Third Annual Highlands Oktoberfest Returns to Denver’s Northside September 12, Debuting the First-Ever Highlands Bierfest

Oktoberfest season is getting an early start in Denver as Highlands Oktoberfest 2026 prepares to return to 32nd Avenue for its third annual celebration. The popular North Denver neighborhood festival will once again transform four blocks between Irving Street and Perry Street into a Bavarian-inspired celebration featuring beer, food, live entertainment, local shopping and activities for the entire family.

This year’s event brings an especially strong craft beer component with the debut of Highlands Bierfest, a new ticketed tasting experience showcasing Oktoberfest beers from several Colorado breweries. New Terrain Brewing Co., Cerebral Brewing and 4 Noses Brewing Co. will join a broader lineup of beverage producers, giving attendees an opportunity to sample Colorado’s diverse brewing scene while enjoying the traditional sights, sounds and flavors of Oktoberfest.

With more than 30,000 people attending the 2025 festival, Highlands Oktoberfest has quickly become one of Denver’s notable neighborhood beer and cultural celebrations. The 2026 edition adds the new Bierfest while retaining fan favorites including keg bowling, stein hoisting, the Wiener dog race, costume contests, live music, Kidtoberfest and a marketplace featuring more than 100 vendors.

Here is the complete announcement about Highlands Oktoberfest 2026 and the inaugural Highlands Bierfest:

Bavarian extravaganza includes 100+ vendors, a new beer tasting event, stein hoisting and keg bowling contests, wiener dog race, costume contest, live music, Kidtoberfest, and more

DENVER (August 11, 2026)—The third annual Highlands Oktoberfest returns Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in one of North Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods. New this year is the inaugural Highlands Bierfest, a ticketed craft beer tasting experience running from 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring Oktoberfest brews from a lineup of local breweries including New Terrain Brewing Co., Cerebral Brewing, and 4 Noses Brewing Co., as well as beverage producers such as TooSteppin Hard Ginger Beer, Idlewild Spirits, Drink Fabric, and Bravazzi Hard Italian Soda. Beyond the new Bierfest, guests can expect returning favorites like keg bowling, stein hoisting, and a costume contest, alongside Bavarian-themed festivities and fare, 100+ vendors, numerous free kids activities, and live music along four blocks on 32nd Avenue from Irving Street to Perry Street.

Highlands Oktoberfest Event Producer Team Player Productions (TPP) continues to grow its slate of beloved Denver neighborhood festivals. The second annual Highlands Oktoberfest brought 30,000 people to 32nd Avenue in 2025, with continued growth expected for 2026.

“Highlands Oktoberfest keeps growing because our neighbors – and their friends and their families – keep showing up for it,” says Highlands Oktoberfest Event Director Ellie Hixenbaugh. “This year we wanted to give people even more reasons to spend the whole day on 32nd Avenue, so we’re especially excited to bring the Bierfest to life and let people taste what Colorado’s breweries are doing with Oktoberfest styles.”

Enjoy the following festivities at Highlands Oktoberfest. The entire schedule can be viewed online.

Highlands Bierfest (NEW for 2026)
Sip your way through a lineup of local breweries and their unique Oktoberfest brews during the inaugural Highlands Bierfest, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets include a 12-sample punch card (available for pick up in front of GoodKid Collective) to try pours at brewery tents, surrounded by live music, authentic Bavarian fare, themed contests, and the marketplace. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $25 (plus fees) in advance or $30 (plus fees) day-of. Attendees for Highlands Bierfest must be 21+ with valid ID to sample; the general festival remains free and open to all ages. 

Limited-edition ceramic commemorative steins are available now through presale, capped at just 300 and including a free stein fill at the festival. Vintage steins will also be available for purchase at the Merchandise Tent at the corner of West 32nd Avenue and Newton Street. 

Free competitions 

• Located at Lowell Stage:
  Costume Contest: 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: 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: A festival favorite returns, sponsored by Sploot Veterinary Care
• Stein Hoisting Competition: Competitors will hold a full half-liter stein out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing will take home a festive Oktoberfest prize package!
  

Live music and entertainment
Enjoy a full day of live music on the festival stage with polka, German-American variety, brass, as well as a live performance from GTSV Alpen Auerhahn group who will be performing a variety of centuries old Volkstanzen and Schuhplattler dances.

Fun for the whole family
Kidtoberfest features crafts and activities like face painting, pretzel necklace-making, balloon animals, coloring, a costume contest, and more.

Eat, drink, and shop
Enjoy authentic Bavarian fare alongside a wide range of food truck and local restaurant offerings spanning American classics, international cuisine, and dessert. Quench your thirst with traditional Munich beers on draft, plus the new Highlands Bierfest lineup of local Oktoberfest brews. Cocktails and seltzer selections will be available at each bar as well. Shop from 100+ local makers at Highlands Oktoberfest’s farmers’-market-style experience spanning apparel, art, ceramics, jewelry, home goods, and local businesses and nonprofits.

A portion of proceeds from Highlands Oktoberfest & Market will benefit the Highlands Merchant Association.

More On The Colorado Craft Beer Scene Fromt mybeerbuzz.com:
MyBeerBuzz readers can also explore our continuing coverage of Colorado’s exceptional craft beer scene, including our coverage of New Terrain Brewing Company’s GABF recognition and Colorado breweries earning medals at the Great American Beer Festival. New Terrain earned a 2025 GABF gold medal for Suntrip, while Colorado breweries once again demonstrated the depth and diversity of the state’s brewing community.

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About Highlands Oktoberfest 

The third annual Highlands Oktoberfest  is on September 12, 2026.  This free, community event will take place along 32nd Avenue from Irving Street to Perry Street, 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.

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