Oktoberfest

Tapping the wooden keg will officially kick off Oktoberfest. Munchner Kindl, the official hostess and guardian angel of Oktoberfest, presents a blessing of the site and Oktoberfest. This year, the amazing Jim Koch (founder and brewer of Sam Adams beer) will officially tap the ceremonial first keg on Friday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in front of the German stage at 22nd and Larimer St.

Are you the next Mr. Oktoberfest? You could be and don't even know it. Come join in on the contest so you can flaunt your stuff around town as you tell people that you're "Mr. Oktoberfest". The contest will have three overall events to compete in: A. Best six-pack or beer belly. Whether you're a workout-aholic or a beer champion...it is up to you. B. Pretzel-eating competition. How quickly can you eat two ballpark pretzels off a fraulein's arm? C. Chicken dance. Yeah, kind of lame, but you get the idea. We have to see the next Mr. Oktoberfest shimmy with his chicken moves. You don't need to pre-register to compete in the Mr. Oktoberfest contest. Just show up and participate on September 27 at 5 p.m.

Weiner dog races are so much fun! Everyone is invited to the 1st Annual Long Dog Derby during Oktoberfest this year. The races begin at 10 a.m. on September 21. The dachshunds will be broken down into 5 divisions: Little Links: Under 1 yr. Frankfurters: 1 to 5 yrs. Bier Brats: 5 to 10 yrs. Senior Schnitzels: Over 10 yrs. Hot Dog Carts: Handicapped Wannabe Weenies: Doxie Mixes Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the races begin at 10 a.m.! If your dachshund is too shy to race, bring them down to join in on the spectating.

It is that time of year again. Oktoberfest officially makes September one of the best months with all that is offered. For starters, get ready to drink lots and lots of beer. Kegs will be tapped throughout the festival and the food comes in huge quantites such as giant turkey legs and 1/2 lb. Kielbasa Sausage from The Goods BBQ & Grill. With beer, food, karneval rides, entertainment, beer, a sea of accordions concert and beer—we'll wonder why we don't live in Germany.

Yes, it is true. Oktoberfest is supposed to be all about juicy bratwursts and indulging in beer, but since we live in a state where everyone dresses like Lance Armstrong, we are going to get a little exercise. Don't worry, we'll still eat endless amounts of sausage. The race is properly named after that stud judge from "America's Got Talent" which is proper for Oktoberfest. The 10K race is for the more serious of runners where awards will be handed out at the end. For the 5K race they encourage runners to put on their best Baywatch or Knight Rider-inspired costumes...and awards will be given for the most creative. If you want to race in either race, you have to register by September 19 at 2 p.m. The registration fee for adults is $35 which will also get you a souvenir t-shirt of the race. Both the 10K and 5K races kickoff at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 21.