Oktoberfest Celebrates 50 Years in Vail

This year, Vail's Oktoberfest will take place over two distinct weekends and in two locations:

• Lionshead Village: September 5-7
• Vail Village: September 12-14

In both cases, admission is free and the atmosphere is guaranteed with a musical repertoire blending classic and contemporary. Attendees can purchase a commemorative ceramic stein and sample Stiegl beer, available at various points in each area.

Gastronomy, Music, and Bavarian Tradition

The gastronomic offerings maintain the German spirit with hot pretzels, schnitzel, and bratwurst from Polidori Sausage, Colorado's oldest family-owned factory, also celebrating its centennial.

Additionally, there will be folk dances, Bavarian attire, and classic competitions for:

• Bratwurst eating
• Stiegl Stein hoisting
• Bavarian costume
• Keg bowling

All set to the sounds of bands like Average German Band, Neue Polka Band, The Blue Ox Boys, the Polkanauts, and renowned accordionist Alex Meixner.

Helmut Fricker: 50 Years Playing in Vail

One of the most special moments will be the performance of Helmut Fricker, an 89-year-old Bavarian yodeler who participated in Vail's first Oktoberfest in 1975. A World War II survivor who arrived in the U.S. in 1969, Fricker returns this year with his band The Rhinelanders, to perform on both weekends.

A Family Festival with History

With activities for children, such as the Inflatable Kids Zone, and spaces for adults that combine music, culture, and beer, Vail's Oktoberfest is one of the most anticipated events on Colorado's calendar.

For more details, accommodation reservations, or advance stein purchases, visit.
? www.OktoberfestVail.com