Snowbird, UT – Snowbird’s 41st annual Oktoberfest extends from mid-August until mid-October this season, and kicks off with a lederhosen race on opening day, Aug. 17. A new stage and new entertainment will add to the mixture of family-fun activities at the Utah ski and snowboard resort.
“Nine weekends of Oktoberfest will provide our guests with plenty of time to bring their families to Snowbird and enjoy the mountain festivities,” said Dave Fields, Vice President of Resort Operations.
The Lederhosen 3K race will kick off the festival this year on Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. Participants must be wearing a costume, and carry a plastic stein of “beer,” without spilling, as they race three kilometers at the base of Snowbird.
More than 60,000 visitors are expected to visit the festival, which includes live music, dancing, authentic German food and children’s activities at Snowbird every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day through Oct. 13.
Snowbird is offering free Aerial Tram rides to active and past military personnel and their families, for the first two weekends, Aug. 17, 18, 24 and 25. Military personnel must present their military identification to the ticket office on the Plaza Deck for a Tram ride.
Oktoberfest features live musical performances each day in the Snowbird Event Center tent from festive acts like the Salzburger Echo and Polkatones. Alp horns will chorus the festivities daily at 3:15 p.m. from Hidden Peak. Snowbird is also building a new stage and featuring local bands throughout the festival.
Visitors will find art for all tastes at “Der Marktplatz,” where more than 25 local and regional artists display and sell handmade arts and crafts. Oktoberfest food includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and Bavarian roasted almonds. Local Utah breweries will also be featured.
Grand Oktoberfest will take place Labor Day weekend, and will feature Art Brogli, an original Snowbird Oktoberfest performer, who will yodel and play the accordion. A Grand Procession will take place at 2:10 p.m., with the official keg tapping and toasting. New this year, the guests with the best costumes in attendance will be crowned Miss and Mister Oktoberfest on Labor Day.
Admission to Oktoberfest is free. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.
In addition, Snowbird will also be offering a variety of summer activities for all ages. The Tram will be open for scenic rides throughout Oktoberfest. Other activities include the Alpine Slide, Mountain Flyer, Climbing Wall, Bungy Trampolines, Ropes Course, Air Jumper and Kids’ Inflatables. Horseback tours, mountain biking and scooters, and many hiking options are also available. The new Mountain Coaster and Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel will open at the end of August.