breweries, Märzen vs Festbier, and what to order — and our Table Reservations Guide for how to secure your tent seat. Want to know which Munich tent is right for you? Read the Beer Tent Guide. Not sure when to go? Check the 2026 Dates & Schedule. Need a place to stay? See our Where to Stay Guide.
More Mountain & West Oktoberfests: Snowbird, UT, Leavenworth, WA, Mt. Angel, OR, Big Bear, CA, San Diego. See all US Oktoberfest festivals or browse Oktoberfest near me by state.
Also nearby: Oktoberfest Breckenridge, CO.