Beaver Creek hosts annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 1-2

Foot stompin' oom-pah-pah music, unbeatable beer, and wunderbar wurst return to Beaver Creek for the 13th annual Oktoberfest event Sept. 1-2 in Beaver Creek Village.

Celebrate the final weekend of the summer and enjoy free live entertainment featuring Helmut Fricker and “Trachtenkappelle”, a visiting band from Beaver Creek's sister resort, Lech Zurs, Austria. Be sure to stick around for the Bon Jovi tribute band Bad Medicine at 4:30 p.m.

New this year, the Spiegelau Beer Glass Tasting Seminar on Saturday will change the way you think about beer glassware. This informative and fun seminar focuses on how various beer glasses affects the tastes of four locally brewed beers. Tickets to the seminar are $30 and all participants will receive a set of Spiegelau glassware valued at $50.

Earn those brats and beer and sign up for the Oktoberfest Shuffle the morning of September 2 with a non-competitive 5 km or 10 km walk, hike or run of choice across a course on the scenic trails of Beaver Creek.

Pre-register for the event for $35 or enter the day of the race for $40. Children 12 and under participate for free. All proceeds will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. There will be a post party celebration following the event where all paid participants will receive a free beer, brat and ball cap.

Visit http://www.active.com or call the Beaver Creek Hiking Center at 970-754-5313 to register.

Dress in your best Oktoberfest outfit for the Bavarian Costume Contest on Saturday at 4 p.m. and kids can test their musical talents in the annual children's alpenhorn contest on Sunday at 4 p.m. Get there early to sign up as spaces are limited.

For more information on Beaver Creek's Oktoberfest, or to book lodging, please visit www.beavercreek.com/oktoberfest.