The autumn weather is perfect and so are the beer and brats at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. For three weekends in October, the mountaintop theme park celebrates Octoberfest with German-themed events, music and family-friendly activities.
Dust off the dirndls and loosen those lederhosen! Octoberfest on the Mountain is coming to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for three event-filled Saturdays—October 2, 9 and 16, from noon to 6 p.m. With a beer garden, traditional music and plenty of Teutonic spirit, the Adventure Park follows Munich’s lead, the home-stadt of the world’s largest beer-centric volksfestival. However, only in Colorado can visitors to Glenwood Caverns also partake in the Park’s many thrill rides and family attractions between polka dancing and stein-hoisting competitions.
Prosit! Zum Gemütlichkeit!
Raise a toast, clink and drink! Gemütlichkeit is one of those untranslatable German words. It means many things, but as a toast at Octoberfest it implies a sense of togetherness, belonging and social acceptance. If the band happens to be playing “Ein Prosit,” plan to sway along to the tune, then toast enthusiastically with everyone at the table before chug-a-lugging your amber ale.
This year Glenwood Caverns will be offering keepsake logoed steins for $20 which includes your first beer, with refills just $8 thereafter. Steins are going to be available for purchase at The Smokehouse and Lookout Grille.
Schmekt’s Gut! Tasty German Treats
It wouldn’t be Octoberfest without traditional German food, and nothing goes better with beer than brats or kielbasa grilled outdoors and served piping hot with a mound of sauerkraut and a spritz of mustard. Both The Smokehouse and the Lookout Grille will be serving this traditional German fare, as well as staples from their regular menus. When it comes to extras like snacks and dessert, delectable Oktoberfest-inspired treats like roasted nuts, giant soft pretzels and Bavarian cream puffs will also be on the menu. Enjoy these offerings on Octoberfest Saturdays and all month long.
Octoberfest Folk Songs & Dances
The Roaring Fork Valley’s best oompah band, Alpine Echo, has a history of getting Octoberfest-goers to their feet whether they know how to polka or not. Playing a variety of instruments that include the accordion, trumpet, French horn, guitar and alpenhorn, the four-member band encourages attendees to join in the fun even if they have no dancing experience. The group’s contagious energy gets the crowd to their feet for everything from slow waltzes and fast-paced polkas to the wing-flapping chicken dance! Catch Alpine Echo each Saturday of Octoberfest on the main stage in the plaza from noon to 4 p.m.
German & All-American Fun & Games
Let the games begin! Damen and Herren—ladies and gentlemen—show off your skills and muscles with entertaining games like axe throwing and stein hoisting. The former is all about accuracy, while the latter relies on strength. Keg bowling is another adult-oriented Octoberfest activity that is fiercely competitive.
There are plenty of games for youngsters and families as well. Several large-format renditions will be set up at the Adventure Park including versions of Connect-4 and giant Jenga, as well as bucket-pong and corn hole. Adding to the festival atmosphere, a professional face painter will be on hand for artistic embellishments with a fall-inspired theme.
Octoberfest Autumn Splendor
Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the best place in Glenwood Springs to appreciate Colorado’s shortest and most beautiful season—fall. Our pumpkin patch is teeming with jack-o-lantern ready squash. In the Gift Shop, we’re churning out batches of homemade fudge daily in delicious seasonal flavors, as well as other fall sweets like fudge-covered apples and marshmallows.
Learn more about Octoberfest on the Mountain taking place on three consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 2, 9 and 16, at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Make your plans to visit today!
