Say 'Prost!' to Oktoberfest at these Pueblo events celebrating the German tradition
Pueblo may be more than 5,000 miles away from the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, but there’s several opportunities for people to celebrate southern German culture in the Steel City.
There is a variety of Oktoberfest events planned for the next couple weekends in Pueblo. Some of the festivals have been going on for decades, but others are newer events.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest started in 1810 as a celebration of a Bavarian royal wedding but is now celebrated around the world on weekends in September and early October.
Oktoberfest events in Pueblo also have a long history — this is the 29th year that there’s an Oktoberfest celebration at the Union Depot.
Here are some of the Oktoberfest parties planned in Pueblo this year.
Oktoberfest at Union Depot, Sept. 15, 5 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Pueblo’s German American Club is putting on Oktoberfest at Union Depot for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Door admission is $5 and kids younger than 6 get in for free.
This event will feature a keg tapping ceremony and Oktoberfest-themed competitions, including best facial hair and southern German clothing. There’s also a log saw competition, a keg throwing competition and a beer stein relay race.
Four German-style beers brewed by Colorado’s Prost Brewing will be served, but all attendees of ages are welcome. Organizers are even setting up a kids zone for the event.
“We are focusing on German beer, we're focusing on German food. … We want people to come here and have it be as authentic as possible,” said Christina Haney, the president of Pueblo’s German American Club.
Traditional and contemporary live music will be played. The club is also selling baked goods to raise money for scholarships for local students.
Fundraiser at the Eagles Lodge, Sept. 16, doors open at 8 a.m.
The Eagles Lodge at 1615 S. Prairie Avenue is hosting an all-day fundraiser to celebrate Oktoberfest.
There will be a car show, food, beer and a cornhole tournament. The cost to get in is $25.
Funds are going to be raised for needy children in the community at Christmastime, according to an event page listing. This event's format will be similar to previous years.
Fuel and Iron Oktoberfest, Sept. 16, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pueblo’s recently opened downtown food hall is hosting a beer-focused Oktoberfest event on Saturday.
Attendees can pay $20 — or $18 ahead of time — to participate in the event, which includes a 12-ounce beer stein and three drink tickets. There’s eight breweries serving a “wide variety of beer styles,” such as Brues Alehouse, Shamrock Brewing and Walter’s, according to a flyer for the event.
The first 100 people to walk through the door will receive a novelty pair of pretzel glasses and the first 10 people to order food or drinks will get a free German hat.
Brues Alehouse Oktoberfest, Sept. 28-30
Brues Alehouse is putting on a multi-day event in late September that includes the annual release of the Oktoberfest lager on Thursday, September 28.
The brewery’s beer making process is inspired by German breweries, according to its website, and malts are imported from Germany. There will also be 10 German lagers available in traditional 1-liter beer mugs.
Brues already has some German-inspired food on the menu, such as the soft pretzel, but traditional German food specials will be served, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant.
Pueblo Oktoberfest at Walter’s Brewery, Oct. 6-7, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Walter’s is closing down Oneida Street for two days to bring in a bunch of food trucks and set up beer stations, according to a press release.
Gate admission for adults 21 years and older is $5, but you can get in for free if you’re wearing German clothing or Walter’s swag. People aged 20 and under can also get in for free, costume or not.
Walter’s is also offering a half-liter beer stein available for purchase at the event for $25, while supplies last.
There will also be live polka and modern music, as well as various games and prizes.
Anna Lynn Winfrey is a reporter at the Pueblo Chieftain. She can be reached at awinfrey@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @annalynnfrey. Please support local news at subsribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Here's how you can celebrate Oktoberfest in Pueblo this year
