Your Guide to Keystone's Oktoberfest

FRIDAY

Evening

Before jumping straight into Bavarian music, food, and fanfare, kick off your weekend with an evening of live blues music from the Chris Bauer Trio, from 4 – 6 pm and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants lining River Run Village. From Pizza on the Run to Zuma Roadhouse to Argentos Empanadas, there’s something suited for every palate. 

Want to get the festivities started early? Head over to the Rathbone Tap Room in Lakeside Village, where you can be your own bartender and enjoy a self-pour tap wall with 16 beers and 4 cocktails to choose from, all while taking in the serenity of Keystone’s quaint Lakeside Village. 

SATURDAY

Morning

We’ve got a big day ahead, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast! If you’re staying in Lakeside Village, Lakeside Deli has a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwich options. Over in River Run Village? Kick off your morning with breakfast from the New Moon Café, or a hot, locally roasted coffee from Steep. 

At noon, it’s time to check in to the Oktoberfest festival (snag your tickets in advance!), don your lederhosen and get your blood pumping! Sign up for the Das Bier Burner 5k, which snakes through the rolling hills and mountain vistas around Keystone Resort. Costumes encouraged! 

A fun run is the perfect way to work up an appetite for the day ahead, which is perfect because your festival wristband gets you a 50% off a scenic gondola ride to arguably the most breathtaking lunchtime views in the state. Ride up the River Run Gondola to Summit House (or should we say, Summit Haus) and enjoy everything from brats to chicken sandwiches, paired with a 11,600-foot view.

Afternoon

Return to River Run Village in the afternoon for the main event—Oktoberfest! Grab a stein and explore a vast variety of local and traditional German beers. With live music, dancing, and tons of family-friendly activities, you'll be cheers-ing with the whole family. That’s right, in true Keystone fashion, we have activities for even the youngest of participants! 

Kinderfest- German for KidsFest, offers the chance for you and your little ones to learn how to polka, create unique festive art projects, jump in die Fotobox (Photo Booth), take part in festive face painting and more!

Evening

Once evening rolls around, you better have those steins at the ready! Keystone’s stein-hoisting contest (complete with a root beer hoisting contest for kids) kicks off at 5:30pm! Make sure to sign up in advance at festival check-in! 

Pro Tip: Looking for lodging? Book through Keystone Resort and enjoy 10% lodging the night of Oktoberfest!

SUNDAY

Morning

The Oktoberfest festivities may be over, but the adventure doesn’t stop. If you’re ready to send the season out with an adrenaline rush, hit the Keystone Bike Park! Beginner and expert mountain bikers alike can enjoy plenty of downhill trails snaking their way down the front-side of Dercum Mountain. 

Looking for something a little more relaxing? Head over to the Alpenglow Spa for a deep tissue massage treatment, facial, or disconnect from it all in the Spa’s state-of-the-art isolation tank! 

Regardless of which path you choose, you’ll be glad you picked a weekend at Keystone to close out summer in the Rockies and welcome autumn. With bonus weekends running September 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22, the fun continues with the River Run Gondola getting hikers, bikers, and scenic view-ers up for three extra fall weekends. We'll see you there!