Second Annual Highlands Oktoberfest will Take Place on Denver’s Northside September 13
photo credit goes to Ryan Cox Photography
Bavarian extravaganza includes 80+ local makers, stein hoisting and keg bowling contests, wiener dog race, costume contest, live music, Kidtoberfest, and more
DENVER (August 5, 2025) - The second annual Highlands Oktoberfest returns Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in one of North Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods. Contests take center stage this year with a new wiener dog race, sponsored by Sploot Veterinary care, in addition to keg bowling, stein hoisting, and a costume contest There will be Bavarian-themed festivities and fare, more than 75 vendors, contests, numerous free kids activities, and live music along four blocks on 32nd Avenue from Irving to Perry.
Highlands Oktoberfest Event Producer Team Player Productions (TPP) has been having a banner season for their wildly popular Denver neighborhood festivals. The third annual Tennyson Street Fair in July brought over 20,000 people to the Berkeley neighborhood. The inaugural Highlands Oktoberfest brought 15,000 people to 32nd Avenue in 2024 with much expected growth this year.
“We’re creating traditions for families and people all over across Denver with these community-focused events,” says TPP Event Director Ellie Hixenbaugh. “Each passing year we learn more about what these communities want in a neighborhood festival, then we go above and beyond to make it happen.”
Enjoy the following festivities at Highlands Oktoberfest. The entire schedule can be viewed online.
Free competitions (located at Lowell Stage - those interested in entering can sign up here)
Costume Contest (12-12:30 p.m.) - Guests who show up in Oktoberfest-related costumes are invited to participate in the Oktoberfest costume contest. There will be divisions for men, women and children with the winners determined by crowd response.
Keg Bowling (2-3 p.m.) - Competitors hurl a keg on wheels at a pyramid of empty kegs. The champion of the day is crowned by the total number of kegs knocked over in two throws.
Wiener Dog Race (3-4 p.m.) - Weiner dog race sponsored by Sploot Vets!
Stein Hoisting Competition (4-4:45 p.m.) - Competitors will hold a full half-liter of Paulaner beer out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing will take home a festive Oktoberfest prize package!
Commemorative steins are on sale now for $25, which includes your first beer free. The highly sought-after 16-ounce steins will also be available to purchase for $30 at the festival.
Live music and entertainment
From traditional oom-pah and German Alpine Folk music to a brass ensemble, hear from the likes of Polka Player Jim Ehrlich, Tanzkapelle with accordionist Steve Rock, Austrian Connection, and the famed Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band on the stage located at 32nd and Osceola. The full music line up can be viewed here.
Full of family fun, Kidtoberfest features crafts and activities like face painting, pretzel necklace-making, inflatables, balloon animals, games and more.
Eat, drink, and shop
Enjoy authentic and delicious Bavarian fare including bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, pierogies, and non-Bavarian food from 10 local food trucks and pop-ups including Bohemian Wurst, Kogler’s Bakery, CO Berliner Haus.
Quench your thirst with traditional Munich beers from Paulaner Beer on draft. Cocktails and seltzer selections will be available at each bar as well.
Shop from 80+ local makers at Highland Oktoberfest’s farmers’ market-style experience that includes Bavarian flare, handcrafted jewelry, spices, art, candles, skincare and much more.
A portion of proceeds from Highlands Oktoberfest & Market will benefit the Highlands Merchant Association.
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About Highlands Oktoberfest & Market
The second annual Highlands Oktoberfest & Market is on September 13, 2025. This free, community event will take place along 32nd Avenue from Irving to Perry, and will feature a full day of festivities including live music, authentic Bavarian fare, themed contests, a marketplace showcasing 80+ local makers, Kidtoberfest area with family-friendly activities and bar areas with traditional Munich beer available for purchase. Learn more by visiting their website and following them on Instagram and Facebook.
About Team Player Productions:
Founded more than 25 years ago in Denver, Team Player Productions (TPP) has produced and managed more than 400 events around the country, raising more than $2 million for its various nonprofit partners. TPP has created and continues to produce beloved annual events including Vail Wine Classic, Breckenridge Wine Classic and Vail Craft Beer Classic, and adopted others, such as Boulder Creek Festival. The company was also the originator of events including Taste of Fort Collins, Steamboat Wine Festival and Park City Food & Wine Classic. For more information, visit TPPEvents.com, or follow @TPPEvents on Facebook and @TeamPlayerProductions on Instagram.