Denver’s 43rd Oktoberfest is in full swing down on the north side of Larimer Street and is ending Sunday night. So before you miss out head down town for a night of amazing beer, food and festivities. Here are a couple of things you must check out before they pack up until next fall…
Food: Normally the Germans and Nordic nations are not known for their cuisine, but here at Oktoberfest you’ll get to experience firsthand the plethora of delicious food this region has to offer. The first thing you will have to search out is the perfect Brat. We went around and sampled a couple tents, all claiming they had the best. However we quickly found out by word of mouth that most of the vendors are using the same supplier and are therefore selling the same brat!
But in this sea of similarity we found one shining example, the Rocky Mountain Natural Meat Company. This was the only place that I could confirm made their own Brats and truly had the best eats at the event. Try their Bockwurst, a veal and pork combination, which is full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your sausage needs (get your mind out of the gutter). There are some other great options too, such as the curry wurst, a surprising but well known street food in Germany and some amazing pulled pork over in the center of the event. If you are looking for something without meat in it, there are a couple of options. Potato salad is served at most tents and is delicious anywhere you get it and same with cheese spatzle a cheesy pasta dish that is great for “drunk munchies” . There are also fantastic pretzels at the Styria Bakery tent that you must try as well. If you are looking for something sweet the only place you have to stop at is Grammy’s
Goodies. Here you can find a Matterhorn sized mountain of Frankenstein-esque rice crispy treats that are pieced together blocks of heaven. But instead of using traditional rice crisp cereal they use all your childhood favorites from fruit loops to coco pebbles etc . Be ready to break out those stretchy pants and start planning your next workout because after spending a day or night at Oktoberfest you’re going to need it.
Beir (Beer): The only reason you are attending this event is probably for the beer, and hey I don’t blame you, it’s a really good reason to come. Sam Adams is the main sponsor for the event and that means enjoying a lot of rich and delicious lagers of the amber variety. Start off with a Sam Adams Oktoberfest for something that is full bodied with a deep malt flavor but isn’t too hoppy or heavy. If you want something with more hop with a citrus note try the Boston lager for something a little more refreshing. If beer isn’t your thing or you have a sweet tooth try Angry Orchard’s Hard Cider for a drink that taste’s a lot like juice but still has a satisfying crisp beer after taste. Whatever you choose, these beers will get you in the mood for the brats, the wonderful fall weather and the drunken festivities.
Festivities: After drinking all that beer and successfully filling out your lederhosen with all that food you’ve been eating, it’s time to go check out some activities. Although not plentiful, the drinking themed activities are definitely fun. If you’ve been hitting the weight room lately go try out Stein holding where you and your competitors try to hold out two giant mugs (also known as steins) filled with beer for as long as you can. It looks pretty hard but if you have the shoulder muscles you might become the next Stein holding champ. Other than flexing your muscles there are two stages where you can dance around to local bands or to some traditional German polka music. Never in my life have I ever seen so many people doing the chicken dance and with
such passion. It was kind of contagious but I guess that happens when everyone is drinking unlimited beer in gigantic goblets… On top of the chicken dancing last night there was also keg bowling, which is exactly what you think it is, but it’s a lot of fun. So come try all of what Oktoberfest has to offer and enjoy the gay and celebratory atmosphere that gets you into a Fall(ing) mood.