Photos courtesy of Snowbird / Matt Crawley
It’s time to “sip back,” relax and raise a glass to celebrate Munich in the mountains at Snowbird’s 48th annual Oktoberfest. Utah’s original Oktoberfest is back beginning this Saturday, Aug. 14, with live music, food and fun every weekend through Oct. 17.
Enjoy a taste of Bavaria at this FREE family-friendly festival, which is sprinkled with activities among the biergartens, food stations and music stages. The Oktoberfest Halle features traditional German entrees such as bratwurst, weisswurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, spaetzle, beef rouladen, pretzels and Bavarian roasted almonds, while the multiple biergartens offer more than 50 varieties of traditional German-style beers and those made by local Utah breweries, including Moab Brewery, Bohemian, Uinta and Squatters. Beer and food are purchased a la carte.
Pro tip: Save a few dollars on beers by reusing any previously purchased, one-liter Snowbird Oktoberfest beer stein or mug. Or buy a new mug and start a collection!
Utah’s festival began in 1972, one year after Snowbird opened, but the origins of Oktoberfest date back to 19th-century Bavaria. The festival was created as a two-week state affair by King Ludwig I to celebrate his autumn marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Whether you polka the day away or treat yourself an apple strudel, be sure to take some time to stroll the Der Marktplatz, featuring the more than 30 vendor booths displaying local and regional artists.
And don’t forget to bring along your sense of adventure, as Snowbird’s summer activities are all in full swing. The mountain coaster, bungee trampolines, climbing wall, two sizes of ropes courses, two tree climbs, the Woodward WreckTangle, alpine slide, a kids’ inflatable and “Spider Mountain” are all available, as are scenic chairlift and tram rides.
48th Annual Oktoberfest Highlights
Music: While the famous Alpenhorns will billow beautiful notes at 3 p.m. daily during Oktoberfest from Hidden Peak, the festival also features two stages with “traditional-esque” German music. Be sure to check out the complete music lineup online. The August lineup includes:
- Oktoberfest Halle Entertainment (noon-6 p.m.)
- 14-15: Johnny Koenig Band and Alpine Express
- 21-22: Chardon Polka Band and Alpine Express
- 28-29: Europa and Chardon Polka Band
- Chickadee Stage (2-5 p.m.)
- 14: The Proper Way
- 15: Harry Lee and the Back Alley Blues Band
- 21: Tribe of I
- 22: You Topple Over
- 28: Weldon/Hawthorne
- 29: D&A
Grand Oktoberfest Weekend: Set for Sept. 4-6, savor a slice of Bavaria during this special weekend celebration of Utah’s oldest Oktoberfest. Perhaps take advantage of Snowbird’s special “Prost Package,” which includes lodging accommodations, two commemorative Oktoberfest liter mugs and a $25 food and beverage credit per room, starting at $119 per person. Check out complete details online.
7th Annual Beard & Mustache Competition: Celebrate Oktoberfest in this most unexpected way by showing off your amazing facial hair or exceptional “whiskerina” creations as part of the Grand Weekend on Sunday, Sept. 5. Sponsored by the Salty Saints Social Club and Facial Hair Society, this family-friendly event will include multiple categories – including kids’ crafts – and a portion of the competition fees will go towards benefitting Wasatch Adaptive Sports, a non-profit organization that provides adaptive recreation for veterans, adults and children with special needs.
Parking: Due to enormous popularity and limited parking, guests are strongly encouraged to carpool. During Oktoberfest event days, Snowbird will charge $10* fee for parking in lots accessed via Entries 1, 2 and 4. There is no Oktoberfest parking at Entry 3. (*Note: Parking fees are cash only.)
Pets: No pets are allowed in the canyon, lodges or kept in vehicles during your visit, except by special permit (canyon residents, rescue dogs and service dogs). Little Cottonwood Canyon is part of the Salt Lake City Protected Watershed. For more information, visit keepitpure.com.
One last thing… National Ability Center’s Summit Challenge
It’s not too late to join in the NAC’s annual Summit Challenge, a fully supported road ride through the scenic mountains and valleys of Park City, Summit and Wasatch counties, set for Saturday, Aug. 28.
The ride offers a 1-mile “Discovery Loop,” as well as a choice of a 16-, 25-, 50-, 80- or 100-mile course to fit your level of experience. All proceeds benefit the National Ability Center and its mission of empowering individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs. Chin|MacQuoid|Fleming|Harris is a proud NAC supporter.
